Virtual security appliance

<p>A virtual security appliance is a <a href="/facts/Computer_appliance/wJwTJXHN">computer appliance</a> that runs inside <a href="/facts/Virtual_environment/kEXLIU38">virtual environments</a>.  It is called an appliance because it is pre-packaged with a hardened operating system and a security application and runs on a virtualized hardware.  The hardware is virtualized using hypervisor technology delivered by companies such as <a href="/facts/VMware/lKHGULx3">VMware</a>, <a href="/facts/Citrix/XffnyLER">Citrix</a> and <a href="/facts/Microsoft/nGIDDXdx">Microsoft</a>.  The security application may vary depending on the particular network security vendor.  Some vendors such as Reflex Systems have chosen to deliver Intrusion Prevention technology as a Virtualized Appliance, or as a multifunctional server vulnerability shield delivered by Blue Lane. The type of security technology is irrelevant when it comes to the definition of a Virtual Security Appliance and is more relevant when it comes to the performance levels achieved when deploying various types of security as a virtual security appliance.  Other issues include visibility into the hypervisor and the virtual network that runs inside.
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Virtual security appliance open-in-new

Virtual security appliance