Array Networks announces next generation SSL VPN capabilities

EDP Weekly's IT Monitor, April 19, 2004

Array Networks, the pioneer in integrated traffic management and SSL VPN solutions for global enterprises, has announced significant new features and enhancements to its SSL-based VPN product lines, Array SP and Array SP-C. Array SP 7.0 supports a broader range of applications than available with most SSL VPN products. The Array SP release 7.0 expands the list of supported protocols, dramatically simplifying the integration of SSL VPN solutions for secure global access. In addition, the Array SP release 7.0 makes major enhancements in the area of client side security and access control.

In making the announcement, Array President Michael Zhao noted, "With the increasing demand for secure access, the market requires a product that is easy to deploy and manage. The product must also have the performance and scalability needed to support an entire enterprise's global needs for extending their networks with strong security and acceleration. The Array SP products offer all these benefits at a low total-cost-of-ownership."

"As the SSL VPN market matures, the product features that enterprises and carriers demand will change. The ease of use inherent in SSL VPNs lowers the cost of supporting users, which in turn increases user counts. SSL VPN solutions need to be able to address the higher security exposure and session connections associated with a large number of end-points to deliver its full value," said Michael Suby, program manager and senior analyst at Stratecast Partners, a division of Frost & Sullivan. "Array Networks' recent product release demonstrates the company is in tune with this dynamic in two important areas: client-side security and scalability."

The most significant of the SP 7.0's new features is full Network Layer (L3) VPN access and the expanded list of supported protocols that provide IT managers with simplified SSL management solutions. New supported protocols include: Windows file share drag and drop, static ports, dynamic ports, FTP, UDP, ICMP, and NetBIOS. It also supports server or client initiated connections to provide true IPSec replacement for remote access, with a flexible identity-based IP address allocation and management mechanism.