Healthcare supplier, SSS Australia, has installed the Netbox in a virtual environment to protect it from email and internet security and any failure from the network.

Using the Netbox PipePlus feature the technology upgrade was designed and installed by IT suppliers and consultants, Centra Networks, to improve business flow at SSS Australia.

Colin Smith, general manager SSS Australia, said internet reliability is essential in its line of business.

"The cost of not being able to operate our business for an hour is measured in thousands of dollars," he said.

SSS Australian originally installed a Nebox three years ago to control spam and other malware.

A year ago the company virtualised its network as part of an upgrade to its accounting system.

The virtual Netbox appliance was added two months ago because the company did not want its core client ordering system relying on a single internet link.

Prior to upgrading the system, the internet link was not vital to the client ordering process.

Once the accounting system was put in place the company wanted to make sure there was no single point of failure.

It didn't want a single hardware device being the potential downfall of the internet for clients. That is why the NetBox with PipePlus was installed on VMware.

"Being a healthcare supplier we rely on the internet for a number of benefits -  accessing freight companies, shipping arrangements and accessing vendors' portals for product information," said Smith.

"We have 300 vendors and need to access a wide range of resources relating to products. The internet service is a very efficient way of being able to access up to date information."

Smith said the internet also allowed customers to access its website and online ordering system.

"The Netbox gives us support around connectivity to online ordering and online access to resources," he said.

"It gives me a high level of confidence around protecting the business from sinister infiltration from viruses and other sinister activity. The security aspect of the Netbox is a major contributor for us as well."