Sterling rebuilds firewall
The company ships its latest Connect:Firewall with additional reporting software, layers of encryption, and support for virtual private networks.
Connect:Firewall was originally an application gateway, according to Sterling cryptographic architect Greg Shanton, but it is being revamped with layered encryption. The new encryption features now allow users to build virtual private networks that work over public data lines. Sterling has also added packet filtering and network address translation, which lets companies hide internal IP addresses from the outside world.
Connect:Firewall uses the recently acquired Connect:Conceal cryptographic software that employs "role-based" access control. Based on profile or job title, an end user can set parameters for access to his or her files. The end user's settings can be filtered or overridden by a network administrator.
The new release also doubles the number of proxies available to eight and integrates Telemate.Net reporting software from Telemate to give administrators more information about the traffic moving across the firewall.
Connect:Firewall uses 56-bit DES encryption algorithms, the highest allowed for export by the U.S. Commerce Department. Domestic customers can upgrade the product to higher strengths at no extra charge, the company said.
Connect:Firewall runs on Unix and NT servers. Prices start at $4,500 for up to 50 users, $9,000 for 51 to 200 users, and $15,000 for anything over 200 users.