3Com creates open platform to integrate applications into network infrastructure

3Com Corporation launched 3Com Open Services Networking (3Com OSN). According to the company 3Com OSN is the first step in the company's strategy to differentiate its secure, converged network solutions through an open, interoperable architecture, which offers the flexibility and innovation of a best-of-breed model combined with the simplicity and cost savings of the integrated, single-vendor structure.

Edgar Masri, president and CEO, 3Com, said, "A significant focus of our technology strategy revolves around leveraging best-of-breed technology and open source applications to differentiate our networking solutions through innovation. OSN represents the foundation for that strategy and our future initiatives. OSN combines 3Com's vision for next-generation networking solutions with H3C's pioneering R&D and cost-effective manufacturing capabilities. It has the ability to drive a significant change in the networking landscape towards open, flexible multi-vendor integration."

Zeus Kerravala, senior vice president, Yankee Group, stated, "Through OSN, 3Com has created a new model for enhancing the network to address rapidly changing business objectives, mitigate security threats, enhance visibility of network activity and support the convergence of voice, data, video and mobility services. 3Com's innovative approach, which integrates third-party and open source applications, puts the customer's business and communications needs first and delivers a solutions that is customized based on their requirements."

OSN is an integrated extension of 3Com's Bi-planar model - for organizations such as branch offices or medium enterprises that require integrated control and connectivity functions. OSN consists of a robust connectivity infrastructure powered by 3Com's routing and switching portfolio, delivered by H3C, coupled with OSN Modules that can run a variety of standard Linux-based applications. Initial OSN solutions feature modules integrated into 3Com's routers. Critical to OSN is the OSN Control Agent (OSN|CA), which offers a full complement of provisioning, management, security and control tools that reside on the module and communicate directly with the router or switch through an open interface. OSN|CA enables efficient distribution and management of applications, secure access to the network's switching and routing features and robust failover and fault tolerance.

"The unique capability of Q1 Labs Network Security Management Platform, QRadar, means enterprises can benefit from cost-effective security event and network flow collection while ensuring maximum threat visibility along with reliable remediation," said Shaun McConnon, CEO, Q1 Labs. "As a 3Com|ON partner we are delighted to further our interoperability with 3Com by adding application behavioral analysis capabilities for customers deploying 3Com's OSN."

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