The Pipeline

New Hardware, Software for Network Administrators

In an attempt to meet the demand for bigger, faster, safer networks, companies have recently released several pieces of hardware and software tailored to network administrators.

Strix Systems Inc. of Westlake Village, Calif., began shipping a wireless system called Access/One Network. Although most wireless local-area network solutions demand a wired connection at each access point, Access/One needs no wired Ethernet connections. It is compatible with devices based on common wireless standards, including 802.11b, 802.11g and Bluetooth.

SMC Networks Inc. in Irvine, Calif., has introduced the SMC6824M TigerStack III 10/100 Managed Switch and added new security and management features to its SMC6724L2 TigerSwitch. Both devices are Ethernet 10/100 24-port switches. The company added new management capabilities to TigerSwitch, including rate-limiting and link-aggregation functionalities to control bandwidth utilization. SMC also announced the EliteConnect Universal Wireless Access Point and the CardBus Adapter, both scheduled for release in August. The products allow wireless connections using the 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g standards.

Avaya Inc., based in Basking Ridge, N.J., has rolled out five security gateways for IP networks. Each optimized for a particular organization size, they are intended to make IP telephony communications over converged networks more secure. The products all feature centralized management, redundancy to ensure business continuity and a bandwidth manager that can identify and prioritize IP voice traffic, ensuring a consistent quality of service.

Finally, Cox Business Services, a commercial affiliate of Cox Communications Inc., has launched an enhanced virtual private network (VPN) product that enables agency employees anywhere to access intranets and network systems and share files. Previously, users had to be within a Cox franchise area to use Cox VPN services. The company has contracts with 13 government agencies.

Customizing PDF Files

Appligent Inc. of Lansdowne, Pa., has launched Redax 3.5, software that allows organizations to manipulate and customize PDF documents. Redax 3.5 removes classified or private information from the files, which helps agencies comply with laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, while still releasing information to the public. Deleted PDF data can't be reconstructed or recovered, according to Appligent officials.

Also, eHelp Corp. in San Diego, has released 1-Step RoboPDF 3.0, software that allows users to create PDF files from Microsoft Corp. Office documents. The latest version features an all-new intuitive interface with added Office integration. It can also create PDFs from documents that other Windows applications generate. The software, also available in a free version for home users, is designed for people who need to generate such documents only once in a while.

More hardware

MPC Computers LLC has rolled out a self-contained computer, designed to take up as little desktop space as possible while still delivering full horsepower. The Nampa, Idaho, company calls its new offering the ClientPro All-in-One. The machine features a 17-inch flat panel display and an Intel Corp. Pentium 4 processor. It holds up to 1G of memory, a six-channel audio with stereo speakers, an IEEE 1394 port and five USB 2.0 ports.

Sage Inc. has introduced BRICKServer 2, a self-contained Web server. The Amarillo, Texas, company is touting the server's security features. It uses a model called Process-Based Security, which prevents unauthorized access at the system level, and, Sage officials claim, creates a "hack-proof" Web server.

New to GSA

Silas Technologies Inc. has several application and content management products now available through General Services Administration schedule contract GS-35F-4342D, held by Promark Technology.