Secure Computing Tailors System For Citrix MetaFrame

SafeWord for Citrix MetaFrame provides strong authentication via tokens, which look much like a keyfob and which generate new passcodes for every user login. Strong authentication eliminates the risks associated with passwords and is needed for the Web-based, remote access to applications that Citrix provides, said Willy Leichter, director of product marketing at Secure Computing, San Jose, Calif.

The new product is a simplified version of the company's SafeWord technology, is geared for small and midsize companies with 50 to 500 employees and is

tailored for the Citrix channel, he said. It marks a new direction for Secure Computing, which traditionally has targeted the large enterprise market, he said.

"What we're doing is making this as clean and simple as possible and very competitive pricewise," Leichter said.

The software is simple to install and integrates easily in customers' existing infrastructure, he said. It features tight integration with Microsoft Active Directory and is managed through a plug-in to the Microsoft Management Console.

Secure Computing has reduced the training requirements for SafeWord for Citrix MetaFrame and streamlined pricing by putting both the tokens and the software licensing into one SKU, Leichter said. Prices start at $99 per user. Availability is slated for early May.

"[Safeword for Citrix MetaFrame] is a perfect fit for a large majority of our clients. Not only do we have many interested clients already, we have already made several sales during the beta phase," said Paul Ghostine, CEO of Emergent OnLine, a Citrix solution provider based in Reston, Va.

"The product is better than those of competitors from a technical perspective and provides a much better value and faster ROI to our clients," Ghostine added.

Denver-based Alternative Technology will be the sole distributor of Secure Computing's Citrix product. Leichter said Secure Computing plans more application-specific spin-offs of its products.