Unified Threat Management (UTM) is a comprehensive solution that has recently emerged in the network security industry and since 2004, has gained widespread currency as a primary network gateway defense solution for organizations. In theory, it is the evolution of the traditional firewall into an all-inclusive security product that has the ability to perform multiple security functions in one single appliance: network firewalling, network intrusion prevention and gateway antivirus (AV), gateway anti-spam, VPN, content filtering, load balancing and on-appliance reporting.

UTM solutions emerged out of the need to stem the increasing number of attacks on corporate information systems via hacking, viruses, worms - mostly an outcome of blended threats and insider threats. Also, newer attack techniques target the user as the weakest link in an enterprise, the repercussions of which are far more serious than imagined.

Data security and unauthorized employee access have become major business concerns for enterprises today. This is because malicious intent and the resultant loss of confidential data can lead to huge financial losses as well as corresponding legal liabilities. It needs to be mentioned that enterprises have only now begun to recognize the fact that user ignorance can lead to vital security being compromised out of their internal networks.

The main advantages of UTM solutions are simplicity, streamlined installation and use, and the ability to update all the security functions or programs concurrently. So, not only are they a cost-effective purchase, but day-to-day network running costs are also considerably lowered. Such a great degree of functionality provided by a UTM appliance is held as the justification for the replacement of older, more basic Firewalls in favor of a Unified Threat Management firewall appliance that does it all.

The ultimate goal of a UTM is to provide a comprehensive set of security features in a single product and managed through a single console. Integrated security solutions evolved as a logical way to tackle the increasingly complex blended internet threats impacting organizations.

A single UTM appliance makes it very easy to manage a company's security strategy, with just one device to worry about, one source of support and a single way to maintain every aspect of your security solution. The UTM can prove to be more effective a solution as its strength lies in the bundle of solutions which are integrated and designed to work together. Also from one single centralized console, all the security solutions can be monitored and configured. Thus it tweaks the solutions to perfection. In this context, UTMs represent all-in-one security appliances that carry firewall, VPN, gateway anti-virus, gateway anti-spam, intrusion prevention, content filtering, bandwidth management and centralized reporting as basic features. The UTM is thus, a highly integrated quiver of security solutions, working in tandem that systematically provides network security to organizations. As there is a customized OS holding all these security features at one place, they tend to work in unison, providing a very high throughput. The UTM can prove highly effective because its strength lies in the bundle of solutions which are integrated and designed to work together without treading on each other’s toes.

Enterprises have been fed a constant diet of increasingly inadequate security technologies to solve their security problems. With increasing threats clearly looming over their networks and their business, they don’t want another box to solve their problems. Their needs are about leverage, simplicity and integrated management capabilities. Standalone solutions such as AV, AS, Firewall fail to protect against such threats. Enterprises are not only under pressure from cybercrime and insider abuse, but are facing increasing and evolving compliance demands - highlighting the importance of establishing effective and measurable security. 

Reduced complexity, through Single security solution, Single Vendor, avoidance of multiple software installation and maintenance, Plug & Play architecture, Web-based GUI for easy management are some of the major reasons why many organizations, both big and small are fast switching to smart, UTM solutions. This, coupled with Zero-hour protection without comprising on performance translates into high ROI for customers who deploy UTMs. 

For enterprises with remote networks or distantly located offices, UTMs are the only means to provide centralized security with complete control over their globally distributed networks. Enterprises, thus get zero-hour protection at branch offices against security attacks despite the lack of technical resources at these locations.