Enterprises that are under pressure to reduce data center management overhead and power consumption are looking to consolidate network security infrastructure. Vendors are adjusting their offerings accordingly with choices that range from multi-vendor software on an open chassis to integrated security on network infrastructure components.

Cisco Systems has long had the Firewall Services Module (FWSM), a blade that plugs into its Catalyst 6500 chassis switch so that enterprises can deploy security directly in the cores of their networks. Enterasys Networks has written security technology directly into its entire switching portfolio.

"That's the benefit of the Firewall Services Module," said Todd Schmitzer, manager of networking, telecommunications and security for Santa Clara University. "It's just a blade sitting in a chassis. And the chassis has to be there anyway."