US COMPANIES DELIVER SPEED AND AGILITY IN THE BRAVE NEW WIRED WORLD
by Joseph Brunoli
The Internet “boom” continues to gain momentum in the United States, and the quest for faster, easier and safer access to the Net is now the driving force in product development from California’s Silicon Valley to Boston’s Route 128 corridor. According to the Yankee Group, the number of business DSL subscribers in the US will grow from 100,000 in 1999 to over 2.5 million in 2004, with Virtual Private Networking (VPN) and E-Commerce applications expanding as well. American innovators are responding with specialized “appliance” devices to provide high speed access, communications, services and security in the fast-moving Internet economy.
In their rush to create an internetworking nirvana, US companies are also embracing an “open systems” approach. Industry leaders and startups alike are abandoning proprietary platforms and hardware and introducing robust solutions built around Linux and other open source software.
“Open Source” operating system options for networking are expanding this spring with Be, Incorporated’s BeOS 5 and Motorola’s release of their own version of the Linux OS. Microsoft boosts its Windows 2000 platform with Virtual Private Networking (VPN) power.
BeOS 5 is the latest version of the popular digital media operating system from Be, Inc. in Menlo Park, California. The OS is available in two versions: the Personal Edition and the Professional Edition. The Personal Edition, which is available for free download at http://free.be.com, comes with an Internet browser, an ftp and telnet server, and AppleTalk support. The Professional Edition of BeOS 5 can be installed on both Intel- and Power PC-based machines and has the ability to handle terabytes of data. Among the list of popular audio and video codecs include new encoding support for Cinepak, Indeo 5, raw audio, P-JPEG, and MP3. This coupled with a CD Burner (x86 only) gives BeOS the distinction of having a virtual "jukebox" built into the OS. The Software Development Kits for Tracker and Deskbar, the two applications that power BeOS, are available for free at http://opentracker.org and http://opendeskbar.org, respectively. The new OS will join Be’s previously released BeIA", a device-independent software platform for post-PC era Internet appliances focused on the personalization of multimedia and information-rich products that enhance a user's lifestyle.
In Europe, Be anticipates working with Apacabar (for distribution in France, Benelux, Spain and Italy) and Koch (for distribution in the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Eastern Europe). These publishers will be responsible for all pricing and packaging as well as physical and electronic distribution into retail and other channels. Bundling additional third-party applications and licensing with OEMs and ISVs, technical support and customer services will also be handled by Be's channel partners.
Motorola Computer Group in Tempe, Arizona has joined the Linux movement with the release of their own version of the open source operating system, known as High Availability Linux. HA Linux is a software platform aimed at carrier-grade networking, wireless and Internet applications that require a 99.999% (5NINES) dependability rate, which translates to less than 5 minutes downtime each year. Motorola is offering the software for use in Operation Administration & Maintenance (OA&M) platforms, call servers, IP gateways, gatekeepers and home location registers and other systems that require the utmost in system availability. The move to Linux by a major system supplier like Motorola is a landmark in the overall promulgation of the Linux operating system, and demonstrates that Linux is capable of providing an advanced high-availability software platform for such critical and demanding environments as the telecommunications industry. The software, which is expected to ship in May 2000, offers hot swap capability and support for system platforms based on Intel® and PowerPC® architecture. Additional information is available on the web at www.motorola.com/linux.
Microsoft’s Windows® 2000 operating system received a bona fide from National Software Testing Laboratories (NSTL) in demonstrating the software’s ability to deliver robust Virtual Private Networking (VPN) solutions. VPNs allow remote offices or users to network securely over the Internet by creating secure “tunnels” to transfer data to and from remote sites. In the NSTL tests, Microsoft’s OS was able to sustain 5,000 simultaneous point-to-point tunneling protocol (PPTP) VPN connections. At a price of roughly US $5 per connection, users can enjoy secure remote access with enterprise performance and scale at an affordable price point using Windows 2000. More information is available on the web at www.microsoft.com/2000.
Linux based products from Cobalt, interBeacon and others deliver everything from Web Hosting to IP Telephony
As the Internet revolution gains further ground in the business world, specialized solutions at competitive cost points are allowing even modest sized enterprises to enjoy the advantages of global internetworking. The advent of the low (or no) cost Linux operating system, combined with falling hardware costs, has fostered a boom in new, specialized networking devices that deliver high performance at low cost.
