The ASP Industry Consortium launched a security initiative within its technology committee, and published a guide that highlights important security issues concerning both vendors and customers. The “Key Security Issues for ASPs and Their Customers” booklet was launched last month at Comdex Fall 2000 in Las Vegas. The guide highlights three areas: network security, platform security and integration security, and also advises on some initial steps that customers can take to enhance the security of their applications and systems. The booklet is available through the ASP Industry Consortium Web site at www.allaboutasp.org, and is a product of the security subcommittee who will focus its efforts through four specialized working groups – network security working group, platform security working group, integration security working group, and security for SLA working group.
Romeo & Juliet virus undetectable by scanners
London-based GFI, a developer of e-mail content-checking and anti-virus gateway software, last month discovered what it calls a hazardous new e-mail virus. Calling it the Romeo & Juliet, GFI says it is particularly dangerous because current virus scanners cannot detect it. According to the company, the virus is transported by HTML mail containing malicious code, an executable file called My Romeo and a compiled help file (.chm) called My Juliet. GFI says the HTML code automatically runs an executable file and it then spreads across the Internet by connecting to a number of open relay sites. The company says the only way to protect networks is to block it at the server level using a content-checking e-mail gateway which can be set to filter all mails containing HTML scripts as well as .chm and .exe attachments. GFI is on the net at www.gfi.com.
Cisco to acquire Radiata
Cisco Systems recently announced a definitive agreement to acquire privately held Radiata, Inc. of San Jose, Calif., and Sydney, Australia. According to Cisco, the acquisition strengthens its New World strategy by expanding Cisco’s ability to deliver wireless networks using the IEEE 802.11a standard for faster data rates. Under the terms of the agreement, Cisco common stock will be exchanged for all outstanding shares and options of Radiata. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of Cisco’s fiscal year 2001. Currently, according to Cisco, Radiata provides it with semiconductor technology and radio and modem systems expertise for developing next-generation wireless networks. For details, visit www.cisco.com. Radiata is on the Internet at www.radiata.com.
Teleglobe signs deal with Nortel
Reston, Va.-based Teleglobe recently signed a US$400 million contract with Nortel Networks to supply its high-performance Optical Internet service throughout Teleglobe’s global IP network. Teleglobe says the investment enables it to deliver enhanced IP and ATM services such as VPN, as well as additional managed wavelength services, worldwide. Nortel Networks Optical Internet services, when combined with advanced optical amplification technology, allow Teleglobe to maximize bandwidth capacity and operating efficiency of its fibre optic terrestrial and submarine cables, according to the company. Teleglobe also says the investment will increase network capacity to 800Gbps per fibre and support next-generation data backbone networks. For details, visit www.teleglobe.com.
