Here comes the SSL-VPN Mini Me.
Today, Aventail Corp. took the wraps off its new EX-750 device, a miniature version of its EX-1500 box (see Aventail Unveils Latest SSL VPN ), as equipment vendors in the Secure Sockets Layer Virtual Private Network (SSL VPN) market move to scaled-down products to attack the small and medium-sized business (SMB) market.
SSL VPNs are an ideal technology for smaller firms and remote offices because they enable secure access to corporate networks from virtually any Web browser, on any device, anywhere. But because many small firms don't want to pay for the giant firepower of existing boxes, equipment vendors are launching smaller versions.
According to Aventail, the EX-750 supports up to 50 concurrent users, compared to the EX-1500, which is aimed at up to 1,000 users. The other major difference with the EX-1500 is size -- both are 1U devices, but the EX-750 has a smaller form-factor.
There are no independent testing figures available for the EX-750, although the EX-1500 distinguished itself in Light Readings test of SSL VPN gateways, rating highest for its range of configuration options. The test found that the EX-1500 can support 1,195 users at any given time, which is even more than Aventails own figures (see SSL VPNs: Access Anywhere, Anytime ).
