NetBenefit said that the virtual firewall service can support up to 10 000 user sessions and a maximum throughput of 35 megabits per second, placing the security offering firmly into the corporate, as well as the mid-range, company segment.

As well as blocking unauthorised access to a customer's hosted servers, the virtual firewall also includes virtual private network support to help firms of all sizes meet their security challenges.

NetBenefit saidthat the Fortinet FortiGate-based firewall technology supports most business requirements, ranging from a simple websites through to complex online applications for corporates.

The idea behind the virtual firewall, said company officials, is that if offers most of the features of dedicated firewall at a more cost effective price.

Michael Hassan, NetBenefit's product manager, said security is high on the list of priorities for both NetBenefit and its customers.

"Our virtual firewall solution is based on a firewall infrastructure that ensures a robust failover service, providing all of our customers with business continuity and peace of mind", he said.

Colin Bell, NetBenefit's managing director, meanwhile, said that due to the cost effectiveness and green credentials of virtualisation, it has become a a key area for his firm's product development team.

"Our main concern, however, is the reliability and performance of our customers' business critical web presence", he said.

"With the virtual firewall we are able to offer both. It essentially performs and appears as a dedicated firewall but at a much lower cost", he added.