API for Security Management Center
Stonesoft Security Management Center (SMC) plays a central role in Stonesoft NGFW by managing and automating network security operations and enabling networks to scale in a cost-efficient manner. The new version 5.6 of Stonesoft NGFW makes the overall management process optimal in environments containing security elements from multiple vendors, where complete visibility and control are often a challenge. Stonesoft NGFW’s new API enables a straightforward integration with any 3rd party operational tools, such as policy management systems. Version 5.6’s SMC API is part of the standard release and therefore doesn’t require separate or new licensing.
"Comprehensive management integrations between vendors are often complex but imperative when optimising management workflows. Stonesoft NGFW’s new SMC API enables our customers to enhance their operational processes and adapt to various environments” says Antti Kuvaja, Director, Product Management, Stonesoft, A McAfee Group Company.
Virtualisation
The new release also further enhances virtualisation support. Version 5.6 of Stonesoft NGFW allows one physical appliance to be shared by up to 250 independent virtual network security devices. These virtual devices can be configured to take a Firewall/VPN, Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) or Layer 2 Firewall (L2FW) role. Extended support for virtual devices improves flexibility and control of total cost of ownership, especially among managed services providers (MSPs) and large corporations whose service mix and installation size is large.