This is an alternative to legacy access switch architectures that operate on IP addresses and Layer 3/Layer 4 ports, and implement virtual LANs and access control lists with no inherent understanding of users, user roles, devices, applications or the interplay of these factors, ConSentry says.

Cisco is moving in this direction through its TrustSec architecture; Enterasys had this vision years ago; and the switching industry at large is expected to embrace it as well.

"I still need that blazing speed, but I want to put more intelligence there as a minimum for security reasons," says Jim Metzler of Ashton, Metzler and Associates. "Security bubbles right to the top . . . with a number of vendors who are talking about putting more intelligence in the network."

LANShield Switches with Intelligent Switching are available now at a base price of US$6,995. The latest version of the LANShield OS is available as a free upgrade to ConSentry switch customers with a current support contract.