Francis Chu

Two New Systems Most IT managers today are still in wait-and-see mode when it comes to implementing server blade systems. However, eWeek Labs tests show that two of the newest blade server systems on the market—the ProLiant BL10e from Hewlett-Packard Co. (formerly from Compaq Computer Corp.) and the ServerBlade 800i, from RLX Technologies Inc.—might coax […]

Traditional third-party server management solutions are not adequate for handling the headless server blade environment, but F5 Networks Inc. and Jareva Technologies Inc. are readying tools that have the potential to provide better management and provisioning of blades. F5s Big-IP Blade Controller software, released late last month, can bring traffic optimization features to blade implementations. […]

As my recent tests showed, Caw Networks WebAvalanche 4.0 appliance stands out from competing network stress testers because it can simulate real-world testing scenarios better than the rest. The WebAvalanche appliance creates client profiles that mimic Internet problems such as packet loss, connection resets and bandwidth limitations. In doing so, it provides IT managers with […]

Dell Computer Corp.s latest high-end four-way server, the PowerEdge 6650, packs cutting-edge processor technology into a 4U (7-inch), rack-optimized package. For sites that need the heaviest-duty server their money can buy, the PowerEdge takes some of the pain out of the purchase with a low entry price and robust scalability prospects. The PowerEdge 6650, which […]

SOHO users who need to migrate information from their old PC to a new one have an ally in Detto Technologies IntelliMover 3.0 PC migration software released by Memorex Products Inc. IntelliMover, which will ship this month priced at $49.99, helps users move application settings and files from one PC to another via its proprietary […]

Storserver Appliance Serves Up Net Backup”> Sites looking for a self-contained backup system should consider StorServer Inc.s S Series 10000 appliance, which provides network backup, data archiving and disaster recovery. Although StorServer calls this an appliance, and it does provide appliancelike ease of use and quick rollout, the S10000 is actually a server running backup […]

Sybari Softwares latest version of Antigen provides new virus scanning capabilities and enhanced content filtering features for Microsoft Exchange 2000, 5.5 and 5.6 servers. Antigen 6.5 is priced at $7.50 to $27.50 per user, and, like other software-based anti-virus products, Antigen must be installed on the Exchange e-mail server. However, where other products scan messages […]

StorServer Inc.s latest entry-level backup appliance, the S10000, is an all-in-one system that makes backing up, archiving and restoring company data easy and affordable. Our tests showed the S10000 all-in-one backup appliance definitely makes rolling out a backup system easy, especially for smaller sites with limited IT staff. Instead of configuring a server with backup […]

TeleReach Eases Management Raritan Computers Inc.s TeleReach is the first of a new breed of remote access appliances eWeek Labs has seen that uses KVM-over-IP technology to encapsulate and compress digitized analog keyboard, video and mouse signals into IP packets and send them over Ethernet. Leveraging KVM switches ability to access multiple systems from a […]

Leveraging KVM switches ability to access multiple systems from a single monitor, keyboard and mouse, devices with KVM-over-IP capabilities offer IT managers much greater flexibility when remotely managing large groups of servers beyond the data center and over the Internet. Last week, I had the opportunity to check out such a device, Raritan Computers new […]

CipherTrusts IronMail 2 .5 Proves Its Mettle”> Enterprises looking for a way to provide secure e-mail communications while keeping e-mail servers free of viruses, spam and hacks should consider Version 2.5 of CipherTrust Inc.s IronMail 210 e-mail gateway appliance. In eWeek Labs tests, the IronMail upgrade consistently blocked attacks and stopped viruses from penetrating the […]

VPN Tools Aid WLAN Security”> The latest security gateway appliances from SMC Networks Inc. help ease 802.11x security concerns by using standard VPN technologies to secure and encrypt wireless communications. The SMC EliteConnect 2.0.31 system, released in March, comprises two security appliances: The $5,600 EliteConnect WLAN Secure Server provides a central management point for wireless […]