Reston, Virginia - (The Hosting News) - December 7, 2005 - NTT America has announced the availability of the industry's first IPv6 managed security service in partnership with Virtela, the global secure network solutions company. The IntelliSecurity IPv6-enabled Managed Firewall is fully managed and monitored on a 24/7 basis by Virtela, where customers may access the firewall service via the NTT Security Zone portal, also powered by Virtela.

The NTT America and Virtela partnership, begun in 2004, has grown to produce a breadth of managed network VPN and security services in use by NTT America customers on a global basis. The new IPv6 security-offering complements NTT America's existing suite of managed IPv6 services, and satisfies customer requirements for increased perimeter security for IPv6 users. The inherent security features of IPv6, such as mandated use of IPsec, coupled with an IPv6 managed firewall service, will provide IPv6 users with a higher level of security throughout their organization from hackers and other Internet-related threats.

NTT America customers using the new IntelliSecurity IPv6 Managed Firewall solution will also benefit from the following features:

* Round-the-clock monitoring. Virtela fully manages the firewall service and provides 24/7/365 monitoring.

* No additional hardware required. For customers without an IPv6-capable router, the firewall performs this function.

* Customer portal. Customers have a unique view inside their managed firewall solution with the NTT Security Zone portal, which also allows users to file tickets and manage company information.

John Powell, Virtela's Vice President of Global Channels commented on the relationship, ''We are excited to enhance our partnership with NTT America to include premier managed security services in support of enterprise migration to IPv6. We are pleased to be working with the leader in global IPv6 services to deliver next generation offerings that provide an enhanced level of security, customization and management for NTT America's extensive customer base.''

According to a recent market analysis by IDC, the U.S. market for information security services is expected to grow by 19.6 percent by 2009, representing an estimated $15.1 billion in security services spending in the U.S. alone.

Stan Barber, Vice President of Engineering Operations for NTT America added, ''With security threats continually on the rise, customers want to know that their entire organization is protected, which includes IPv6-capable solutions. Our partnership with Virtela enables us to meet rising concerns and demand for IPv6 managed services, especially those that are security-related. We are pleased that Virtela recognizes the growing demand for and importance of IPv6 in the United States and is working to fulfill the need for managed services organizations that have begun the migration to the new protocol.''

In support of the advancement of IPv6 initiatives among U.S.-based businesses, government entities, and education and research institutions, NTT America and NTT Communications are Gold Sponsors of the United States IPv6 Summit 2005 being held this week in Reston, Virginia. NTT America will lead a session at the Summit entitled "NTT Communications and IPv6," as well as showcase hands-on IPv6 demonstrations in the exhibit hall.

NTT America and parent company NTT Communications work together to provide IPv6 connectivity and services to more than 500 customers around the globe.

NTT America's new managed IPv6 firewall service is available immediately within the United States. To learn more, please visit: www.nttamerica.com.