NETWORK WORLD NEWSLETTER: STEVE TAYLOR AND JOANIE WEXLER ON WIDE AREA NETWORKING 11/16/04 Today's focus: The pros and cons of SSL
Dear [EMAIL PROTECTED], In this issue: * SSL falls short for non-Web, real-time apps * Links related to Wide Area Networking * Featured reader resource _______________________________________________________________ This newsletter is sponsored by Nortel Networks New LANs, new demands: is yours ready? Today, converged applications are putting demands on bandwidth and network intelligence that older LAN switches weren't designed to address. Depending on your current LAN solution, your network may be unable to handle new, converged applications in the future. Go to http://www.fattail.com/redir/redirect.asp?CID=87843 and take this quick LAN readiness evaluation to see if you're prepared. _______________________________________________________________ IT SECURITY JOBS TO EXPLODE With an annual compound rate of nearly 14% from now until 2008, information security jobs are far outpacing IT jobs in general. For more results from this recent survey conducted by IDC of full-time security pros in 80 counties worldwide, click here: http://www.fattail.com/redir/redirect.asp?CID=88280 _______________________________________________________________ Today's focus: The pros and cons of SSL By Steve Taylor and Joanie Wexler In the last newsletter, we examined IPSec, which has become the de facto protocol for providing security on Internet-based VPNs. We pointed out that while it works great for transparently connecting two networks across the Internet, there are some rather significant issues that arise for widespread remote worker access. Enter the SSL alternative. SSL, in its traditional form, is designed to encrypt browser-based traffic without making any requirements on the network infrastructure. With authentication and encryption options that are essentially equivalent to IPSec, there is little difference in the inherent strength of the security in the two protocols. Further, since SSL looks like any other browser traffic, it allows access to SSL-enabled applications for secure access from virtually any location - including partner or customer sites (which is problematic with IPSec) and public Internet access locations. And as far as the client side is concerned, most browsers support SSL, so implementation from the client side is quite simple. The problem with SSL is that, by its very nature, it's designed for Web-based applications. Consequently, in order to use SSL in a corporate environment, the application must be "Webified." Sometimes this means rewriting a homegrown application. Or it might mean buying an additional module from the vendor of your major corporate application. But perhaps the most significant drawback to SSL from a technical perspective is the fact that it assumes that the traffic will be TCP traffic. SSL was not designed with real-time applications in mind, such as VoIP, which depends on UDP for performance. Consequently, if you are supporting a Web-based application that has a VoIP interface, you could be faced with running both SSL and IPSec for that single application. Next time, we'll tell you about one company's approach to the IPSec/SSL dilemma. RELATED EDITORIAL LINKS Network Security Basics http://www.webtorials.com/abstracts/BackGroundersPaper3.htm VPN Decision Guide: IPSec or SSL VPN Decision Criteria http://www.webtorials.com/abstracts/Juniper16.htm SSL making strides against IPSec VPNs Network World, 07/26/04 http://www.nwfusion.com/news/2004/072604ssl.html Equant offers hybrid VPN service Network World ISP News Report Newsletter, 10/25/04 http://www.nwfusion.com/newsletters/isp/2004/1025isp1.html The Extended Enterprise Issue Network World, 11/15/04 http://www.nwfusion.com/ee/2004/ _______________________________________________________________ To contact: Steve Taylor and Joanie Wexler Steve Taylor is President of Distributed Networking Associates and Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Webtorials.Com. For more detailed information on most of the topics discussed in this newsletter, connect to Webtorials.Com <http://www.webtorials.com/>, the first Web site dedicated exclusively to market studies and technology tutorials in the Broadband Packet areas of Frame Relay, ATM, and IP. He can be reached at <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Joanie Wexler is an independent networking technology writer/editor in California's Silicon Valley who has spent most of her career analyzing trends and news in the computer networking industry. She welcomes your comments on the articles published in this newsletter, as well as your ideas for future article topics. Reach her at <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>. _______________________________________________________________ This newsletter is sponsored by Intel IT Productivity; Increasing ROI Learn how to effectively measure employee productivity, manage IT investments and reduce the Total Cost of Ownership in enterprise data management. Visit Intel's IT Productivity center. Click here to download white papers, books and IDC Research. http://www.fattail.com/redir/redirect.asp?CID=88365 _______________________________________________________________ ARCHIVE LINKS Archive of the WAN newsletter: http://www.nwfusion.com/newsletters/frame/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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