Bull brings distributed security and administration to SQL Net with AccessMaster 2.0; New features will centralize management, strengthen security for ORACLE database users

Business Wire, May 2, 1995

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 2, 1995--At DB Expo, Groupe Bull today announced and demonstrated new security capabilities for Oracle Corp.'s Secure Network Services (SNS) software.

Bull is integrating and delivering these new capabilities in AccessMaster 2.0, the security application within its Integrated System Management (ISM) suite.

The new features make AccessMaster the first and only client/server security management solution to:

o Provide centralized administration, management and monitoring of user sign-on access to ORACLE databases in a distributed computing environment

o Provide mutual authentication between client workstations and the ORACLE database server

o Prevent unauthorized persons from gaining access to passwords by masquerading as a legitimate server

o Provide secure data exchanges between ORACLE clients and servers, even through non-protected networks such as the Internet

With AccessMaster and their SQL Net connectivity software, ORACLE customers will be able to leverage DCE security services and the Generic Security Services Application Programming Interface (GSS-API) directly through future versions of Oracle 7's Secure Network Services using centralized security servers as well as Bull's CP8 Smart Card technologies.

Global Security -- The Only Way to Manage Client/Server

Environments

"Security has become the major issue for migrating to a client/server architecture and conducting business over today's distributed, heterogeneous networks," said Denis Attal, vice president in charge of Integrated System Management for Bull's Open Systems and Software division. "The global capabilities of AccessMaster are essential to securing this heterogeneous world for ORACLE users and ensuring business success."

Until now, system access has been protected by passwords, a simple technique that works well in centralized data processing environments. In distributed systems, however, such a security scheme leads to the management of myriad passwords, an undue burden. AccessMaster solves this problem with user management based on roles, allowing central administration of several hundreds or a thousand distributed users.

o Single Sign-On requires only one user name and one password to gain access to authorized data on multiple servers, even if the information resides on multi-vendor systems running diverse operating systems.

o Integrated User Management maintains centralized control over LAN and network administration functions by specifying user authorization once, rather than having to program multiple passwords and procedures for numerous computing platforms. This eliminates the need for local database user management, even and especially if several databases are involved. The user identity and authorized roles are obtained dynamically from a central point under AccessMaster control.

o Mutual authentication provides sure authentication of both ORACLE clients and servers.

o Generic Security Services Application Programming Interface (GSS-API) for PCs -- Bull's unique implementation of the GSS-API -- makes it possible from AccessMaster to use DCE on a PC without purchasing and integrating a costly interface.

o Multi-Protocol Support includes, in addition to DCE, the Secure European System for Applications in Multi-vendor Environments (SESAME) co-developed by Groupe Bull, Siemens-Nixdorf and ICL, based on ECMA 219 standards (European Computer Manufacturers Association) and ISO/ITU-T standards. AccessMaster allows network managers to use any of these protocols or all simultaneously.

o Secure Network Data Exchange -- AccessMaster completely secures data exchanges between an ORACLE client station and a server, even through non-protected networks such as the Internet.

Without AccessMaster, these capabilities in SQL NET do not exist.

Pricing and Availability

Pricing of AccessMaster software ranges from $100 to $350 per user depending on the number of users, types of servers and workstations, and the security mechanism chosen. Version 2.0 will be available in the third quarter of 1995, at no charge to current customers.

Background Information

With a presence in more than 100 countries, over 25,000 employees and combined revenue of more than $5.4 billion, Bull is one of the world's largest information technology companies and a major systems and technologies integrator, offering a comprehensive range of solutions, services and support capabilities for use in multivendor environments. Integrated System Management (ISM) is Bull's open, object-based integration framework for the management of UNIX- and PC-based systems and networks; the most customer-proven, enterprise platform of its kind in the world.

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CONTACT: Bull HN Information Systems

Bill Bradley

508-294-5812

or

Stephanie Schweighofer-Jones

508-294-6404

or

Duval Woglom Brueckner & Partners

Dave Manley

617-248-1881