* StillSecure offers Safe Access Lite, a monitor-only version of Safe Access NAC
StillSecure is offering a monitor-only version of its Safe Access NAC software so customers can see whether NAC makes sense for them.
Safe Access Lite assesses endpoints just like the full Safe Access product only it doesn’t enforce access policies. It’s also free.
The offer supports up to 250 endpoints and includes all three endpoint-assessment options: use of a full NAC client, use of a Web-based NAC agent downloaded at the time of access, and assessing the endpoint without any client.
The software assesses endpoints as they try to log in and reports on whether they live up to NAC requirements. If not, network managers can manually enforce the policies or just compile data on compliance rates in preparation for eventual full NAC implementations.
Such monitoring can be useful. For instance, many businesses that have rolled out NAC discovered too late that very few of their endpoints actually met NAC policies. They had to hold back on their rollouts until they could upgrade the endpoints so large numbers of users wouldn’t be denied network access and disrupt business.
Customers can roll out Safe Access Lite without having to face this problem. The software notifies IT managers of devices that don’t comply, but the devices still get network access. If network managers deem it appropriate, they can manually deny access.
Safe Access Lite also gives customers the chance to play with NAC without committing themselves to a purchase. As with any new technology, NAC has a learning curve that can be satisfied at least in part by playing with Lite.
Anyone considering NAC should consider this valuable learning tool. And remember, it’s free.
