VPN Software Solution

The Citrix Extranet is a new virtual private network (VPN) software solution that provides a high level of security for both enterprise and ASPs. The new VPN software supports a wide range of client operating systems and supplies the three major types of safeguards required for the highest level of VPN security—authentication, access control and encryption. It will support Microsoft Windows NT, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows CE, Macintosh, Linux, and Sun Solaris client devices. Specifically designed to address large extranet user populations, the software solves this problem by utilizing the worldwide VPN model, and can be installed on firewall platforms or on a standalone platform behind the enterprise firewall. Administrators can deploy applications and users can traverse multiple firewalls without intervention.

The software uses the latest authentication, encryption and access control technology to advance application delivery by expanding the usability, performance and security of the application server software across the Internet. It provides data encryption, access control and mutual authentication across the Internet to clients running on other networks.

To limit authorized users to only the information they are allowed, the software assigns access permissions on a per-user, per-group and 'all' basis. Once a user is authenticated, the system contacts every server for which that user has an authentication key and requests current permissions. The user is given access only to those servers and URLs for which they have current privileges. The software uses a two-factor authentication system comprised of a digital token, digital certificate, or smart card that the user has, and an access code that the user knows. Two-way (Mutual) Authentication authenticates both a client and a server to ensure that only authorized users are establishing VPN sessions. Third-party Authentication supports RSA SecureID/ACE Server, RADIUS, x.509 (PKI) digital certificates, smart cards, and tokens.

Citrix Systems, 6400 Northwest 6th Way, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309. Tel: 954-267-3000; Fax: 954-267-9319.