Communications News articles from March 2004

Communications News archives from March 2004

Who knew?(Editor's Note)
March 1, 2004... Athought-provoking and well-written series of articles recently appeared in another tech publication, one of those "here's what you can expect in the future" types of coverage. The erudite writers even sent me leafing through my dictionary to...

Voice over IP gaining steam.(Trends)
March 1, 2004... Small and midsize businesses are prepared to invest in converged voice and data networking solutions that will allow them to reduce communications costs, boost employee productivity and adapt to changing business conditions. That is one of the...

Apps at risk.(Trends)
March 1, 2004... According to a four-year study by Web-Cohort, 92% of Web applications are vulnerable to some form of hacker attacks, WebCohort tested more than 250 Web applications, including e-commerce, online banking, enterprise collaboration and supply...

Pay attention to the cabling.(Trends)
March 1, 2004... When deciding on the installation of new IT systems, usually the hardware and software attract the most attention. Yet, the successful performance of the network relies much more heavily on an element that is often given a back-seat role--the...

What spam law?(Trends)
March 1, 2004... Over the first 30 days of 2004, on average only 3% of a sample of unsolicited commercial e-mail complied with a new federal antispam law--the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act (CAN-SPAM), according to an...

Events.(Trends)(Brief Article)(Calendar)
March 1, 2004... [check] InfoSec World Conference end ITS Expo, March 22-24. Orlando, features keynote addresses and learning sessions for real-world strategies and cutting-edge techniques needed to secure critical date, reduce risk and strengthen systems,...

A common dilemma: Indiana's state government and educational system find the answer to their network security needs, facilitating the use of high-speed video, voice and data services for thousands of users.
March 1, 2004... The Indiana Telecommunications Network (ITN), managed and operated by the Indiana Higher Education Telecommunications System (IHETS), faces a common dilemma: how to provide first-rate net-world security services to a growing number of clients,...

Traffic control: remote monitoring and management of enterprise LANs and WANs have become priority considerations for most network managers--one whose solutions can reap significant cost savings and productivity benefits.(Special focus: testing & monitoring)
March 1, 2004... A year ago, Barton Malow was being buried under the process of managing 65 Windows servers and 1,300 PCs. With the proliferation of Internet viruses and worms; ensuring up-to-date software patch levels was becoming an insurmountable task. ...

Integrity control takes stage.(Special focus: testing & monitoring)
March 1, 2004... Limited resources, high rates of configuration change, growing system diversity and increasing security risks have made the challenge of managing large numbers of distributed computers a difficult IT scenario. One technology-called integrity...

Going offshore? Test your apps.(Special focus: testing & monitoring)
March 1, 2004... If you are a network manager whose company is making a move offshore, beware. Offshore staffs cannot get their work done if their core business applications do not work well over WAN links. Poor performance and intermittent downtime can quickly...

Too much traffic in the kitchen.(Special focus: testing & monitoring)
March 1, 2004... In working with various routers across the network, the Jack in the Box restaurant chain faced many challenges while monitoring different types of traffic passed from site to site. For example, a WAN network deals with potentially lower speeds...

Product Guide.(Enterprise Network Testing)(Buyers Guide)
March 1, 2004... The first portion of this Enterprise Network Testing Buyers Guide, the Product Guide, lists the various products in this category, and the companies that make those products. The second section, the Company Guide, provides phone and fax...

Hand-held network analysis.(New products)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The FrameScope 350 hand-held cable network performance analyzer allows network managers to use enhanced autocancellation technology and RFC-2544 testing to certify CAT 6 cable, and verify throughput and latency across a network. The unit's...

Cable testing.(New products)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The LinkMaster PRO XL LAN and voice cable tester provides the ability to map, test and troubleshoot cable and coax runs, including the capability to blink hubs to assure connected configurations on active networks. In addition, the device...

Web site testing.(New products)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... StressTest-Express is an intuitive load-testing tool that analyzes the scalability, reliability and performance of Web applications. The solution is designed to ensure a low-risk approach to building dynamic Web sites and establishing...

Digital cable tools.(New products)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The IntelliTone Toner and Probe uses digital signal-locating technology to defeat bleed to quickly isolate a cable in a bundle. The unit rejects noise and false signals to locate a cable despite network termination or environmental conditions,...

Optical bandwidth tester.(New products)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Used to verify the performance of multimode fibers for gigabit networks, the OBW-2 fiber-optic bandwidth tester can test legacy fibers and laser-rated fibers to determine their suitability for high-speed networks, including Gigabit Ethernet,...

