Check Point Software Technologies today announced a new Open Platform for Security (OPSEC) Wireless Initiative, which it said is designed to enable its customers to confidently deploy wireless solutions that integrate with its VPN-1/ FireWall-1 Next Generation solutions.

Check Point said the OPSEC Wireless Initiative extends its Secure Virtual Network Architecture to "Secured by Check Point" mobile devices and "OPSEC Certified" wireless networking solutions. The company said these solutions are rigorously tested and certified for interoperability with Check Point's VPN-1/FireWall-1 Next Generation solutions, enabling customers to deploy end-to-end, integrated security across their wired and wireless environments.

"Wireless LANs are an attractive, cost-effective solution for extending the corporate perimeter to allow mobile access and increasing productivity, but security is critical," said Chris Christiansen, program vice president eBusiness Infrastructure and Internet Security Software for IDC. "Check Point's OPSEC framework helps address the security requirements of wireless networks by offering customers robust solutions that integrate with existing infrastructures."

According to Check Point, "Secured by Check Point" mobile devices are certified to interoperate with Check Point VPN-1 SecureClient and VPN-1 SecuRemote, providing integrated VPN and personal firewall functionality with centralized management. Initial "Secured by Check Point" mobile devices include: HP iPAQ PDAs and handhelds; IBM ThinkPad laptops; Microsoft Powered Pocket PC 2002 devices and Smartphones 2002. The Symbian OS based Nokia 9200 Communicator series will also be interoperable with the Check Point VPN/security infrastructure.