Intel Announces Tool For Intelligent, Simplified Deployment Of Virtual Private Network Clients

Intel Also Announces Enhanced VPN Suite and Unlimited VPN Client Pricing

BEDFORD, Mass., November 1, 1999 - Intel Corporation today announced the Shiva®* VPN Client Deployment Tool (CDT), the first intelligent, Web-based solution that helps network managers at medium enterprises and Internet Service Providers (ISP) easily, quickly and accurately deploy large numbers of fully-configured Intel VPN software clients. The Shiva VPN Client Deployment Tool is designed to support the latest version of Intel's Shiva® LanRover VPN Gateway Plus, Gateway and Express, versions 6.7, which include unlimited client licenses at no extra cost.

Using a combination of e-mail and Web-based technologies, network managers can for the first time automate the traditionally complex and time-intensive process of installing, configuring and managing VPN client software for tens, hundreds or thousands of remote users.

Intel's new, centralized solution for deploying VPN client software across the enterprise means that network administrators no longer have to perform laptop recalls or physically visit regional and branch offices for on-site client upgrades and installations.

The Shiva VPN Client Deployment Tool also offers intelligent features that help automatically manage and streamline client configuration by reading import files and gathering device and user information changes. This helps network managers and ISPs determine whether or not modifications have been made to device or user related data and ensures that they deploy the required client software only to those users who need it.

Three Steps to Deploying VPN Clients
First, the network manager places the pre-configured VPN client as an executable file on a Web server while an e-mail notification containing a pass code and a URL link is sent automatically to selected remote users. Second, the selected remote users download the executable file from the Web server. Third, the users install the pre-configured VPN client software on their laptop and, after a quick reboot, can begin to exchange fully-encrypted VPN communications.

This process eliminates the need for remote users to enter complicated and error-prone set-up and configuration data and ensures that the VPN software installed on each client is exactly as the network manager configured it.

"As the numbers of remote users continues to grow, network managers and ISPs require a simple solution to solve their VPN client deployment needs," said Michael Duffy, business unit manager for Intel's WAN Systems Operation. "Intel's new VPN client deployment tool provides the quickest, easiest and most cost-effective way for businesses to deploy clients across the enterprise, helping them take advantage of the significant cost-savings that a VPN can offer."

Enhanced Security and Auditing Features
The Shiva VPN Client Deployment Tool supports encryption of VPN client configuration files and VPN authentication protocols to help provide trusted transfer of information. In addition, by storing deployment information, network managers and ISP's can closely track details of each installation for auditing purposes.

About the VPN Gateway and Client version 6.7
Intel is also announcing the availability of an enhanced VPN suite that helps easy set-up and rapid deployment for trusted remote access applications.

Intel's Shiva LanRover VPN Gateway Plus 6.7, Shiva LanRover VPN Gateway 6.7 and the Shiva LanRover VPN Express 6.7 have been optimized for the new Shiva VPN Client Deployment Tool and include many new and enhanced features that improve interoperability, security and manageability.

These features include: multiple authentication options including support for SoftID; a V.35 Serial Interface for the VPN Express; .ini file improvements; enhanced RADIUS accounting and auditing; RADIUS authentication using Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol (CHAP); dual-default gateway support; and an active Tunnels Summary Display.

Pricing and Availability
The Shiva VPN Client Deployment Tool will be available in the fourth quarter of 1999 and is priced at $5,000 (U.S. list) for a single corporate user and $25,000 (U.S. list) for multiple corporate users. The Intel Shiva LanRover VPN Gateway Plus 6.7, Gateway 6.7 and Express 6.7 are available in November and all, for the first time, come with unlimited client licenses at no extra cost. The Intel Shiva VPN Express is priced from $3,495 (U.S. list). The Intel Shiva LanRover VPN Gateway is priced from $6,200 (U.S. list) and the Intel Shiva LanRover VPN Gateway Plus is priced at $9,250 (U.S. list).

Upgrade options are available for existing Shiva LanRover VPN Gateway Plus, Gateway and Express customers. Additional pricing and product information is available at (800) 977-4482 and www.shiva.com.

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