ZyXEL Upgrades ZyWALL UTM

PRESS RELEASE

Anaheim, Calif, March 18, 2010 " ZyXEL Communications (TSE: 2391), the world's leading broadband access solutions provider, today announced the new ZyWALL ZLD v2.20 firmware for its ZyWALL USG series of Unified Threat Management [UTM] systems. The free update offers significant enhancements to the Web GUI and support for EPS and the Windows 7 VPN SSL. System previews have validated the firmware's easier deployment, unbeatable performance and low operating costs.

The ZyWALL USG Series is a high-performance, deep packet inspection security solution for small businesses and enterprises. It provides a Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) firewall, anti-virus, intrusion detection and prevention (IDP), content filtering, anti-spam and VPN (IPSec/SSL/L2TP) in one box; the multi-layered security can effectively safeguard customer and company records, intellectual property and critical resources from external and internal threats.

The new Web GUI offers a cleaner, faster and vastly more customizable dashboard¾essential qualities in this era of widgets and iApps. The revised dashboard is also better organized, with more features in plain sight than hidden behind menus.

With regard to End Point Security [EPS], the new firmware now integrates with anti-virus clients so that IT managers can restrict user access if their anti-virus or OS software is out of date. Network administrators now have more automatic control over LAN PCs, enabling full enforcement of desired levels of security. Combined with full support for the Windows 7 full-tunnel SSL VPN, v2.20 makes ZyWALL one of the industry's most robust gateways.

In fact, the new firmware provides more than 90 new and improved features to help users install and manage ZyWALL products with less effort than ever. New benefits don't just beef up security; they offer all the necessary mechanisms to excel in today's Internet-centric environment.

New features include:

* Easier deployment via simplified UI. * Improved routing architecture. * Endpoint security support for anti-virus personal firewall software. * Granular control over social networking applications to manage bandwidth consumption and increase employee productivity. * Hybrid VPN capabilities for flexible and secure remote access. * Enhanced VoIP quality for flexible VoIP deployments and IP PBX support. * Comprehensive MS Active Directory integration.

Availability

ZLD v2.20 is available for download on the ZyXEL website (http://www.us.zyxel.com/creative/ZLD/) and supports all USG models (ZyWALL USG 100/200/300/1000/2000). About ZyXEL Communications

ZyXEL offers a high-performance, carrier-grade suite of access and security solutions. Through our partner alliances, we provide businesses with complete solutions and seamless support. With expertise in diverse technologies like wireless, security, Powerline, Ethernet and xDSL, ZyXEL offers integrated, secure network solutions to SMB, SOHO, residential and service provider markets.

In addition, ZyXEL's North American Channel Program offers industry-leading incentives with its full line of products. ZyXEL's North American headquarters are located in Anaheim, California. For more information, please visit the company's Web site at http://www.us.zyxel.com.