* Check Point preps VPN-1 Edge W
Check Point next week will announce a security appliance for large numbers of remote sites that are part of corporate VPNs.
Called VPN-1 Edge W, the device authenticates users and tunnels traffic from wireless devices within its range as well as devices wired to it via Ethernet ports.
The device supports links to multiple ISPs to support uptime in case one ISP service fails. It also has a high-availabilty port to connect two together for failover.
The device would fit in branch offices where employees come and go with laptops. Because it tunnels traffic between the wireless device and the access point, it overcomes any security concerns raised by using Wi-Fi. The access point supports 802.11 b and g as well as Super-G.
VPN-1 Edge W can be managed centrally, making it possible to deploy large numbers of them without having to send IT staff to each site.
The company is also announcing an upgrade to its Express line of software for midsized businesses by adding anti-virus software to the package. Check Point Express already included firewall, VPN and intrusion prevention, and could be managed via its SmartCenter software.
The software bundle was designed to be simple to install and priced so businesses with 100 to 500 employees can afford it, and that was achieved by stripping out some features that come with a full, enterprise version of its software.
Check Point has not made a formal announcement of these new products so pricing was unavailable.
