Press Release: 1:22 PM... RAPT Raptor Systems Grabs Marketshare Lead in Windows NT-based Firewalls
Raptor Systems Grabs Marketshare Lead in Windows NT-based Firewalls
Record Worldwide Growth Fueled by All-Out NT Support, says IDC Report; 2nd Quarter NT Firewall Sales Soar to 65% of Product Revenue
WALTHAM, Mass., Aug. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Raptor Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:RAPT), the leader in network security solutions, today announced independent confirmation of its position as the world's #1 in Windows NT firewall sales. According to a recent International Data Corporation report, ``The Worldwide Firewall Market, 1996-2001,'' Raptor was the leading provider of Windows NT-based firewalls in 1996.
``We're continuing to build on that 1996 success,'' said Shaun McConnon, CEO of Raptor Systems, Inc. ``In fact, our leadership in the NT firewall market was the single most significant factor in Raptor's record revenues and net income for the second quarter of 1997. NT sales accounted for 65% of product revenue and contributed to 54% of overall revenue this quarter. Unit sales of our NT firewalls were up by 42% over Q1, representing 80% of server product shipments for the year to date.''
Ted Julian, senior analyst and author of the IDC report, agrees: ``Much of the recent growth of Raptor's business is thanks to its strong and early NT support.''
With nearly 1200 NT firewalls sold this quarter alone, Raptor is profiting from its first-in-the-industry decision to design and build network security solutions for Microsoft's popular new operating system. Windows NT momentum has been building steadily over the last four quarters, as single-server pilot projects move into full implementation, and large and small businesses migrate to the new platform. In recent quarters, for example, NT servers have outpaced UNIX servers in worldwide unit sales.
To maintain its lead in providing network security for this fast-growing market, Raptor also introduced a new, low-end Eagle NT this quarter--a fully configurable, bi-directional NT firewall solution at a lower-cost entry point. ``With the introduction of the new Eagle NT, said McConnon, ''Raptor is making Windows NT security more affordable for enterprises at the 100-user level.`` The Eagle NT lists for $3,995 and is available today.
Raptor Ranks #1 in Planned Purchase Gains in Independent Survey
Raptor's leading-edge product strategy is making future revenues look even brighter. In a significant new internetworking study that surveyed the firewall buying plans of 253 readers of Network Computing Magazine, Raptor is expected to enjoy the industry's biggest gains in firewall purchase growth for the next 12 months. Among the survey respondents, the number of those who are ``planning to purchase'' Raptor firewalls in the next year is more than double those who are ``currently using'' the products--a growth rate of 103%.
The company notes that each of the above forward-looking statements is subject to change, based on various important factors, including, without limitation, changes in the market, new products and announcements from other companies, potential delays in product releases, changes in pricing, technology, and competition from larger, more established competitors. Additional information on the factors that could affect the company's financial results is included in the company's prospectus, its annual report on Form 10-K, its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
About Raptor Systems, Inc.
Raptor Systems, Inc. is the leader in open-platform, integrated network security software and services. Raptor's award-winning, NCSA-certified products protect corporate databases and networks in government, health care, pharmaceutical, education, utility, telecommunications, technology, manufacturing and financial services sites worldwide. Raptor's strategic relationships with world-class companies such as Compaq Computer Corporation, Hewlett-Packard, Marubeni, Siemens-Nixdorf and Sprint deliver on its mission to lead the industry in innovative, comprehensive network security solutions. Raptor can be found on the World Wide Web at raptor.com.
Raptor was voted ``The Editors Choice for Internet Best'' by ZD Internet Magazine's Internet Lab, Internetwork Editors Choice for ``Best Internet Firewall,'' ``Best Overall Firewall'' in LAN Times 1996 Product Comparison Review, InfoSecurity News' Readers Trust Award, and marketshare leader in NT- based firewalls 1996 by International Data Corporation.
NOTE: Raptor, the Raptor logo and Eagle are registered trademarks of Raptor Systems, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. |
