Companies are beginning to see the benefits of next-generation firewalls, which could see a boost for IT contractors, according to network provider Data Integration.

New firewalls can identify application-specific cyber threats and combine firewall and intrusion prevention system (IPS) functionality with no loss of performance, according to Jon Murphy, principal consultant at Data Integration.

"We are seeing an increasing number of organisations becoming more aware of what next-generation firewalls can do for them," said Mr Murphy.

These organisations are now looking for experienced IT professionals to guide them through both the set-up and the change in mindset required to make the most of the new systems, Mr Murphy claimed.

His comments came as it was announced that Data Integration has been chosen to update Canterbury Christ Church University's network.

Mr Murphy added that next-generation firewalls would be of particular benefit to university network systems.

Companies are also beginning to see the benefits of storing their data in a virtualised network, according to cloud computing provider ThinkGrid.