Check Point Launches New Certified Support Partner Program; Superior Technical Support...

Business/High-Tech Editors

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 31, 2001

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (Nasdaq:CHKP), the worldwide leader in securing the Internet, today announced the launch of its new Certified Support Partner (CSP) Program.

The program

distinguishes partners for the service they provide and ensures that customers consistently receive the highest level of technical support from certified Check Point resellers and systems integrators, enabling them to maximize their investment in Check Point solutions.

"The Certified Support Partner Program reflects Check Point's commitment to provide consistent high levels of support in conjunction with market-leading Internet security solutions," said Glenn Barlow, vice president, worldwide technical services, Check Point Software Technologies. "Certification gives our customers further assurance that they will receive world-class technical support backed by Check Point."

John Whittaker, president, ZONEOFTRUST, Inc., and a Certified Support Partner said: "As a leading security integrator, our customers rely on us not only for best-of-breed security technology, but also for the confidence of knowing that they have expert professionals to service and support them. Check Point's Certified Support Partner Program enables us to expand our service and support offering, ensuring that customers receive standardized, high-caliber support."

By choosing a Check Point Certified Support Partner, customers can confidently work with a local partner who is backed by Check Point's support team. CSPs maintain Certified Technical Assistance Centers staffed with Check Point Certified Security Engineers (CCSEs) and make a commitment to provide timely response to all technical support requests. Additionally, all CSPs have access to Check Point's technical support team for additional assistance if necessary.

Partner Benefits and Requirements

The CSP designation is a mark of distinction that gives partners a competitive advantage in offering support on Check Point products. CSP benefits include:

-- Access to Check Point's superior technical support team

-- Access to SecureKnowledge, Check Point's powerful online problem resolution
tool that contains tested solutions for real-world customer issues.

-- New business generation -- Check Point promotes CSPs on its web site and at
annual user events.

Admittance into the CSP Program is contingent on partners agreeing to maintain a benchmark support level that is set by Check Point. Other program requirements include:

-- Maintaining a Technical Assistance Center staffed with

qualified Check Point Certified Engineers (CCSEs)

-- Maintaining a minimum number of CCSEs on staff

-- Adhering to technical support response times set by Check

Point

-- Participating in annual reviews of technical support

metrics and feedback from customer satisfaction surveys to

ensure customers are receiving the best possible service

Partners interested in becoming a CSP can find additional information at: http://www.checkpoint.com/partners/csp.html

Check Point's new Certified Support Partner Program ensures that Check Point customers receive reliable support through qualified partners and distinguishes Check Point certified partners for the superior service they provide.

About Check Point Software Technologies

Check Point Software Technologies is the worldwide leader in securing the Internet. The company's Secure Virtual Network (SVN) architecture provides the infrastructure that enables secure and reliable Internet communications. SVN secures business-to-business (B2B) communications between networks, systems, applications and users across the Internet, intranets and extranets. Check Point's Open Platform for Security (OPSEC) provides the framework for integration and interoperability with "best-of-breed" solutions from over 270 leading industry partners. For more information, please call us at 800/429-4391 or 650/628-2000 or visit us on the Web at http://www.checkpoint.com.

(c)2001 Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. All rights reserved. Check Point, the Check Point logo, FireWall-1, FireWall-1 SecureServer, FloodGate-1, INSPECT, IQ Engine, MetaInfo, Meta IP, Open Security Extension, OPSEC, Provider-1, SecureKnowledge, SiteManager, SVN, UAM, UserAuthority, VPN-1, VPN-1 Accelerator Card, VPN-1 Appliance, VPN-1 Certificate Manager, VPN-1 Gateway, VPN-1 SecureClient, VPN-1 SecuRemote, VPN-1 SecureServer and ConnectControl are trademarks or registered trademarks of Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. or its affiliates. All other product names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. The products described in this document are protected by U.S. Patent No. 5,606,668 and 5,835,726 and may be protected by other U.S. Patents, foreign patents, or pending applications.