Dynamic cable tester.(New products)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The Test-All IV Networker is a hand-held network testing tool that combines the capabilities of a cable tester and length-measurement device with the capability to monitor and correct network problems connected to the physical layer and link...

Improve your VoIP deployment: not all LANs are ready for voice over IP. In this report about the converging of voice and data, two experts outline the steps and tools necessary to successfully deploy voice over IP onto an enterprise's existing network.(Voice Networks)
March 1, 2004... Implementing voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) can have a substantial, positive impact on an enterprise. Cost savings from IT staff efficiencies, reduction of international toll charges, workforce mobility and productivity-enhancing...

The five key questions you should ask before deploying VoIP.
March 1, 2004... Are you considering implementing a voice over IP (VoIP) network in your enterprise? Or have you already implemented VoIP and are not happy with the quality you are experiencing? Estimates indicate that as many as 85% or more of today's router...

Maximize data center cooling: enclosure blower brings high-temperature server environment down a notch.(Infrastructure)
March 1, 2004... When overheating in existing cabinets became a concern for Bend, Ore.-based Advanced Power Technology (APT), the company was forced to find alternate cooling sources to lower critical server temperatures. "We sought a cabinet solution that...

Cable management "pallet-able".(Infrastructure)
March 1, 2004... Managing the daily movement of more than 200 million pallets and containers from a global network of more than 400 service centers in 38 countries--and 100,000 customers worldwide--can be a challenging IT undertaking. That task led CHEP, a...

Structured rack system.(Cable-management products)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The iFRAME Network Hardware Management System is a comprehensive foundation for switches, servers, patch panels and cable. The system saves valuable data center floor space, increases rack space by more than 10% and has one-fifth the parts of a...

Meet firewall codes.(Cable-management products)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The Split Sleeve System is a UL-classified retrofit solution designed for cables that have already been installed without a sleeve and are in violation of the firewall. Installers do not have to pull cable back out of the walls after failing an...

Cable support tray.(Cable-management products)
March 1, 2004... The J-Tray System allows for easy manipulation of cable in and out of the support system, including convenient side loading of cable. The stiff fish-bone design can be installed as a cable tray or small sections can be cut off to create...

Cable support system.(Cable-management products)
March 1, 2004... Cable-Mgr is a cable-tray system that requires no field fabrication. Designed for ceiling, wall or raised-floor installations, the system features raceways and pre-fabricated multidirectional junctions/intersections. The system builds with a...

Penetrate fire-rated walls.(Cable-management products)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... For new or existing cable applications, EZ-Path is an easy-to-install solution for penetrating fire-rated walls. The all-in-one design installs in minutes, allows for easy cable changes and is resistant to fire, whether it is empty or 100%...

Enhanced UTP cable.(Cable-management products)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Secura cables feature enhanced CAT 6 transmission performance, operation over 100m in horizontal applications and a 22-AWG twisted-pair construction. The cable is also designed to support the power, control and video requirements of today's...

Web site hits grand slam: MLB.com delivers play-by-play action to millions of multimedia-hungry baseball fans.(Internet/WAN)
March 1, 2004... At MLB.com, live video and audio of postseason games are streamed at virtually broadcast quality. Flash-based "Game Day" scorecards, with pitch-by-pitch action, are delivered in real-time directly from the laptops of "stringers" at the...

Troubleshooting made easier: network management/monitoring appliance delivers real-time data about performance.(Internet/WAN)
March 1, 2004... Network performance and utilization are critical issues for CDC IXIS, an international bank headquartered in France. The company's North American office in New York oversees the bank's expansion into the American market, with its New York data...

Should you outsource network services? Five indicators can help decide whether network operations are a candidate for outsourcing.(Internet/WAN)
March 1, 2004... Too often, attitudes toward network operations are similar to those about personal health. In both cases, the indicators that there is a need for outside help are ignored--until some catastrophic event motivates a change in attitude. With...

Management platform.(Network security)
March 1, 2004... SSH Tectia Manager is a security-management platform designed for the centralized deployment, configuration and monitoring of managed security middleware in large enterprise environments. The solution provides centralized deployment and...

Prevent virus infections.(Network security)
March 1, 2004... The SecureSmart CleanMachines virus-and-worm prevention system prevents the spread of viruses from mobile devices that log onto multiple networks by intelligently blocking vulnerable machines from accessing the network until they are verified...

RADIUS server.(Network security)
March 1, 2004... ClearBox RADIUS Server 2.1 provides a standard, interoperable way to secure networks against unauthorized access. Enterprises can store and manage security information at a single host. Built-in multiple-realms support allows network engineers...

