Internet Security: Cisco Enhances Security and Print Functions for Web-To-Host Connectivity - OC:WebConnect Pro version 3.5 - Product Announcement

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, Oct 26, 1998

Cisco Systems, Inc. Wednesday announced the latest version of its OC://WebConnect Pro software for secure Web access to applications that reside on mainframe computers. OC:WebConnect Pro version 3.5 contains new security enhancements and the most advanced printing capabilities available today.

Analysts estimate that more than 65 percent of mission-critical data resides on mainframe computers. By providing Web access to information on the mainframe to employees, customers and corporate partners, enterprises are fully leveraging their investment in the enterprise network including the mainframe.

"OC://WebConnect is a powerful tool because it opens the door for new business opportunities," said Frank Maly, director of marketing for Cisco's InterWorks Business Unit. "Enterprises are quickly adopting e-commerce strategies that require access to host applications and information. Our latest software enhancements provide more secure access to the host and assemble information into a format that is more usable for employees, customers and partners alike." Security Enhancements

OC://WebConnect's internal Web server now supports the industry standard for Web browser-to-server security, Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). The software uses SSL to authenticate servers and messages and to provide secure, encrypted connections between an OC://WebConnect Pro Java client and the OC://WebConnect Pro server. This feature provides the highest level of security and lowers equipment costs by eliminating the need for a third-party Web server.

Another security enhancement, called Simple Access Control, allows user-to-logical unit (LU) mapping. Administrators establish a table to pre-assign a host, port and session to a LU. This added layer of security requires users to enter a user ID and password when starting a Web-to-host session. Printing Enhancements

OC://WebConnect now offers native Java Development Kit (JDK) 1.1 printing, a browser-based print mode. This feature, available for use with Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer, allows information to print on A4 and U.S. legal paper. Previous releases supported 3287 print applications and JavaScript printing. Now OC://WebConnect users have the flexibility to select from three available print modes.

OC://WebConnect 3.5 can also suppress printer dialog. This feature allows print jobs to be sent to a default printer without user intervention, enabling efficient, batch-style printing.

Version 3.5 also supports raw mode printing, an important function for enterprises wishing to print information to standard forms. This new software also supports full LU1 print functionality, which allows information to be printed in bold, underline, italics and different fonts, making information more user-friendly.

Cisco partners with OpenConnect Systems, Inc. to deliver Web-to-Host solutions. In April, 1998, International Data Corporation (IDC) named OpenConnect as the leading provider of Web-to-Host solutions with 38 percent market share. IDC forecasts the worldwide market for Web-to-Host browser licenses will grow to $1 billion by 2002. FMI: http://www.cisco.com.