A desktop firewall won't prevent viruses or malicious code from doing damage, and it won't remove the hostile code. You need antivirus software for infection prevention and clean-up, and a VPN to transmit data safely. But setting up and managing all three kinds of products can be a major undertaking that calls for three separate management platforms. Fortunately, some vendors are working to create suites of integrated firewall, VPN and antivirus products.
Consolidation is a growing security trend reflected in the rash of corporate acquisitions and in vendors taking a one-size-fits-all approach to product development. You get more functionality at lower cost, but each component might not be the best in its class. Still, we have seen some moderate and intelligent moves toward multiple functionality in desktop protection. F-Secure, for example, is making a suite that lets you manage firewalls and antivirus programs from one interface. And InfoExpress' products can detect when a VPN tunnel is up and alter its firewall policy accordingly. Check Point Software Technologies bundles a personal firewall into its VPN client. Such integration will be a major differentiator in the future.
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