The RaQ3 Internet Appliance Server from Mountain View, California based Cobalt Networks, Inc. (www.cobalt.com) has revolutionized the world of internetworking for small- to mid-sized enterprises by offering complete web hosting, e-mail and ftp servers for under US$ 3000. On April 3, 2000 the company announced a strategic partnership with Seagate Technology (www.seagate.com) to deliver a specialized scalable data management solution to Cobalt’s customer base of Internet and Application Service Providers (ISPs and ASPs) worldwide. The Seagate Server Appliance Solution, which will be available in Q3/2000, allows smaller ASPs and ISPs to generate incremental revenue through "vending" storage and data protection applications to their small and medium-sized customers.
New “white box” Linux servers are also available from Texas based Jones Business Systems, Inc. (JBSi). The company recently introduced their Terian Digi Remote Access Server (RAS) for ISPs and others handling high dial-in traffic. The Terian Digi has a five-bay, hot-swap disk rack with one slot populated by a 9.1GB Ultra2 SCSI hard disk with Red Hat Linux Professional v6.1 inside. A second power supply can join the 325-watt unit already in the box for redundancy. The system is highly configurable and hardware and software can easily be customized to meet any mission need. List price is just under US$ 4000.
Linux based Voice Over IP (VoIP) solutions from Franklin Telecom (www.ftel.com) of Westlake Village, California include their Tempest Data/Voice Gateway appliance to field and map phone and fax calls over an IP network (LAN/WAN/Internet) while using special software that allows any company to become a virtual telephone company. Franklins Gatekeeper" AMAS software is a Microsoft Backoffice" application that acts as an authorization, mapping and accounting server, keeping track of calls, users (via PINs) and other information through the Tempest DVG for billing purposes.
Specialized Internet appliances are emerging to fulfill dedicated internetworking functions in large corporate environments. The Internet Message Router from Mirapoint, Inc. of Cupertino, California (www.mirapoint.com) is designed to simplify and secure a company’s Internet messaging backbone with “intelligent” routing and content filtering services. Mirapoint's three-tier architecture for Internet messaging separates the routing, storage and access functions into discreet functional tiers. This lets companies independently scale the tiers as necessary, without having to perform "forklift upgrades" every time they need to increase capacity. For environments that encompass multiple message servers, the Message Router becomes the cornerstone that enables unlimited scalability within a single “.com” domain. The unit makes a valuable addition to an e-mail infrastructure by offering optional services like LDAP routing and client proxy, virus scanning and content filtering. Because it’s based on Internet standards, the Mirapoint Message Router plugs into virtually any message server environment including Lotus Notes, Microsoft Exchange, Sun Internet Mail Server, Netscape Messenger and others.
Personal Digital Assistants and related add-on products and services offer a broad spectrum of computing options.
Mobile computing is getting more robust as new embedded operating systems and enhancements for the Palm and Windows CE platforms allow complete web connectivity, messaging and data management features.
The OSPro is a new pen-based PDA from Oregon Scientific in Tulatin, Oregon (www.oregonscientific.com) . The OSPro is a palm-sized clamshell with either 1 MB (OSPro Solo) or 2 MB (OSPro Elite) of internal memory. The Osproperating system is Windows® and Palm Pilot" compatible and features FineART" handwriting recognition. The unit is preloaded with fax and e-mail software (unlike Palm Pilot) as well as a phone directory, calendar, anniversary reminder, alarms, to do lists, expense manager, appointment scheduler, memo pad, calculator and world clocks. Ospro also supports infrared beam (IrDA) data transfers and its LCD screen is 30 percent larger than Palm Pilot. A single add-on modem option provides email, fax, docking and file transfer capability. Perhaps one of the greatest advantages of the OSPro, however, is its price: MSRP in the US is only US$199 but street prices are as low as US$99 for the 2MB Elite version.
Qubit Technology of Lakewood, Colorado (www.qubit.net) has introduced a true "information appliance" which delivers reliable and simple access to the Internet and email services in the home environment. The Qubit is a wireless Internet tablet which runs an embedded Linux or the BeIA® (Stinger) operating system enabling a portal architecture stored on a Compact Flash card. The tablet incorporates a 10.4-inch, 800x600 color LCD display with a high-resolution touch screen and a stand on the back of the tablet for easy tabletop viewing. The cradle and tablet are designed to keep countertop sprawl to a minimum, taking up less than six by 12 inches. The lightweight tablet weighs less than two and a half pounds and features built-in high-quality stereo speakers and a microphone. There is also a cradle facilitating a high-speed wireless LAN and either a 56K, DSL or cable modem interface and a wireless IR keyboard which fits conveniently into a compartment in the cradle. The Qubit also provides a number of fundamental software applications required by the home consumer, including an Internet browser, email client, simple word processor, address book and a home calendar. Roughly the size and shape of a magazine, Qubit’s wireless capability lets people go online anywhere in the house. The unit works like a cordless phone and receives any required software maintenance automatically and remotely. A household simply hooks it up, turns it on, and leaves it on. Pricing for the Qubit is not yet available.
