Customers generally tend to buy an entire solution to meet their network infrastructure requirements, and Cisco has capitalized on its ability to deliver both core network equipment and security products.

FORBES: Cisco Plugs Into Network Security Business, Stock Eyes $24

Multi-core processors from Intel and others are providing massive performance enhancements for network-based security scanning elements.

FORBES: The End of the Endpoint

And for this to be possible, a core network of agents must be sustained in those places deemed momentarily quiescent and unimportant to U.S. security interests.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Secret intelligence, the nation's first line of defense