WatchGuard and Microsoft Work Together to Enforce Network Security Policies

WatchGuard Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:WGRD), a leading provider of network security solutions worldwide, today announced it will support Microsoft's Network Access Protection (NAP) technologies.


Network Access Protection is a policy enforcement technology that will be built into the Microsoft Windows Server operating system. It will enable network administrators to prescribe a comprehensive security policy and restrict users' access to the network until their systems can prove compliance. The initial release of Network Access Protection will be available in the next version of the Windows Server codename "Longhorn". WatchGuard expects to work with the Network Access Protection technologies to enhance the robust Intelligent Layered Security architecture of its Firebox X line of integrated security appliances.

"In order to adequately protect itself against security threats, an organization needs effective, easy-to-manage tools for enforcing security policy," said Mark Stevens, chief strategy officer at WatchGuard. "For years, we have been encouraging our SME customers to deploy a combination of policy, user education and technology. Our Firebox X security appliances and LiveSecurity Service offering are designed with these fundamentals in mind. We think the Network Access Protection technology will help us continue to provide our customers with a feature-rich, manageable network security solution."

"The Network Access Protection partner program encapsulates the best companies and technologies in the security space today," said Steve Anderson, a director in the Windows Server group. "Delivering greater compatibility between Microsoft products and other key third-party solutions such as the WatchGuard Firebox X line, is a crucial component of Network Access Protection and something that will benefit our mutual customers greatly."

About WatchGuard Technologies, Inc.

WatchGuard is a leading provider of network security solutions for small- to mid-sized enterprises worldwide, delivering integrated products and services that are robust as well as easy to buy, deploy and manage. The company's Firebox X line of expandable integrated security appliances is designed to be fully upgradeable as an organization grows and to deliver the industry's best combination of security, performance, intuitive interface and value. WatchGuard Intelligent Layered Security architecture protects against emerging threats effectively and efficiently and provides the flexibility to integrate additional security functionality and services offered through WatchGuard. Every WatchGuard product comes with an initial LiveSecurity Service subscription to help customers stay on top of security with vulnerability alerts, software updates, expert security instruction and superior customer care. For more information, please call 206-521-8340 or visit www.watchguard.com.

Certain statements in this press release, including statements about expected new products, features or functionality, statements about our ability to incorporate or take advantage of Network Access Protection technologies to enhance our product offerings and other statements about our plans, objectives, intentions, and expectations are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the time the statements are made and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties and inaccurate assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expected or implied by the forward-looking statements. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements for many reasons, including the risk that new products, features or functionality will not be available when expected or at all, the risk that we will not be able to incorporate or take advantage of Network Access Protection technologies to enhance our product offerings and the other risks described under "Important Factors That May Affect Our Operating Results, Our Business and Our Stock Price" in our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004, and in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings from time to time. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release.

WatchGuard, LiveSecurity and Firebox are either registered trademarks or trademarks of WatchGuard Technologies, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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