(openPR) - Advantech introduced today its first OEM-Ready Network Application Platform based on the latest Intel® Xeon® 3400 series Quad Core processor and Intel® 3420 PCH chipset. The 1U rackmount FWA-4208 targets Network Security OEM's seeking to improve the entry-level cost point of high-performance systems for small-to-medium businesses (SMB's). The FWA-4208 provides the hardware platform for multi-gigabit filtering and intrusion prevention performance across nine GbE ports. The system scales to meet additional port expansion requirements or add-on hardware acceleration needs.

Based on Intel® microarchitecture, codenamed Nehalem, the new Intel® Xeon® processor 3400 series is designed with innovative features that can adapt performance to software and business needs, help energy consumption for optimum performance and efficiency, and enable hardware-based virtualization capabilities. The capabilities designed into the FWA-4208 makes it ideal for OEM's dealing with medium-sized businesses who are stepping up to their first multi-gigabit Unified Threat Management (UTM) platform or are replacing a previous generation device.

“The FWA-4208 delivers increased performance to unify network application and security services on a single quad core device at a lower price point, providing greater ROI for mid-sized organizations” said Rover Chen, Director of Advantech's Intel-based Network Appliance Division at Advantech. He went on to add “By introducing a new entry-level offering at the high-end, OEM's can help customers cut costs and consolidate IT infrastructures while simultaneously reinforcing their security position.”

The FWA-4208 also supports the latest Intel® CoreTM i5/i3 processors providing scalability over a range of dual core with hyper threading options. The system supports DDR3-1333 MHz memory up to 32GB capacity and provides unprecedented performance, connectivity and throughput without compromising the system thermal design. By leveraging PCI Express Gen2 technology, the platform maximizes the I/O throughput by taking full advantage of direct interconnects to the processor for expansion. Multiple Intel® 82574L Gigabit Ethernet controllers are connectedto the Intel® 3420 PCH to support up to nine front panel RJ-45 connectors with LAN failover between four pairs of ports.The system also provides one PCIe x4 expansion module to the front panel, two PCIe Gen2 x8 expansion slots to the rear and one 3.5 inch internal SATA HDD. The rear expansion slot zone can be optionally equipped with two 2.5” SATA HDD's when RAID configurationsare required.

“With our first new product release in 2010 we will be re-emphasizing the OEM-Ready and OEM-Custom services related to these platforms” said Eddie Lai, Business Development Director at Advantech Networks and Telecom Group. “The OEM-Readyprogram provides branding services for system shipment with customer logo, look and labels in OEM packaging with accompanying documentation plus the optional installation of third-party cards and software. The OEM-Custom services focus on OEM's requiring more of an exclusive design based on the core hardware IP of a platform such as the FWA-4208.”

The system is sampling now with key customers and will be available in production quantities at the end of 1Q10.

About Advantech –Founded in 1983, Advantech delivers visionary and trustworthy industrial computing solutions that empower businesses. We cooperate closely with solution partners to provide complete solutions for a wide array of applications in diverse industries, offering products and solutions in three business categories: Embedded ePlatform, eServices & Applied Computing, and Industrial Automation groups. With more than 3,400 dedicated employees, Advantech operates an extensive support, sales and marketing network in 18 countries and 39 major cities to deliver fast time-to-market services to our worldwide customers. Advantech is a Premier Member of the Intel® Embedded and Communications Alliance, a community of embedded and communications developers and solution providers. (Corporate Website: www.advantech.com).

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