Equant Uses CoSine for VPNs

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. -- CoSine Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: COSN), a leading provider of managed, network-based IP Service Delivery Platforms for service providers, today announced that Equant (NYSE: ENT) (Euronext Paris: EQU) has expanded its use of CoSine's IPSX 3500(TM) with the advanced IP Service Generator (IPSG) technology to support the company's latest Internet access option -- Equant's Network-Based Internet Gateway. Equant's new offering provides a cost-effective alternative to customer- based Internet gateway solutions, as enterprise users are able to eliminate the need for firewalls and other security infrastructure on Customer Premise Equipment (CPE). Instead, Equant security experts monitor and manage CoSine's network-based firewall technology around the clock with real-time performance reports delivered directly to the customer. Equant's Network-Based Internet Gateway option is currently available in 110 countries worldwide, with four major enterprises already using the service, including the world's largest automotive manufacturing company. "We originally selected CoSine for network-based service functionality because of the IPSX's adaptability and breadth of services for IPSec VPNs," said Didier Duriez, Equant's senior vice president for Network and Product Engineering. "Our recent launch of Network-Based Internet Gateway adds new service functionality to our network using existing Cosine infrastructure. The new Internet access option gives us additional capabilities to work with various types of broadband access providers, while still providing superior support for and customization of corporate services." Equant offers two variations of its Network-Based Internet Gateway service -- Premium and Basic Outbound. Premium is designed for larger sites with stringent security requirements that handle both inbound and outbound Internet traffic. This allows remote users -- including telecommuters, mobile employees and partners -- to have access to critical business systems. Network-Based Internet Gateway Basic Outbound is for smaller sites that only require Internet access by users within the customer VPN. Equant CoSine Communications Inc.