NEW YORK, NEW YORK - June 5, 2002 - ThruPoint, the leading global network architecture consultant, announced today it has achieved the VPN/Security Services Specialization from Cisco Systems, Inc (NASDAQ: CSCO). This specialization recognizes the Company for having personnel with advanced training, knowledge, field experience, and customer satisfaction to deploy complex, large-scale Cisco Virtual Private Network (VPN) and security solutions
"Given today's increased emphasis on security, customer demand for more complex virtual private networks and security technologies is increasing, creating new opportunities for partners who provide advanced security services," said Surinder Brar, Senior Director of Channel Marketing for Cisco Systems. "Our VPN/Security Services Specialization recognizes companies, like ThruPoint, that have established advanced security services practices. These companies provide customers with the proven ability to address their most critical security needs."
To achieve the VPN/Security Services Specialization, ThruPoint met or exceeded the personnel, experience, customer satisfaction and lab requirements outlined by Cisco. "We are especially proud to be the first partner in the United States to earn Cisco's VPN/Security Services Specialization," says Bill Nachtigal, EVP and Chief Technology Officer, ThruPoint. "This achievement reinforces our expert status in the market for security services, as well as recognizes the level of expertise we have achieved through providing VPN services for the past four years."
Resource Requirements
The VPN/Security Services Specialization required ThruPoint to fulfill the following job roles with qualified individuals who have met specific testing requirements: an account manager, responsible for VPN/Security sales methodology; an engagement manager, responsible for determining the size and scope of the VPN/Security network delivery strategy; two project managers, responsible for project plan development and execution; a systems engineer, responsible for VPN/Security solution planning and design; two design engineers responsible for translating the customer's immediate as well as future security needs into a specific network design; and two field engineers, responsible for the implementation and operation of the all Cisco VPN, firewall and intrusion detection solutions.
Customer Satisfaction Requirement
In addition to the personnel requirements, ThruPoint was also required to provide a minimum of six VPN/Security reference accounts. Two of the referenced accounts had to include work in multi-site, multi-security-product projects. In aggregate, the six references needed to include all categories of Cisco security products. From these reference accounts ThruPoint had to obtain greater than or equal to a 4.5 out of 5 customer satisfaction rating.
Lab Requirement
The VPN/Security Services Specialization also required ThruPoint to build an operational security lab. "The establishment of our Training Lab & Design Centers has allowed our engineers and consultants to continually enhance their skills and capabilities across multiple technology disciplines," according to Moshe Roznitsky, Vice President of Strategic Alliances, ThruPoint. "While originally designed with Cisco's AVVID SAFE framework, our Centers have been updated to feature the latest Cisco VPN and Security offerings available."
About ThruPoint
ThruPoint Inc., headquartered in New York, NY, USA, offers complex internetworking solutions comprised of a range of services, for corporate and service provider clients to plan, design, implement, and manage networks. ThruPoint's internetworking engineers work with advanced networks at major financial institutions, service providers, and "Fortune 1000" firms across a broad range of industries - including Pharmaceutical/Biotechnology, Communications, and Utilities. ThruPoint maintains strategic alliances designed to support customers of many major vendors of hardware, software, and services. ThruPoint has full geographic coverage in the U.S. and Europe and a presence in China. To learn more, visit www.thrupoint.net.
