Cisco, Lucent, Network Associates, Sun Microsystems form research alliance.

Four of the world_s largest information security and networking vendors - Cisco Systems, Lucent Technologies, Network Associates and Sun Microsystems -- have joined together to establish the Security Research Alliance. Through the Alliance, the organizations engaged in advanced security research at member companies will work together to help secure the desktops and networks of the future and will collaborate to sponsor educational forums and pursue enhanced funding and development opportunities. The Alliance will also seek to give senior corporate IT decision-makers a window into the world of advanced security research, the field of research dedicated to next- generation security technology. By opening a direct communication channel between the advanced security research community and IT professionals, the Alliance will enable more informed long-term decision-making for those designing today_s networks. The first such educational forum, the Security Research "Crystal Ball" Symposium, will take place April 13 and will be jointly sponsored by the Alliance charter members. "This vendor-neutral alliance creates a significant opportunity to evolve the information security market," said Chris Christiansen, program director at IDC.