SSL VPN appliance.(Network security)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Developed for midsize organizations and branch offices of large enterprises seeking to reduce costs associated with using a managed VPN service or running an in-house IPSec VPN, the NetSwift iGate Pro delivers full SSL VPN security for...

Application layer security.(Network security)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The Firebox X line of integrated security appliances for small to midsize enterprises combines firewall, VPN, application-layer security, intrusion-prevention functionality, spam blocking, Web filtering and authentication in a single appliance....

VPN gateway.(Network security)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The VPN Gateway 3050 is a remote-access security solution that extends the reach of enterprise applications and resources to remote users. The gateway performs an-the-fly content transformation to convert most intranet resources into externally...

Enhanced VPN solution.(Network security)
March 1, 2004... The release of Array SP 6.1 allows enterprises to create a unified secure global access infrastructure that offers both internal and remote access through one platform. Release 6.1 also adds streamlined policy management, advanced compression...

Secure remote access.(Network security)(VPN Gateway 4400 Series)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The Clientless VPN Gateway 4400 Series appliance is an application-level reverse proxy that provides customers easy-to-manage, secure remote access to corporate networks. The solution reduces the cost of providing remote access by eliminating...

High-performance security.(Network security)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The Attack Mitigator IPS 5500 is a high-performance in-line security device that delivers non-stop protection against both network and application-lever cyber threats. Through deep-packet inspection technology, the platform prevents undesired...

Adaptive security system.(Network security)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The ipEnforcer 3400 is an enterprise-class system designed to vide high-performance throughput, combined with adaptive network protection to block threats and attacks. The product provides correlated security services, including VPN, stateful...

PCI-based security.(Network security)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The SnapGear PC1635 is an embedded firewall network card that fits into standard peripheral slots in PC desktops and servers. The card enables workgroups to deploy advanced network-security functions, such as VPN, firewall and intrusion...

Optical transmission.(Network security)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The 9771 Four-Port 10/100 Mbps Ethernet Switch/Transmission Card provides a point-to-point 10/100 Ethernet optical link with a built-in four-port switch at either end. Also available is an eight-port version that can be daisy-chained to create...

Remote PC connectivity.(Network security)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The #2171 USB to Fiber-Optic Bit-Driver has four USB ports that allow peripherals, such as scanners, printers, cameras and storage devices, to be connected to a remotely located computer. No software or setup is required to establish a...

Secure file sharing.(Network security)(CryptoHeaven v2.3)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Targeted at small and midsize businesses, CryptoHeaven v2.3 is a secure online collaboration service that provides secure e-mail, secure instant messaging, secure online storage and secure file sharing. Sensitive information and documents of...

SLA verification.(Network security)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... AppareNet Version 2.0 Proactive is a distributed multi-user system for proactive and rapid reaction management of network infrastructure. It provides enterprises with continuous end-to-end diagnostics of their networks, including WANs and...

Handheld labeling.(Network security)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... With an easy grip, rubber impact guards and rugged carrying case, the PT-1600 is designed for everyday use in the field for labeling telecom, datacom or electrical equipment and asset management. The unit features rotated text, easy-swap tape...

Remote application console.(Network security)(Remote Console Server 3.0)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Providing remote access to console and DOS legacy applications, Remote Console Server 3.0 is an advanced remote-access server that runs as a regular network service for Windows NT/ 2000/XP. The solution dynamically displays a console panel (up...

Storage services controller.(Network security)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The CoreSTOR 3000 adaptive storage-services platform delivers low-latency, high-speed I/O performance through each of the port-based storage-processing engines. The storage-services solution provides mirroring and replication across...

Centralized storage management.(Network security)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The MirrorStore replication appliance for local and remote data replication and mirroring is designed for seamless integration in heterogeneous environments. The solution offers continuous 24x7 business operations and minimal downtime via local...

Gigabit switches.(Network security)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The PowerConnect 6024 and 6024F offer 24 ports of Gigabit Ethernet in copper and fiber configurations, respectively, including eight ports of combined copper/fiber connectivity. They support a comprehensive routing-protocol set and come...

Maximize the power of fax: how organizations can benefit from a native .NET browser-based solution.(Guest Column)(.NET-based applications )
March 1, 2004... When Microsoft unveiled its .NET platform a few years back, there were naysayers who doubted its viability. Today, .NET-based applications are enabling IT departments to easily integrate disparate applications, reduce turnaround time and...