In brief: Aventail rolls out SSL VPN package

Aventail last week rolled out an SSL VPN package for Macintosh and Linux platforms. Aventail Connect Tunnel for Mac and Linux gives Macintosh and Linux users two secure, remote access options: Connect Tunnel, a lightweight agent for network application access and workplace access; and clientless browser access for Web applications and file share access. The package supports a range of Macintosh and Linux browsers, including Safari, Firefox, Mozilla and Microsoft Internet Explorer. The full release is scheduled to be available in the second quarter as software upgrades for existing hardware products. A preview release is scheduled to be available later this month. These access options are included in the base license price of the EX-2500 and EX-1500, Aventail’s enterprise-class appliances. For the EX-750, Aventail’s SSL VPN appliance for small and midsize businesses, Connect Tunnel is an add-on starting at $995.

ConSentry announced last week its LAN-access protection appliance works with Cisco and Check Point schemes for scanning computers before they gain access to networks to make sure they are configured to meet security policies. With a new release of Secure LAN Controller software, the ConSentry devices will support Cisco’s Trust Agent, which reads whether PCs are running updated anti-virus software from Network Associates, Symantec and Trend Micro. This is part of Cisco’s Network Admission Control program to limit or deny network access to endpoints that fail corporate configuration standards. For an extra fee, ConSentry’s LANShield 2.0 software will also support Check Point’s Integrity software, which sends a Java agent to remote machines to scan for anti-virus software, critical patches, updated versions of programs and prohibited programs. It can deny access if a PC is found noncompliant. Support for Integrity in LANShield 2.0 costs $3,000 per appliance.

Symantec is moving ahead with plans to bring a database appliance to market after beta testing it with a handful of customers. The unnamed appliance uses the same sniffing engine as Symantec’s Network 7100 Series intrusion-prevention products, and is able to learn the behavior of users and then flag unusual or inappropriate queries. It also has reporting capabilities designed to help companies meet auditing and compliance requirements. With companies facing increasing pressure to provide more detailed information on who has been accessing corporate data, a number of vendors have begun selling similar products, including Imperva and Tizor Systems.