InfoExpress has new software to help keep in line remote access VPN users who are too smart for your own good. CyberGatekeeper can force remote PCs to have their firewalls booted up and properly configured, have intrusion-detection software running and anti-virus software active. If the PCs don’t comply, no access. This can protect corporate networks from remote users who turn off security software because it saps their CPU performance. Their unprotected PCs connected to the corporate VPN expose the network to attacks over the Internet, especially when those PCs have dedicated links to the Internet through DSL or a cable modem. The software runs on a Pentium-class PC and sits at corporate sites between the VPN gateway and the corporate network. A smaller piece of software called the configuration agent runs on the remote PC. The product will be available in the first quarter of 2001. Pricing has not been set.
Netformx Ltd. Has released a new version of its network design tool. The highlight of Netformx Version 3.7 is a graphical configuration tool that allows for drag-and-drop network configurations, the company says. The new configuration tool, part of the DesignXpert portion of the Netformx suite, can be used to narrow the choice of routers, for example, that will work well in a customer’s particular network. The tool taps into a Netformx knowledge base of vendors and equipment, and can call up a picture and prices for the devices a company might be interested in installing. Netformx says its software will prompt net administrators with information at every stage of design. Netformx runs on Windows 95, 98, NT and 2000. Version 3.7 is available now for US$5,000, including the Netformx Update Service. For customers not buying the whole Netformx suite, the Update Service is available for an annual subscription fee of US$1,000. Existing Netformx customers with Update Service receive a Version 3.7 upgrade at no charge.