Itronix Corporation of Spokane, Washington (www.itronix.com) has introduced the XC-6250 Pro", a high performance wireless handhelp PC designed for use by workers in the field. Based on the Windows operating system, the unit boasts an integrated microphone and speaker for voice communications. Wireless communications are possible through the CDPD/Cellular radio network and the American Mobile ARDIS radio data network for voice & data. Wireline communications are possible through the optional 56 Kbps v.90 Group 3 fax/data modem. When equipped for RF communications, highly mobile field workers can use the X-C 6250 Pro" to collect, communicate and manage account information in real time while at a customers site. The product is extremely durable and can withstand the shock of repeated drops and remain operational under extreme temperatures, vibration, liquid, and exposure to the elements. Itronix has also developed special features to enhance the XC-6250 Pros functionality in the field: Nitevue" technology causes the X-C 6250 Pro" keyboard to glow in low-light or no-light situations, and Colorvue" screen technology displays high visibility color outdoors in the brightest sunlight. List prices for the XC-6250 series start at US$ 1995.
New products offer easy Internet access, others provide system privacy and protection features
Dallas, Texas based Coollogic, Inc. (www.coollogic.com) has introduced an Internet Access Device (IAD) called e-Pilot" 7000 which goes beyond the PC” to deliver high speed Internet access to consumers and businesses alike. The e-Pilot is a Set-Top Box (STB) that works with a television and offers all of the capabilities of a PC within the framework of a simple low-cost, instant-on/instant-off Internet appliance. The device runs on the company’s own version of the Linux OS, called Coollinux" and incorporates a wide range of popular programs and plug-ins such as Java, JavaScript and Real Audio. The e-Pilot supports DSL and cable modems and can accommodate an Ethernet interface as well. Display can be fed to either a television (NTSC and PAL) or an SVGA monitor, and the unit is controlled via a wireless keyboard or wireless remote unit. As a web browser, the e-Pilot offers Netscape-driven performance with Secure Socket Layer (SSL) support. There is printer support (via USB) and full audio output. The company plans to sell the e-Pilot in a business-to-business model to ISPs and other Internet access and/or content providers.
InfoGear® Technology Corporation in Redwood City, California (www.infogear.com) has introduced a newly redesigned iPhone webphone for home Internet access. The iPhone is an advanced telephone with a touch screen, keyboard and software that allows users to communicate by phone and e-mail, access the Internet, and conduct e-commerce transactions such as online shopping and home banking, all from a simple, easy-to-use appliance. The unit includes a tilt screen for easy readability, a laptop-sized keyboard for comfortable typing, and a 56-kbps modem for rapid Internet access. In addition to supporting four e-mail profiles, the iPhone offers a full duplex speakerphone, an integrated digital answering machine, and two separate phone lines allowing users to browse the Web or send e-mail while simultaneously talking on the phone. The iPhone, which won Innovations Best of Show award in the Online/Internet category at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show, carries a MSRP of US$ 399.
The SonicWALL Internet security appliance from SonicWall, Inc. (www.sonicwall.com) of Sunnyvale, California, protects Internet-connected businesses from hackers and intruders, preventing theft, destruction, and manipulation of critical business data. SonicWALL is a dedicated security appliance for small to mid-sized businesses needing a secure, affordable, and easy-to-administer solution to protect against Internet intruders. The product also prevents employees from accessing objectionable Web sites and newsgroups through content filtering. Additional features include logging and reporting as well as IP address management. SSonicWALL SOHO/10 supports 10 nodes on the LAN. SonicWALL SOHO/50 supports 50 nodes on the LAN. The SonicWALL VPN Upgrade provides an easy, affordable, and secure means for businesses to connect all offices and partners together.
The high-powered NetScreen-1000 Gigabit Security System is an Internet security system for the most demanding data center environments including: e-business sites, web hosting sites and ASPs. The product is the latest offering from Santa Clara, California based NetScreen, Inc. (www.netscreen.com) and integrates firewall and VPN security functionality with Gigabit Ethernet throughput. By combining parallel processing with the hardware acceleration of NetScreen's GigaScreen ASIC (a firewall and encryption acceleration engine), the NetScreen-1000 delivers the highest performance needed for broadband data applications. Indeed, a fully configured system can support up to 500,000 concurrent sessions and 25,000 IPSec tunnels, and the product's scalable parallel processor architecture allows multiple processors to be added to the chassis-based system as capacity and performance requirements grow.