These locations can include the network perimeter, between segments or in a data center to better lock down networks and cut off outbreaks of malware, the company says.

The modules are managed by ProCurve Manager Plus, streamlining the management of network security by using the same console that is used for managing the switches. In addition, the modules plug into the switches, reducing the number of boxes deployed in equipment closets, HP ProCurve says.

This is just the first entry for HP ProCurve into security and will be followed up by more offerings, says Mauricio Sanchez, chief security architect for ProCurve Networking. He wouldn't say what those offerings will be or when they will be available.

This addition to the switch line is another step in the battle between Cisco and HP for presence in corporate data centers, says John Kindervag, an analyst with Forrester Research. its intent to sell blade servers that can be used to support virtual environments within data centers, challenging more traditional data-center server vendors such as IBM, Dell and, most relevant here, HP, he says.

EDS, an HP services company, has an alliance to sell Cisco gear into its customer accounts, and that could be challenged by this HP ProCurve offering, says Kidervag. "They can tie this in with EDS and their own EDS data centers," he says. "The EDS name pushes a lot of gear."