TippingPoint Technologies was an American computer hardware and software company active between 1999 and 2015. Its focus was on network security products, particularly intrusion prevention systems for networks. In 2015, it was acquired by Trend Micro.
History
The company was founded in January 1999 under the name Shbang! in Texas.[1] Its co-founders were John F. McHale, Kent A. Savage (first chief executive), and Kenneth A. Kalinoski. Its business was to develop and sell Internet appliances.[2]
In May 1999, the company changed its name to Netpliance and in November they released the i-Opener, a low-cost computer intended for browsing the World Wide Web. The hardware was sold at a loss, and costs were recouped through a subscription service plan. When the device was found to be easily modded to avoid the service plan, Netpliance changed the terms of sale to charge a termination fee. In 2001, the Federal Trade Commission fined the company $100,000 for inaccurate advertising and unfair billing of customers.[3]