FaceTime Communications, a maker of network security appliances, announced the USG (Unified Security Gateway), one of the first devices directed at the full gamut of UC (unified communications) services, this week.
USG will include security, management and compliance for Web communications like public instant messaging services, VoIP, and P2P communications as well as securing and managing enterprise UC platforms, such as Microsoft Office Communications Server and IBM Lotus Sametime.
UC, also known as real-time communications, is a real-time pain in the butt for IT, says Josh Greenbaum, principal at Enterprise Applications Consulting.
Compounding the problem are the entire Web 2.0 and social networking applications that march in lockstep with UC and are typically applications that come into the enterprise under the table.
"It is a huge advantage to consolidate the management and thereby maximize the potential of all these communications tools," Greenbaum said.
Essentially, the appliance is a SaaS solution in a box. Like SaaS services, the appliance requires no additional infrastructure, is centralized, and is automatically updated as new malware is uncovered.
"Appliances are easier to swallow for IT because they are standardized," added Greenbaum.
The problem with real-time communications from Google, Cisco, Skype, or anyone of the over 300 public Web 2.0 services is that they are "extremely evasive on the Internet," says, Frank Cabri, vice president of marketing and product management at FaceTime.
"The Web 2.0 tools are adapt at finding holes in the enterprise network," Cabri said.
Making it even harder, real-time communications is almost synonymous with most of what's new in Web 2.0, including VoIP services, Web conferencing, and peer-to-peer file sharing through wikis.
The USG appliance will allow IT to set and enforce policy for all parts of Web browsing, UC, and IM. It also includes Web filtering to manage employee Web access, uses virus scanning of file attachments, worm blocking, and content filtering.
For regulatory compliance issues, the device includes capture and archiving of IMs and file attachments.
The USG appliance will be available at the end of the month, and pricing starts at $4,995.
This whitepaper explains the terminology and concepts behind Data Replication technologies and establishes some sizing rules through worked examples. Learn the new paradigm in disaster tolerance—protect data anywhere.
Download now »
Server virtualization is a popular option for dealing with mounting datacenter costs. Another equally promising approach is the use of an Application Delivery Controller. Citrix NetScaler provides a low-cost way for organizations to reduce their server count and accrue cost savings from a reduction in space, cooling, power and personnel.
Download now »
The emergence of WLANs has created a new breed of security threats to enterprise networks.
Included in HP ProCurve WLAN solutions is security technology that alleviates threats from WLANs through:
* Monitoring wireless activity inside and out of the enterprise
* Classifying WLAN transmissions into harmful and harmless
* Preventing transmissions that pose a security threat to the enterprise network
* Locating participating devices for physical remediation
Effectively address data protection challenges, implementing solutions that help store and protect business–critical data while cutting costs and improving efficiency and reliability.
Download now »
Sign up to receive Security Resource Alerts
This white paper provides guidance on how to develop a strategic approach to managing and monitoring logs, a key function required for compliance with many regulatory mandates and a critical defense against security threats.
Download now! »
Learn about the processes and technologies that support security information management (SIM) operations, as well as the business case for SIM. The series examines different options for implementing SIM and gives you evaluation criteria for selecting the best option for your organization.
Download now! »
Learn the strategies, actions, and capabilities that Best-in-Class organizations employ and technologies they choose to obtain superior performance against various security performance metrics. This report provides guidelines for identifying which security solutions to consume as a MSS and defines best practices for choosing and managing MSSPs.
Download now! »
Recommend This
