Making Sense Of Content Filtering

Content control is a growing concern for companies of all sizes. The first generation of content-filtering products concentrated solely on controlling Web browsing, but now there are greater challenges brought from new technologies ranging from instant messaging to file-sharing applications such as Morpheus and Kazaa.

Solution providers will find Websense Enterprise version 5 an attractive option and an easy way to get involved in content filtering. The product has outstanding documentation, supports multiple platforms and offers several option packs to fine-tune control. Websense has an additional product designed for small and midsize businesses that offers the same features for a smaller number of users.

Websense Enterprise is available for the Microsoft Windows, Sun Microsystems Solaris and Red Hat Linux operating systems, and it can be integrated into a host of hardware platforms, ranging from Cisco Systems firewalls to Blue Coat Software security appliances. CRN Test Center engineers evaluated Websense Enterprise version 5 by itself on a Windows 2000 Server.

The key to implementing Websense is the integration of its optional modules, which add more functionality to its filtering capabilities. First on the list is the Bandwidth Optimizer module, which allows administrators to control high-bandwidth applications. The Bandwidth Optimizer offers options to block or throttle non-work-related activity, thus providing more bandwidth for critical business applications during periods of higher demand.

Solution providers looking to extend content control to the desktop will be well served by the Client Application Manager module. The package allows for the control of desktop applications that impact connectivity. Solution providers can create policies that limit the use of instant-messaging services, block spyware and control peer-to-peer file-sharing applications.

The Web Filtering Premium Groups module allows extensive granular control over content access and permits the integration of access control by filtering groups. Initially, solution providers will be able to select from three control groups. The first group targets productivity management by controlling access to message boards, shareware downloads, instant messaging and commercial Web sites. The second group focuses on bandwidth management by controlling high-bandwidth applications such as file sharing, streaming media, Internet radio, voice-over-IP and other applications. The third group filters spyware sites, malicious code generators and other elements that may compromise security.

Solution providers will find the level of control and ease of implementation offered by the Web Filtering Premium Groups module a must-have for highly active Internet-connected networks, but they should be prepared for the time required to properly implement the vast array of controls and features.

At the heart of Websense is its integrated filtering database, referred to as the employee Internet management (EIM) database, which provides 80 regularly updated content categories and allows granular control of who has permission to visit particular sites. More than 4 million sites are categorized and included in the EIM database. Updates to the EIM database can be automated, which reduces administrative loads.

Websense uses pass-through filtering technology, leveraging proxy server or firewall technology to validate all traffic flowing through those security solutions. This style of filtering prevents the degradation of connection speed commonly caused by filtering, and it helps maximize investments in complementary technologies. Websense is therefore an easy add-on sale when addressing security needs serviced by popular firewalls and proxy servers.

Reporting is another key element of effective content control. Websense provides a multitude of reports ranging from usage statistics to attempted violations to policy effectiveness. The information then can be used to determine return on investment and to help further fine-tune the software's settings for maximum effectiveness.

To see the benefits of Websense Enterprise version 5 up close, solution providers can download a fully functioning 30-day demo at no charge.

Websense Enterprise version 5 offers the wherewithal to control content for every company,from the largest enterprise to the average small business,bringing much more functionality to the table.

CHANNEL PROGRAM SNAPSHOTS
>WEBSENSE ENTERPRISE VERSION 5
PRICE: $20 to $30 per person per year
MARGIN: 20 percent
DISTRIBUTORS: Direct from vendor
TECH RATING:

CHANNEL RATING:

CHANNEL OVERVIEW: Solution providers in Websense's Premium category (based on revenue and training requirements) can receive up to 45 percent margin and additional co-op funds, and are paired with a Websense executive who provides marketing, business planning and other support. San Diego-based Websense provides technical training to all partners online or from its field-based representatives, who also provide marketing and sales assistance. --Michael Gros

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.