Cisco, Intel work to improve security

Enterprise Networks & Servers, Sep 2005

Intel Corp. and Cisco Systems Inc. have expanded their existing alliance to deliver new capabilities that enhance the reliabilty of wireless LANs and deliver higher-quality services, and allow enterprises to use computers and the network as a combined defense against security threats.

Cisco and Intel have jointly produced a new set of features, called Business Class Wireless Suite, designed for companies using Cisco's Unified Wireless Architecture and Intel Centrino mobile technology that will be available in the first quarter.

The Suite includes optimal access point (AP) selection technology to enable Intel Centrino mobile technology-based clients to scan for the best AP for faster, more reliable and efficient roaming within a business wireless LAN.; and enhanced Voice over IP (VoIP) quality of service (QoS) technology to improve the audio clarity and enable laptop voice communications.

Business Class Wireless Suite provides an enhanced set of capabilities that makes wireless LANs more robust for the enterprise, supporting enhanced roaming and business applications such as VoIP. It reinforces the previous efforts between Intel and Cisco with regard to the development of the Cisco Compatible Extensions (CCX) program for wireless LAN client interoperability.

Intel will join the Network Admission Control (NAC) program, an industry effort led by Cisco to help customers identify, prevent, and adapt to security threats, and Cisco will join the Intel Active Management Technology (AMT) program. Intel AMT is part of Intel's Digital Office initiative providing capabilities to make new levels of IT manageability possible. With Cisco NAC interoperating with Intel AMT, enterprises will be better able to defend against security threats, helping to maintain user and business productivity and reduce the cost of security attacks and improve system remediation.

Customers can expect Cisco NAC and Intel AMT to be compatible in the fourth quarter of this year.