NextHop and Check Point Software Announce Strategic Relationship for Secure Dynamic Routing Solutions

Routing Technology Coupled with Revolutionary Perimeter Security Enables Maximum Network Performance and Reliability

MOUNTAIN VIEW and REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – May 16, 2005 – NextHop Technologies® Inc., the definitive source for networking software solutions, today announced that Check Point® Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHKP), the worldwide leader in securing the Internet, has licensed NextHop GateD“ routing software. Coupling intelligent routing technology with the market-leading perimeter security solutions enables customers to maximize network availability and increase overall security.

NextHop GateD dynamic routing features are available with Check Point’s perimeter security solutions deployed on Check Point SecurePlatform™ Pro, a custom-built hardened operating system that quickly and easily deploys market-leading security on many Intel and AMD-based PCs and servers.

“Dynamic routing is a very important component of any secure network solution, and we’re pleased that Check Point has selected NextHop to provide this set of capabilities to its customers,” said Dennis Tsu, vice president of marketing, NextHop Technologies. “The scalability, reliability, performance, and security of our NextHop GateD software will complement the Check Point perimeter security solutions. We look forward to working with Check Point to drive the integration of security and routing functionality for safer, more secure networks.”

“We are pleased to partner with NextHop to address customer needs for providing security and reliability for increasingly complex networks,” said Gonen Fink, vice president of Solutions and Strategy, Check Point Software. “By adding the dynamic routing capabilities of Next Hop’s GateD software across the Check Point’s perimeter security solutions, we are enabling customers to manage their network from a single enforcement point, choosing the optimum traffic routes while easing both management and reliability.”

Check Point and NextHop are working together to provide unparalleled security for increasingly complex networks with the following features:

* Maximized Network Availability - By adding GateD secure dynamic routing capabilities into Check Point’s VPN technology, customers will be able to use intelligent routing technology and dynamic, multipoint VPN to increase network availability and security.
* Unmatched Security for Emerging Applications – Dynamic routing to and between multiple redundant firewalls provides an added layer of security and reliability. This is especially beneficial for networks managing multicast protocols supporting applications, such as stock ticker tape or video feeds.
* Scalability for Virtualized Networks - Check Point has licensed NextHop’s Virtual Router Environment (VRE) which corresponds with Check Point’s VSX™ to allow large enterprises or data centers to run hundreds of synchronized pairs of virtual firewalls and routers in one system.
* Reliability for Business Continuity - NextHop’s Forwarding Table Synchronization (FTS) Manager works in conjunction with Check Point’s Cluster XL™ solution to provide load balancing and fail-over solutions for the dynamic routing and security software within a network.

Availability
Check Point SecurePlatform Pro runs the GateD Enterprise software and is available now as part of the NGX™ platform perimeter security solutions. Check Point NGX, the latest version of the Check Point VPN, firewall and management solutions, enables enterprises of all sizes to reduce the cost and complexity of security management and ensure that their security systems can be easily extended, adapting to new and evolving threats. Please see related press release: http://www.checkpoint.com/press/2005/ngx051605.html. It can be installed by Check Point customers who want to add dynamic routing capabilities to an existing security device.

About Check Point Software
Check Point Software Technologies (www.checkpoint.com) is the worldwide leader in securing the Internet. It is the confirmed market leader of both the worldwide VPN and firewall markets. Through its Next Generation product line, the company delivers a broad range of intelligent Perimeter, Internal and Web security solutions that protect business communications and resources for corporate networks and applications, remote employees, branch offices and partner extranets. The company’s Zone Labs (www.zonelabs.com) division is one of the most trusted brands in Internet security, creating award-winning endpoint security solutions that protect millions of PCs from hackers, spyware and data theft. Extending the power of the Check Point solution is its Open Platform for Security (OPSEC), the industry's framework and alliance for integration and interoperability with "best-of-breed" solutions from over 350 leading companies. Check Point solutions are sold, integrated and serviced by a network of more than 2,300 Check Point partners in 92 countries.

About NextHop Technologies
NextHop Technologies® Inc. is the definitive source for networking software solutions. NextHop partners with its customers and the industry to empower innovation in networking. The NextHop Dynamic Network Architecture (DNA) provides a framework for integrating NextHop’s products and software components from NextHop’s partners to provide complete software solutions. NextHop's flagship product, GateD®, provides a scalable and manageable solution for routing, MPLS, and LAN switching. NextHop’s new WLAN software products, WCS and WAPS, provide a similar solution for wireless LANS. Both GateD and NextHop wireless software solutions are safe and reliable products that reduce time to market while minimizing development, testing and support costs. Founded in 2000 and funded by New Enterprise Associates, Labrador Ventures, Parker Price Venture Capital, and Duchossois Technology Partners, NextHop is based in Mountain View, Calif.