With the SSL Network Extender, Check Point rounds out its remote access arsenal, adding full network connectivity via SSL to its existing IPSec and SSL reverse-proxy solutions.
Although many SSL VPN vendors provide similar options, Check Point Software Technologies SSL Network Extender, which is available now, is especially attractive because it is available as an upgrade module for VPN-1 implementations.
/zimages/6/28571.gifClick hereto read eWEEK Labs reviews of four SSL-based VPNs.
Similar to IPSec tunnels, SSL Network Extender delivers full network access, which allows users to access Web-based applications from their browsers and non-Web applications using native client applications.
The SSL Network Extender plug-in costs $2,300 for 25 concurrent client nodes or $40,000 for 1,000 nodes. SSL Network Extender is available free to companies using Check Points Connectra SSL VPN appliances.
Since SSL Network Extender is integrated with the firewall, it was a snap to apply policies to the SSL tunnels that allowed only specified traffic to approved hosts or networks.
As with IPSec tunnel configuration, administrators can leverage a multitude of authentication options. When remote clients connect via SHTTP to an SSL Network Extender-enabled gateway, an ActiveX control automatically downloads and installs on the client machine .
Check Point requires using Internet Explorer on a Windows 2000- or XP-based host, and the user must have administrative permissions on the machine to load the control.
For more information, check out www.checkpoint.com.
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