Riverbed Technology (RVBD) recently announced a partnership with Check Point Software Technologies (CHKP) to provide a single solution combining Riverbed WAN optimization technology with Check Point’s security software. The joint solution will help companies protect and safeguard networks at remote and branch offices through a virtualized environment.

The solution combines the Riverbed Services Platform (RSP), a virtualized data services platform, and the Check Point Security Gateway R70, which provides customers a set of centrally managed security protections. Through Check Point’s software blade architecture, customers can select the exact security protections they need for an environment, including firewall, VPN, intrusion prevention, antivirus, anti-spyware, URL filtering, Web security, anti-spam and policy management software blades. Customers can deploy virtual appliances, such as Security Gateway R70, directly on Riverbed Steelhead appliances to minimize complexity at the branch office and reduce costs and operational overhead.

“As a cost savings measure, many enterprises are looking to execute on IT consolidation initiatives. The RSP allows enterprises to streamline IT resources while lowering operational and capital costs,” said Alan Saldich, vice president of product marketing at Riverbed. “By combining these business-critical services – from Check Point and Riverbed – in one solution at the branch, enterprises are able to take advantage of superior security and acceleration, while lowering operational costs.“

The joint solution is available now. Check Point Security Gateway R70 for Riverbed Steelhead appliances can be purchased through Check Point’s worldwide network of value-added resellers.