SAN DIEGO, July 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Websense, Inc. , a global leader in web security and web filtering productivity software, today announced it has attained Gold Certified Partner status in the Microsoft Partner Program with a competency in Security Solutions. This certification recognizes Websense's expertise and impact in the security software marketplace.

As a Gold Certified Partner, Websense has demonstrated expertise with Microsoft technologies and proven ability to meet customers' needs. This recognition brings enhanced access to Microsoft resources, training and support. As a result, Websense is in a stronger position to serve its channel partners and customers.

For example, using resources like Microsoft's Partner Channel Builder, a networking and resource-sharing community that connects Microsoft business partners, Websense and other Microsoft business partners can collaborate to deliver unique security solutions to customers.

Microsoft's Security Solutions Competency recognizes the unique skills and requirements of partners specializing in delivering security solutions. Microsoft Gold Certified Partners enrolled in this competency have proved their skill in advanced security solutions to help protect customer information assets.

"We are pleased to have attained this status in the Microsoft Partner program," said Steve Kelley, director of Strategic Alliances at Websense. "The benefits provided through our Gold Certified Partner status allow us to work more closely with Microsoft and its security channel partners to deliver integrated security solutions to our customers."

Websense has been working with Microsoft since 1998 to offer customers higher levels of protection against new and emerging web security threats. Websense solutions run on Microsoft Windows Server platforms, integrate with Microsoft ISA Server and Microsoft Desktop Firewall, and support Microsoft SQL Server as well as Microsoft Active Directory. This tight integration makes Websense solutions particularly suitable for customers with Microsoft environments, while at the same time making it easier for Microsoft's Security Channel Partners to deliver a unified solution.

Microsoft is a founding member of the Websense Web Security Ecosystem, a comprehensive consortium of world-class security and networking technology providers enabling easy deployment and integration of Websense solutions.

"Security is a priority for Microsoft, and we rely on partners like Websense to help us deliver security-based solutions to our customers," said Thomas Dawkins, Group Product Manager of security partner strategy at Microsoft Corp. "As the partnership develops, customers will see incremental value in working with both companies to secure their IT infrastructure. We are excited to see Websense as a strategic part of our security partner ecosystem."

For a free 30-day evaluation of Websense software or for more information on protecting your organization from a wide range of threats including spyware, virus outbreaks and internal hacking, please visit http://www.websense.com/. Websense Security Labs(TM) offers free email security updates as new internet threats are discovered and is available at http://www.websensesecuritylabs.com/.

Microsoft security channel partners interested in reselling Websense solutions or learning more about the Websense channel program should contact partner@websense.com.

About Websense, Inc.

Websense, Inc. , a global leader in web security and web filtering software, is trusted to protect 24 million employees worldwide. Websense proactively discovers and immediately protects customers against web-based threats such as spyware, phishing attacks, viruses and crimeware with maximum protection and minimal effort. With diverse partnerships and integrations, Websense enhances our customers' network and security environments. For more information, visit http://www.websense.com/.

Websense and Websense Enterprise are registered trademarks of Websense, Inc. in the United States and certain international markets. Websense has numerous other unregistered trademarks in the United States and internationally. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

MEDIA CONTACT: Eric Polyn Websense, Inc. 858 320 9280 epolyn@websense.com

CONTACT: Eric Polyn of Websense, Inc., +1-858-320-9280,
epolyn@websense.com

Web site: http://www.websense.com/
/Web site: http://www.websensesecuritylabs.com/