NETWORK WORLD NEWSLETTER: NEAL WEINBERG ON PRODUCT REVIEWS 11/04/04 Today's focus: Nortel Contivity
Dear [EMAIL PROTECTED], In this issue: * A look at the new SSL VPN Module 1000 that slides into ��Nortel's Contivity IPSec VPN boxes * Links related to Product Reviews * Featured reader resource _______________________________________________________________ This newsletter is sponsored by SBC Gimme Shelter! Converged Services Spell Relief For Beleaguered Network Managers Switched IP networks are rapidly becoming the corporate communications architecture of choice. By converging voice, data and video onto IP telephony platforms and Virtual Private Networks, enterprises can supply bandwidth when and where end users need it, while significantly lowering administrative and equipment costs. Click here to download this Whitepaper now http://www.fattail.com/redir/redirect.asp?CID=85983 _______________________________________________________________ NW TECHNOLOGY INSIDER: STORAGE ILM With real benefits in terms of saving money and making business run more smoothly, information lifecycle management deserves a closer look. In this in-depth technology review, we profile users who are on the cutting edge of ILM and describe how ILM can be one of the building blocks of the new data center. Click here: http://www.fattail.com/redir/redirect.asp?CID=86189 _______________________________________________________________ Today's focus: Nortel Contivity By Neal Weinberg Your end users may like the new SSL VPN Module 1000 that slides into Nortel's Contivity IPSec VPN boxes because it provides easily navigable remote access to a wide group of LAN-based applications at decent speeds. However, be aware of both the lagging management interface and lack of fine-grained access control and end-point security features. The SSL VPN Module 1000 blade - which started shipping last month - plugs into Contivity 1740, 2700 or 5000 v5.0 systems and comprises a dedicated co-processor running Alteon's tried-and-true SSL accelerator code v4.2 and a configuration and management system. On the plus side, the blade performs pretty well, Nortel's portal page is easy to use and navigate, and the SSL VPN code works just fine with a range of applications including Exchange's Outlook Web Access, Javascript programs, and HTML, FTP and CIFS servers. Nortel's SSL VPN implementation offers some rich application translation and proxy features. For example, this blade automatically detects and fills out form-based authentication processes on Web pages the way most browsers do. However, this single sign-on implementation only works if your username and password are the same for the SSL VPN device as for every other Web site. If you use any kind of one-time password mechanism for your SSL VPN, this feature won't work. The SSL VPN is managed with a different client than its IPSec counterpart. Access control defined on one side must be replicated using the other GUI. The SSL GUI is positively unfriendly. More troubling is the lack of fine-grained access controls in the SSL VPN. For example, while you can distinguish between things like source IP address and authentication method, you can't give users different access based on filename, time-of-day, browser, or SSL security level. Nortel's own TunnelGuard, an end-point security checking and verification tool, has been in the IPSec Contivity box for years, but is not included in either the browser-based or client-based SSL VPN side. Nortel officials say it will be added later this year. For the full report, go to <http://www.nwfusion.com/reviews/2004/1011rev.html> RELATED EDITORIAL LINKS Nortel announces boost to IP VPN offerings IDG News Service, 06/18/03 http://www.nwfusion.com/edge/news/2003/0618norteannou.html Cisco, Nortel to embrace SSL-based VPNs Network World, 11/10/03 http://www.nwfusion.com/news/2003/1110ciscossl.html _______________________________________________________________ To contact: Neal Weinberg Neal Weinberg is features editor at Network World, in charge of product reviews, Buyer's Guides, technology primers, how-tos, issue-oriented feature stories and the Technology Insider series. You can reach him at <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>. _______________________________________________________________ This newsletter is sponsored by SBC Gimme Shelter! Converged Services Spell Relief For Beleaguered Network Managers Switched IP networks are rapidly becoming the corporate communications architecture of choice. By converging voice, data and video onto IP telephony platforms and Virtual Private Networks, enterprises can supply bandwidth when and where end users need it, while significantly lowering administrative and equipment costs. Click here to download this Whitepaper now http://www.fattail.com/redir/redirect.asp?CID=85982 _______________________________________________________________ ARCHIVE LINKS Reviews archive: http://www.nwfusion.com/reviews/index.html _______________________________________________________________ FEATURED READER RESOURCE NEW! Website dedicated to Networking for Small Business now available The editors of NW Fusion and PC World have combined all their expert advice, authority, and know-how into a powerful new tool for small businesses, the new Networking for Small Business website. Get news, how-to's, product reviews, and expert advice specifically tailored to your small business needs. Find help with Security, Broadband, Networking, Hardware, Software, and Wireless & Mobile technology at: <http://www.networkingsmallbusiness.com/> _______________________________________________________________ May We Send You a Free Print Subscription? You've got the technology snapshot of your choice delivered at your fingertips each day. Now, extend your knowledge by receiving 51 FREE issues to our print publication. Apply today at http://www.subscribenw.com/nl2 International subscribers click here: http://nww1.com/go/circ_promo.html _______________________________________________________________ SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES To subscribe or unsubscribe to any Network World e-mail newsletters, go to: <http://www.nwwsubscribe.com/Changes.aspx> To unsubscribe from promotional e-mail go to: <http://www.nwwsubscribe.com/Preferences.aspx> To change your e-mail address, go to: <http://www.nwwsubscribe.com/ChangeMail.aspx> Subscription questions? 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