Linksys , a division of Cisco, the leading provider of VoIP, wireless and networking hardware for consumer and small business environments, and content security leader Trend Micro Incorporated announced today the availability of Trend Micro ProtectLink Gateway for select Linksys by Cisco Small Business routers. This integrated solution of Linksys routers and Trend Micro security service is designed to address key employee productivity concerns of small business customers through an easy-to-deploy, services-based offering.

Trend Micro ProtectLink Gateway is a subscription-based service that can help mitigate spam, block unwanted email, and help prevent access to questionable Web sites that may contain malware or spyware. It adds a critical layer of security to Linksys by Cisco Business Series routers by helping to prevent viruses and other Web threats from entering into and damaging a company's entire network. As a hosted security service, ProtectLink Gateway requires no additional software or hardware, and can be deployed on new or existing Linksys routers.

The Trend Micro ProtectLink Gateway is an add-on option for Linksys by Cisco Business Series routers and will be immediately available beginning with the 10/100 4-Port VPN Router (RV042). The RV042 is an advanced, high-reliability Internet sharing network router solution designed for a number of small business needs. The device offers dual Internet ports for quick connection on an alternative Internet line to ensure constant connection should the primarily line become disconnected. Both lines are designed to be used simultaneously to maximize bandwidth for added productivity.

Two other routers that will quickly follow with access to the Trend Micro ProtectLink Gateway capability include:

-- The 4-Port Gigabit Security Router with VPN Secure (RVS4000) offers

Gigabit networking to support high-bandwidth applications with

standard security features including SPI Firewall, Intrusion

Protection, and QuickVPN IPSec VPN tunnel support.

-- The Wireless-N Gigabit Security Router with VPN (WRVS4400N) is a

secure, high-speed wireless networking solution for growing

businesses.

"We are excited about working with a trusted security company like Trend Micro to provide this important protection for our Business Series router customers," said David Tucker, vice president, Linksys Connected Office Business Organization. "Trend Micro ProtectLink Gateway brings a strong foundational pillar to our growing focus on providing customers with comprehensive, secure networking capabilities. This addition to our small business product line should change the paradigm of what the channel and customers should demand from manufacturers."

"By partnering with Linksys, a leader in networking equipment, Trend Micro delivers a solution that helps secure small business customers from the constantly changing Internet threat environment," said Steve Quane, Trend Micro's general manager of SMB customer business unit. "Trend Micro ProtectLink Gateway will help companies save time and money through better enforcement of their Internet usage policies, increase worker productivity and protection of their digital information."

Stop Spam and Web Threats at the Gateway; increase employee productivity

Studies have shown that 80 percent of email is unwanted spam that congests in-boxes and increases the potential for spyware to infect computer and networks. Another drain on employee productivity and network bandwidth is the access of questionable Web sites that may host malware and spyware. The combined Linksys by Cisco Business Series router and Trend Micro ProtectLink Gateway software solution help give small business customers a comprehensive security shield to improve employee productivity through spam blocking and URL filtering.

ProtectLink Gateway will include Trend Micro's anti-spam, Web Reputation and URL filtering technologies:

-- Anti-spam filters inbound email for spam, viruses, spyware, bots,

phishing, and other malware.

-- Web Reputation helps users determine which sites are safe to visit and

blocks known unsafe sites.

-- URL filtering blocks out inappropriate or non-work related Web sites

that could expose employees to offensive Web content known to

distribute malware.

Powering the Channel

Linksys has elevated the Linksys by Cisco Business Series products to specifically appeal to small business owners, high-growth industries or those organizations that merely want a comprehensive solution that can continually perform. Linksys relies on channel and distribution partners to provide end-users with solutions to help them seamlessly integrate or create their own networking requirements.

Trend Micro ProtectLink Gateway brings additional channel revenue opportunities to Linksys Partner Connection participants. ProtectLink Gateway is offered as an annual subscription service so VARs and solutions providers can expand their services offerings via recurring services revenue.

Pricing and Availability

Linksys by Cisco Business Series routers with Trend Micro ProtectLink Gateway will be available through select retailers, major distributors and channel partners. The 10/100 4-Port VPN Router (RV042) is currently available with an MSRP of $184.99. The ProtectLink Gateway subscription service is available on an annual basis beginning at a MSRP of $149.99 for the 5-user license (LBATMPG05) and $614.99 for the 25-user license (LBATMPG25). For more information about the product please visit http://www.linksys.com/ [1]

The Linksys Edge

Linksys has elevated Business Series products to specifically appeal to small business owners, high growth industries or those organizations that merely want a robust solution that can continually perform. Linksys relies on channel and distribution partners to provide end-users with the solutions to help seamlessly integrate or create their own networking requirements.

The Linksys by Cisco Business Series of products, one component of the overall Cisco SMB offering, can provide an integrated approach to small business networking. By offering training, support, programs and the largest product catalogue for networking, VoIP, storage and services, customers can find the solutions they require backed by the largest networking provider in the industry.

About Linksys

Founded in 1988, Linksys, a Division of Cisco Systems Inc., (NASDAQ:CSCO) is the recognized global leader in voice, Wireless and Ethernet networking for consumer, SOHO and small business users. Linksys is dedicated to making networking easy and affordable for its customers, offering innovative, award-winning products that seamlessly integrate with a variety of devices and applications. Linksys provides award-winning product support to its customers. For more information, visit http://www.linksys.com/ [2].

About Trend Micro

Trend Micro Incorporated, a global leader in Internet content security, focuses on securing the exchange of digital information for businesses and consumers. A pioneer and industry vanguard, Trend Micro is advancing integrated threat management technology to protect operational continuity, personal information, and property from malware, spam, data leaks and the newest Web threats. Its flexible solutions, available in multiple form factors, are supported 24/7 by threat intelligence experts around the globe. A transnational company, with headquarters in Tokyo, Trend Micro's trusted security solutions are sold through its business partners worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.trendmicro.com/ [3].