Tech Watch: Secure ADSL; Access Devices; Tablet PC

Holding Down The Fortinet
Small and midsize businesses are rapidly adopting asymmetric digital subscriber lines (ADSL) as a cost-effective connectivity option. This connection technology comes with some unique operating and security requirements that differ from standard ISDN and T-1 connections. Fortinet's FortiGate-60ADSL, FortiWiFi-60A and FortiWiFi-60AM provide ADSL with the same security functionality and protection of its standard unified threat-management appliances. These standard features include ASIC-based accelerated processing, stateful-inspection firewall, antivirus, IPSec and SSL VPN, IPS, Web filtering, traffic shaping, antispam and antispyware. The 60ADSL features dual WAN support for redundant connectivity and an integrated four-port switch, which extends its power by providing networking capabilities. The WiFi-60A and WiFi-60AM are designed specifically for wireless implementations and support the full range of wireless standards (802.11a/b/g).
Fortinet FortiGate, www.fortinet.com, Price: FortiGate-60ADSL: $995; FortiWiFi-60A: $895; FortiWiFi-60AM: $995

ClearCube Thinks Outside The Box
The reach of virtual clients is getting a big boost with the release of ClearCube's I/Port I8020 and I8820 access devices. Combined with ClearCube's Grid Center management software, these access devices allow users to access blade PCs and computing devices from virtually anywhere via a wired or wireless Internet connection. Using Grid Center, IT managers can establish policies that dynamically allocate I/Port to specific blades, ensuring the appropriate allocation and efficiency of back-end computing resources. I/Port provides users with solid security, availability and ease-of-use, as long as they have access to an Internet connection. The devices are no bigger than a standard notebook, and generate little heat. No data is ever stored on the device; all data and processing is done on the back-end blades, which is appealing to security-conscious organizations. The I8020 runs on Linux and has basic computing functionality. The I8820 runs on Windows XP, which gives it slightly more standalone functionality.
ClearCube I/Port, www.clearcube.com, Price: I8020: $399; I8820: $599

Gateway Unveils Business-Class
Gateway is stepping up its presence in the increasingly competitive Tablet PC market with the M285-E, whose performance meets the needs of enterprise users that require high-end processing and handwriting functionality in a tablet form factor. The unit is powered by Intel Centrino Duo Mobile technology, which gives it dual-core processing. Based on its popular notebook design, the tablet is a comfortable platform for all users; the basic design includes three USB ports, integrated wireless networking cards and connections for multimedia devices. Options include a choice of graphics card, an SATA hard drive, dual-channel memory and a second battery. The extended battery life gives the unit up to eight hours of continuous use, impressive for this power-hungry device. Gateway is also offering optional security software that protects the stored data and helps locate the tablet should it be lost or stolen.
Gateway M285-E, www.gateway.com, Price: Starts at $1,399