Worldwide network security appliance and software revenue climbed 2% to $1.2 billion between 4Q05 and 1Q06, and is forecast to reach $6 billion in 2009, according to Infonetics Research’s Network Security Appliances and Software report. “VPN/firewall functionality — the core of most integrated security appliance products — is truly reaching the commodity stage,” said Jeff Wilson, principal analyst at Infonetics Research.