HP ProCurve today announced the expansion of its security portfolio with firewall and intrusion prevention offerings that lower costs and reduce the complexity of security infrastructure deployments.

As part of the HP ProCurve ProActive Defense security portfolio, HP is introducing the new HP ProCurve Threat Management Services Module, which provides firewall, virtual private network (VPN) and intrusion prevention (IPS) functionality. This multifunction security module eliminates the need for a separate appliance by physically integrating into the HP ProCurve 8212 and 5400 series switches.

HP also unveiled a new version of the HP ProCurve Manager Plus product suite, designed to help businesses secure and simplify network management. HP ProCurve Manager Plus allows businesses of all sizes to prevent security breaches by centrally managing user access for both wired and wireless networks.

Customers are able to reduce overall security costs while simplifying the complexity of network security with HP ProCurve’s switch and mobility products, said Mauricio Sanchez, chief security architect, HP ProCurve. These new security solutions help customers secure their businesses by effectively managing and securing their networks.

The HP ProCurve ProActive Defense network security strategy provides customers security solutions that can adapt to users, applications and changing business environments. ProActive Defense secures customer networks by combining pre-emptive techniques including comprehensive access control with innovative defensive methods such as automated threat detection.

From the HP News, April 2009
http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/newsroom

2. Swiss takes delivery of its first A330 (20 April 2009)

Zurich based Swiss International Air Lines has received its first new A330-300. The aircraft is the first of nine A330-300s ordered in September 2007 to expand the Swiss' medium to long haul network.

Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 772B EP engines, the carrier's first A330-300 is fitted in an all-new, comfortable three-class layout with a total of 236 seats (183 seats in Economy, 45 in Business Class and 8 in First Class).

We are more than pleased to introduce the eco-efficient A330-300 into our fleet. Its true wide body cabin combined with our all-new, high-class product increases passenger appeal, comfort and style, while its outstanding performance strengthens our competitiveness and reduces the environmental impact at the same time," said Christoph Franz, CEO of Swiss.

By adding A330-300s to its Airbus fleet, Swiss will fully benefit from the advantages of the unique Airbus commonality, allowing to use the same pool of pilots, cabin crews and maintenance engineers. This gives Swiss more operational flexibility and will result in significant cost savings.

We are proud to see Swiss expanding their services with the unrivalled A330 aircraft. Through state of the art technology and outstanding economics, the A330 is a 'first class' aircraft for a 'first class' airline. Swiss and Airbus make a perfect fit," said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers.

The ability to better match market requirements in terms of range and efficiency makes the twin engine A330 one of the most popular wide-body aircraft in service today. With over 11 million hours in operation the A330 has demonstrated its very low operating costs per seat and is proven to be the most efficient aircraft in its class. With a true wide-body fuselage the A330-300 is the most economic means of flying medium range routes whilst offering true long haul comfort. It has a range of up to 5,650 nm / 10,500 km with a full passenger load. Orders for the aircraft stand at more than 390 from 39 customers.

From The Airbus Industries News, April 2009
http://www.airbus.com

3. Boeing Assembles First Set of 747-8 Wings (21 April 2009)

The Boeing Company has completed major assembly of the first set of wings for the 747-8 Freighter. The new 135-foot 3-inch (41.2 m) wings incorporate the latest aerodynamic technologies to fly farther and more efficiently. The advanced airfoil provides improved overall performance and greater fuel capacity.

The Boeing 747-8 Freighter and Intercontinental are the new high-capacity 747s that offer airlines the lowest operating costs and best economics of any large passenger or freighter airplane, while providing enhanced environmental performance.

From The Boeing Company News, April 2009
http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/index.html