Quick Takes update from June 2003

Net Optics 10/100/GigaBit SX Span Port SpyderSwitch
Net Optics is aiming its improved SpyderSwitch at networks moving from 10/100 Ethernet to Gigabit Ethernet. The 10/100/GigaBit SX SpyderSwitch supports both a 10/100 analyzer and a fiber analyzer across any network span port connected to the matrix switch, providing support and security for multitopology networks. Access and administration are via Net Optics' PortRover software, which is Microsoft Windows-compatible. Installation is easy through front-mounted network connectors. LED indicators simplify monitoring tasks. The switch also comes in LX fiber models. Pricing varies with density; contact vendor for details.

Net Optics, (408) 737-7777. www.netoptics.com

Symantec Web Security 3.0

Version 3.0 of Symantec Corp.'s Web Security gateway provides virus protection and Web filtering capabilities for HTTP and FTP traffic, and offers centralized policy management of multiple Web servers. Policies and filtering requirements can be administered not only per Symantec server, but also per user or group as defined in the management interface. Web Security 3.0 uses a proprietary scan-engine technology, Navex, for cross-platform monitoring for malicious code, and includes list-based URL filtering as well as a multilingual, context-sensitive, content-analysis tool in its Dynamic Document Review. Additionally, Symantec's Digital Immune System technology automatically delivers remedies to threatened machines. $14 per node.

Symantec Corp., (800) 441-7234, (541) 335-7000. www.symantec.com

Configuresoft Enterprise Configuration Manager 4.5
Configuresoft has improved its Enterprise Configuration Manager (see our last review of the product). ECM 4.5's Automated Compliance Enforcement eliminates unauthorized changes to configurations by automatically resetting them to the standard config. In addition, the product's Compliance Benchmarking feature provides quality assurance by letting you indicate a distinctly configured machine for comparison. ECM 4.5 can communicate via HTTP, allowing for management of machines across DMZs. Available: June 30. $995 per server; $30 per workstation.

Configuresoft, (719) 447-4600. www.configuresoft.com

Expertcity DesktopStreaming 4.0
Expertcity has expanded the remote employee support in its DesktopStreaming remote assistance service to allow for up to eight simultaneous connections, making administration and training easier. Agents have the power to shut down or restart and reconnect an employee's PC in one session. To improve quality control, Expertcity has added performance measurement and reporting tools, and customer feedback. DesktopStreaming is a scalable, hosted service that requires no installation. Contact vendor for pricing.Expertcity, (800) 549-8541. www.desktopstreaming.com

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