Firebox X Core integrates stateful packet firewall, VPN, proactive zero day attack prevention, anti-spyware, anti-spam, anti-virus, intrusion prevention, and URL filtering on a single appliance and a new software upgrade should make it even more capable. WatchGuard Technologies, Inc. has released of Fireware 9.0, the software that propels their Firebox X Core and Peak security appliances for mid-sized businesses.

Fireware 9.0 increases the functionality and performance of the Firebox X Core and Peak security appliances to give network administrators a new level of granular control and stability. This release introduces a robust set of advanced networking features, each integrated within the system manager, including VPN failover, support for IKE 3rd party certificates, drag-and-drop VPN tunnel creation, policy-based routing, VLAN, QoS, multi-WAN failover, load balancing, and high availability with firewall rules.

Firebox X Core appliances are intended for small and mid-sized enterprises with 50 to 750 users and are capable of 300+ Mbps of firewall throughput. Firebox X Peak appliances can support 500 to 2000 users with 2.0 Gbps of firewall throughput. Both appliances offer complete UTM solutions including anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-spam, intrusion prevention, and URL filtering.

Most Firebox X Core and Peak appliances can easily be upgraded to higher models in the product line by the application of a license key. This allows an organization to adapt and expand, meeting the evolving needs of its business.

Along with the new Fireware 9.0 announcement, WatchGuard is announcing a new channel partner program, which includes a co-op program to help partners fund marketing, free marketing consultations for partners to help plan and execute effective marketing programs, and the delivery of monthly turn-key marketing campaigns. These campaigns include a variety of customizable direct mail, electronic direct mail, ad artwork and copy, sample landing pages, sales presentations, scripts for telemarketing, and tips on maximizing effective use of campaigns. Elements of the turn-key campaigns are customizable to allow for co-branding and style preferences and are translated into seven languages : German, Spanish, French, Italian, Simplified Chinese, Japanese and Korean.

WatchGuard Firebox X Core appliances with Fireware 9.0 start at $1,459 for the wired X550e model. Pricing for the UTM bundles for Core appliances start at $1,999.