Gradient Releases NetCrusader/Web 4.0; Latest Release Includes Features Significant to ASP Market, Policy Administrators

Business Wire, March 20, 2000

Business/Technology Editors

MARLBOROUGH, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 20, 2000

Gradient(R) Technologies today announced the availability of NetCrusader(TM)/Web version 4.0, the latest release of their Web security and personalization product. NetCrusader/Web 4.0 began shipping March 3, 2000 and will be formally unveiled at the SANS 2000 and JCSC in Orlando this week. Beyond new features which provide security managers enhanced control over granular access to resources, the new release also addresses the needs of the emerging ASP (Application Service Provider) market with features such as anonymous user support, user self-registration, forms-based authentication, and support for virtual Web servers.

NetCrusader/Web 4.0 features include:

-- Enhanced Web Single-Sign-On - NetCrusader/Web 4.0 provides enhanced single sign-on support for basic and forms-based authentication. This is useful for companies and ASPs offering multiple services on one or more Web servers without requiring users to re-authenticate.

-- Anonymous User Support - NetCrusader/Web 4.0 enables Web administrators and ASPs to manage anonymous users' access to information and resources. This is useful for portals that will offer visitors many levels of access to resources not just "registered users," but also "casual browsers."

-- User Self-Registration Services - NetCrusader/Web 4.0 includes functionality and templates which systems managers will use to enable users to register themselves with the Web application or portal, and change their passwords or roles (as administrator-controlled permissions allow), all without administrator intervention.

-- Support for Virtual Web Servers - NetCrusader/Web 4.0 independently manages user permissions for multiple companies on a single web infrastructure, including complete support for Microsoft IIS Virtual Webservers. This allows ASPs to host a variety of applications and communities within a single Web infrastructure while maintaining access control throughout.

-- Fine-Grained Access Control - NetCrusader/Web 4.0 has always provided sub-Web page security and personalization to users. New to release 4.0, that access is now available through a script-callable Authorization Object.

The Authorization Object allows developers to build applications that utilize powerful external access control, personalization and management models using scripting languages such as VBScript or JavaScript/Jscript, as well as generic programming languages such as Visual Basic, Java and C++. This externalization of access control logic from the application results in more flexible, supportable, and manageable applications, and reduces development and redevelopment efforts as policies and user roles inevitably change.

-- Enhanced Administration Capabilities - With the NetCrusader/Web 4.0 Authorization Object, administrators also have script-callable control over sessions, such as administrator-controlled logoff and real-time password and user management. Functions are also available for the definition of custom policies, permission models, and objects - all defined using XML.

-- Support for Multiple Authentication Mechanisms - NetCrusader/Web 4.0 continues to support all major authentication methods including username/password, forms-based logon, PKI with SSL and PKI with non-repudiation (including tight integration with Baltimore Technologies, Entrust/Direct(TM) and Entegrity AssureWeb(TM)).

Phil Schacter, director, Network Strategy Service at The Burton Group commented:

"To best leverage a shared infrastructure of directory and security services, Web applications need to externalize the logic required to authenticate identity, and enforce access policies that are often based on user attributes, such as organizational role or business relationship. The NetCrusader/Web Authorization COM object enables simple scripts to interact with the authentication and authorization system, removing the requirement for each application to be programmed to directly support these interfaces."

"When you get beyond the hype in this industry, it all comes down to two basic points," said Michael Jannery, vice president of marketing for Gradient. "Companies need to get their B2B e-commerce applications to market as quickly as possible, whether implementing them in-house or using an ASP model. Once delivered, those applications must be manageable and flexible. The feedback from evaluations and pilots for NetCrusader/Web 4.0 is that we've delivered on these requirements."

Availability

NetCrusader/Web 4.0 is immediately available on Windows NT 4.0 Server and Solaris 2.6. It supports the Netscape Enterprise and Microsoft IIS Web Servers, including support for IIS Virtual Web Servers. NetCrusader/Web 4.0 is sold on a server-based pricing model (not a user-based model), providing significant cost benefits for moderate to large deployments. For pricing and evaluation information, please contact Gradient at info@gradient.com, call 1.800.525.4343 or visit our website at www.gradient.com .