Updated Proxy Remote Control Software Adds Powerful Gateway Component for Server-Based Remote Control
Innovative gateway technology provides centralized administration of all remote control access, facilitates secure network access from off-site and compliance with industry and government regulations
Cambridge, Mass., March 14, 2005 Funk Software, a leading provider of network access security solutions, today introduced Proxy™ v5.0, a powerful new version of the remote control software that significantly enhances security and administration of remote control enterprise-wide, and streamlines access to the organization from remote locations. These powerful new functions, which are a result of the product’s new Gateway component, make it significantly faster and easier for help desk professionals to support remote desktops, and provide the centralized manageability and security valued by IT staff.
“We looked to Proxy v5.0 specifically for the Proxy Gateway,” said Daniel Keller, information management, Wide Area Networking Group at Sony. “We have outside vendors who work with us to help manage our sales outlets and want to control the access they have to the cash systems. The Proxy Gateway enables us to easily set permissions and limit who can see which machines depending on their access rights. It's the right tool for the right job.”
The new Proxy Gateway – which authorizes and configures remote control connections on the network – lets IT staff set up and enforce a centralized security policy that fully governs how remote control is used on their local or wide-area network. It provides the following major benefits to enterprises:
Complete control over how remote control is used on the network: Remote control access, because it happens from PC-to-PC, may not fall entirely within the purview of IT staff, potentially causing security vulnerabilities or management problems on the network. Proxy Gateway brings remote control access fully under the control of IT staff, eliminating security vulnerabilities and providing the tools they need to centrally configure (on a user or group basis) who can use remote control and which machines they can access, and which users are allowed to use the remote control, file transfer (read and/or write), remote printing, and clipboard transfer (read and/or write) functions in the product. These policies govern access to PCs anywhere. Enterprises have full control of remote control usage on their LAN/WAN, with the flexibility to set up the access policy that makes sense for their organization. For the strongest security, IT staff can prohibit peer-to-peer access and enforce all security policies through the Gateway; you can also choose to mix Gateway-based and peer-to-peer access for more flexible access (but with less control). Proxy v5.0 provides the control IT staff need.
Fast, simple access to all PCs: A major challenge with many peer-to-peer remote control solutions is actually finding the remote PC to be controlled in the interface. Proxy Gateway provides a straightforward, simple view of all Host PCs, displaying all PCs at the click of a button. It allows you to compartmentalize them logically in the interface (for example, by department or floor), for the fastest access. Host PCs, regardless of platform or location, are always just a single click away, providing streamlined access and a uniform experience.
Secure remote control access from outside the company (no VPN required): For security reasons, remote control access from users located outside the organization has traditionally been not allowed, or allowed only once a VPN connection has been established. Now, IT staff can set up Proxy Gateway outside the enterprise’s firewall, in a so-called network DMZ, to permit safe, fully protected remote control access to the organization, with full access to privately-addressed Hosts. Proxy Gateway enforces access control and security, relieving VPN congestion and significantly simplifying the user’s experience.
Audit log of all remote control activity, for security and compliance: Traditional peer-to-peer remote control software usually does not offer centralized logging, making it hard to troubleshoot problems and track usage. Proxy Gateway generates the audit trail you need for security, diagnostics, and network troubleshooting, and for organizations who are governed by regulations such as Sarbanes-Oxley and HIPAA provides the required audit trails of who has access to and sees what information.
“Remote control is a valuable time-saving tool for any help desk organization. However, because of security and regulatory compliance concerns, it’s increasingly coming under the scrutiny of security officers,” said Joe Ryan, vice president of Funk Software. “Proxy Gateway is an innovative solution that gives enterprises the level of control and accounting they need to keep their networks secure, and to document compliance -- allowing them to confidently deploy remote control enterprise-wide.”
Proxy v5.0 Overview
Proxy v5.0 is a secure, easily managed remote control solution for enterprises that allows help desks to provide remote support to end users and networks, and includes custom features that speed the help desk’s problem resolution time. With Proxy v5.0, IT staff can centrally manage remote control access across their entire organization – enhancing security, streamlining administration, and providing a user-by-user view into remote control activity on the network. In addition to these benefits provided by the Proxy Gateway, Proxy v5.0 offers all the other powerful remote control features previously offered by Proxy, including file transfer, remote printing, clipboard transfer, and numerous usability conveniences such as History and Favorites lists, Cycling Monitor, and more.
Proxy v5.0 comprises:
Proxy Host, runs on all editions of Windows Server 2003, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows NT4 sp6, Windows ME, Windows 98SE, and Windows 98, and allows a PC to be viewed and operated.
Proxy Master, which runs on Windows Server 2003, Windows XP, and Windows 2000, allows you to view and operate Proxy Hosts.
Proxy Gateway, an optional component (required for server-based remote control), installs on a Windows 2000/XP/2003 server-class machine and is responsible for configuring and managing access between Proxy Masters and Hosts.
Pricing and Availability
Proxy v5.0 is scheduled to be available in April 2005. It will be available from Funk Software’s worldwide network of authorized reseller partners and directly from Funk Software. 100 Proxy Hosts cost $2750. Pricing for the optional Gateway component starts at $940 for a 25-Host server. An annual maintenance and support contract is included in all pricing.
About Funk Software
Funk Software is a leading provider of network access security solutions for networks of any size, from enterprise to operator, wired or wireless. The company’s family of RADIUS/AAA and WLAN security products allow an organization to enforce a uniform security policy across all network access methods, including WLAN, remote/VPN, dial, and identity-based (wired 802.1X) – with the performance and reliability to handle any traffic load, and with full support for any network infrastructure. For more information, visit http://www.funk.com or call +1 (617) 497-6339.