Independent Testing Confirms that NETGEAR Security Appliances Stop More Malware / NETGEAR ProSecure UTM25 and UTM50 detect more threats in tests against devices from Fortinet, SonicWALL, ZyXEL and WatchGuard

SAN JOSE, Calif., Dec. 7, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- NETGEAR®, Inc. , a global networking company that delivers innovative products to consumers, businesses and Internet service providers, today released test results that conclusively demonstrate superior protection from Web 2.0 and social media malware threats. Independent third party testers examined detection rates for both threats "in the wild" - those found throughout the Internet today - and from "zoo malware" - laboratory reference files that allow for consistent testing over time.

Engineers at Tolly Group and AV-Test looked at the NETGEAR ProSecure® UTM 25 and 50, the Fortinet FortiGate-80C, the SonicWALL NSA 240, the WatchGuard XTM 23-W and the ZyXEL ZyWALL USG 300. Kevin Tolly, CEO of the Tolly Group notes, "The NETGEAR ProSecure UTM devices clearly outperformed the competing and sometimes more expensive products from Fortinet, SonicWALL, WatchGuard and ZyXEL."

"Social Media & Web 2.0 have vastly increased the rate at which malware threats proliferate," said John Grady, Senior Analyst of Security Products at IDC. "With employees increasingly using social media and web applications for legitimate business purposes, it is important for Small Businesses and Midmarket Enterprises to employ effective network defense techniques to protect against the dangers these malware threats pose."

Frank Burnham, an accountant at O'Donnell, Ficenec, Wills & Ferdig, LLP, protects his network of finance professionals with a NETGEAR ProSecure appliance. "Given the dynamic threat environment facing organizations today, we found the ProSecure UTM50 to be the most effective device in offering us a full featured, centralized, and flexible security component essential for network operations."

"Midmarket customers are dealing with modern productivity and malware risks from Web 2.0 and social networking sites, but are often forced to choose between protection and cost," said Jason Leung, Senior Product Line Manager at NETGEAR. "We are proud of the recognition our ProSecure products are receiving as 'smart IT' - solutions that are reliable, affordable and simple to deploy without the overhead of 'big IT' packages."

The report is available for immediate download at http://prosecure.netgear.com/.

NETGEAR ProSecure appliances are also winning perfect or near-perfect product review scores from leading security industry publications. The ProSecure STM family of web/email threat management appliances recently received a perfect score in SC Magazine, while the publication gave the ProSecure UTM25 five out of five stars in another review. The ProSecure UTM5 Series product received six out of six stars in PC Pro for best security appliance value.

The Tolly Group team also attempted to evaluate the Cisco SA 520, but was unable to do so because the Cisco appliance is limited to reputation-based blocking of web sites and does not use signature-based scanning of incoming data for viruses and malware - making direct comparisons impossible. Furthermore, the Cisco device requires hosted email service with server-side scanning in the cloud - making the device an inappropriate choice in enterprises with on-premise email.

To learn more about NETGEAR products for midmarket businesses, please visit: http://www.netgear.com/products/business/

About NETGEAR, Inc.

NETGEAR (NASDAQGM: NTGR) is a global networking company that delivers innovative products to consumers, businesses and Internet service providers. For consumers, we make high performance, dependable and easy home networking, storage and digital media products to connect people with the Internet and their content and devices. For businesses, we provide networking, storage and security solutions without the cost and complexity of Big IT. NETGEAR also supplies all of the top Internet service providers with retail proven, whole home solutions for their customers. NETGEAR products are built on a variety of proven technologies such as wireless, Ethernet and powerline, with a focus on reliability and ease-of-use. NETGEAR products are sold in over 28,000 retail locations around the globe, and through more than 37,000 value-added resellers. The company's headquarters are in San Jose, Calif., with additional offices in 25 countries. NETGEAR is an ENERGY STAR® partner. More information is available at http://www.netgear.com/ or by calling [phone]. Connect with NETGEAR at http://twitter.com/NETGEAR and http://www.facebook.com/NETGEAR.

©2010 NETGEAR, Inc., the NETGEAR logo, and ProSecure are trademarks or registered trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Information is subject to change without notice. All rights reserved.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for NETGEAR, Inc.:

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Specifically, statements concerning NETGEAR's business and the expected performance characteristics, specifications, reliability, market acceptance, market growth, specific uses, user feedback and market position of NETGEAR's products and technology are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Safe Harbor. These statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, the following: the actual price, performance and ease of use of NETGEAR's products may not meet the price, performance and ease of use requirements of customers; product performance may be adversely affected by real world operating conditions; failure of products may under certain circumstances cause permanent loss of end user data; new viruses or Internet threats may develop that challenge the effectiveness of security features in NETGEAR's products; the ability of NETGEAR to market and sell its products and technology; the impact and pricing of competing products; and the introduction of alternative technological solutions. Further information on potential risk factors that could affect NETGEAR and its business are detailed in the Company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, those risks and uncertainties listed in the section entitled "Part II - Item 1A. Risk Factors," pages 37 through 53, in the Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal third quarter ended October 3, 2010, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 10, 2010. NETGEAR undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

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