NetClarity is shooting for "world's smallest" distinction with its EasyNAC Micro appliance.

In inches, the device measures 2x4x5 and weighs less than 10 ounces, and it is its dimensions that make it potentially attractive to certain customers.

In small offices where rack space for IT gear is very limited, the Micro could squeeze in without hogging room. The device is essentially designed for offices with fewer than 10 employees.

It checks whether devices are suitable for admission to the network and whether once they are admitted they are behaving properly.

For about $1,000, the Micro supports all the feature of the company’s larger NAC appliances. These include clientless assessment of each device as it tries to join the network, a feature many businesses find attractive because it eliminates adding yet another client to PCs and laptops.

NetClarity’s definition of clientless is a bit different from some other NAC vendors that say they push a lightweight, self-dissolving agent to end machines. No permanent client is installed.

NetClarity doesn’t download anything. Rather it probes each machine, looking for potential vulnerabilities, applications and processes that might represent threats.

A NetClarity NAC server enlists network devices to enforce the policies. This requires no changes to the routers, the company says.

The gear causes minimal disruption, but it’s a bit of a mystery how it works. The company says it is applying for patents on its enforcement technology so doesn’t want to reveal how it works until the patents issue.

In the meantime, customers will have to try it out and use it if they decide it delivers on its promises. (Compare NAC products)

Tim Greene is senior editor at Network World.