Availl is unveiling Version 3.0 of its continuous data-protection software for Windows servers. Availl Backup now includes the capability to back up databases and files on the network. The software can enable the failback of servers to any time and allows continuous backup of data on local and remote servers. It transfers only byte-level differences and compresses data.

Version 3.0 starts at $995 per server.

SenSage has announced a new version of its secure data-retention software designed to help customers overcome management obstacles and streamline compliance and monitoring processes.

SenSage 3.5 includes a new integrated management console, extended clustering and high-availability capabilities, plus enhanced reporting and analytics. SenSage aggregates, retains and analyzes activity logs for applications running on the network so users can identify threats to regulatory compliance and internal or external threats.

The software runs on a Red Hat Linux server. SenSage 3.5 starts at $70,000.

Microsoft last week made available what could be the final beta of Windows Server 2003 Release 2, which is slated to ship by year-end. Server operating-system release candidates are typically final betas before general availability. This beta was made available for download from Microsoft's Web site..

Key to Release 2 is an identity technology called Active Directory Federation Services. One of the final pieces of Microsoft's identity-management platform, ADFS also represents the company's first implementation of the WS-Federation protocol that it developed with IBM. Microsoft has positioned WS-Federation as the linchpin for integrating security infrastructures among companies.