Two Firewalls Armed To Serve And Protect

InstaGate For Custom-Tailored Security Policies
Internet security is taken for granted these days. It is also generally assumed that setting up a VPN firewall appliance is a lot of work, even though that's not always the case. ESoft's InstaGate Pro VPN firewall appliance is easy to set up and because adding functionality is as simple as installing one of eSoft's many add-on SoftPaks, solution providers don't have to sell their customers more security than they need at the time of the sale.

Three versions of the InstaGate VPN firewall appliance are available. The InstaGate xSP Branch Office is ideal for small organizations or branch offices with up to 25 users, while the InstaGate xSP Business model can handle up to 100 users. The InstaGate Pro, highlighted here, is ideal for enterprises with up to 1,000 users.

The InstaGate Pro VPN firewall appliance combines a stateful firewall with all the security tools and services necessary for antivirus protection, vulnerability scanning, filtering of Web content and URLs, and so on. A complete eSoft enterprise solution combines a hardware-based InstaGate Pro VPN firewall appliance with a suite of modular applications, or SoftPaks, to create a comprehensive security solution that incorporates VPN and manager, firewall and policy manager, antivirus, application filter, site filter, IDS/IPS, smart reports, spam filtering, high availability and more.

ESoft does leave some technologies to other experts, such as the antivirus SoftPak, which uses technology licensed from Sophos, and the URL filtering SoftPak, which uses Secure Computing's engine. The downloadable SoftPaks are priced according to function, and solution providers can receive commissions on SoftPak subscriptions even if customers install the SoftPaks themselves. A new High-Availability SoftPak provides system redundancy. Customers with two identical InstaGates can deploy the second unit in a hot standby configuration. If connectivity to the primary InstaGate is lost, the standby unit takes over, and all SoftPak functionality is automatically synchronized between the two units.

A Firewall For Hard Disks
Valt.X's Instant Recovery subsystem is a hardware-only device based on storage firewall technology. Currently offered in a 5 1/4-inch drive format (it installs in a 5 1/4-inch bay) and soon in the form of a PCI card, Valt.X installs between a hard drive and its controller. Because it's hardware-only, it works with all operating systems including Windows, Unix and Linux.

The Storage Firewall deflects all changes made by viruses, hackers, spyware and unauthorized users to a temporary working area. The changes are then wiped out upon reboot, leaving the computer in its original pristine state. An optional data area is provided for password-authorized users that need to store changes. Any changes or upgrades are first made in the virtual environment, so patches and upgrades can be tested before being applied permanently.

A management console accessible on system boot allows the unit to be run in different modes. An Install Mode, which writes directly to the Secure Master Drive, is typically used during initial hard-drive setup and for image rollout. RAM Disk Mode, the most secure one, deflects all changes to a temporary working area and erases them on each reboot. A Live Disk Mode protects the Secure Master Drive while simultaneously tracking changes across multiple sessions, even through shutdowns and reboots. Administrators can make any changes permanent by using a backup option, or instantly revert to the most recently saved image using a restore menu option.

The Valt.X Instant Recovery subsystem is ideal for the education market or in any other environment where administrators want to prevent users from installing outside software or making changes to the installed software. In addition to correcting system modifications made intentionally, Valt.X also eliminates end-user mishaps.

CHANNEL PROGRAM SNAPSHOTS
>ESOFT INSTAGATE PRO
PRICE: $3,499
MARGIN: 30 percent
WARRANTY: 1 year
DISTRIBUTORS: INgram Micro, Interwork
TECH RATING:

CHANNEL RATING:

CHANNEL OVERVIEW: Broomfield, Colo.-based eSoft's engineers and field-based sales representatives participate in joint sales with solution providers and assist with marketing campaigns and events. Marketing and sales tools, technical resources, competitive info and more are available at the vendor's solution provider Web site, and sales and technical training are available on-site or online.

>VALT.X INSTANT RECOVERY 5 1/4-INCH BAY
PRICE: $125
MARGIN: 20 percent
WARRANTY: 1 year
DISTRIBUTORS: Direct from vendor
TECH RATING:

CHANNEL RATING:

CHANNEL OVERVIEW: Toronto-based Valt.X Technologies is building up its channel program and plans to sell through distributors in the future. Valt.X provides on-site sales training to help partners target vertical markets, along with technical training and other assistance to help system builders integrate their components into their systems.

Note: Vendors can earn up to five stars for technical merit and five for their channel program. If the average of these two scores is four stars or greater, the product earns CRN Test Center Recommended status.