management tools

Symantec's mobile security suite not up to snuff

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 06:59:58 -0500

Symantec is a trusted name in enterprise security and its products keep many an IT department under lock and key. So you can't really argue with the assumption that the company's latest mobile security product--Mobile Security Suite 5.0--offers a similarly comprehensive solution for the mobile side of the enterprise. But you would be wrong. According to an eWeek review of the product, Symantec still has some work left to do, in terms of producing an enterprise-class mobile security solution. The most glaring mistake, according to eWeek, was the decision to market separate solutions for Windows Mobile and Symbian--as opposed to one comprehensive solution. "Symantec's Mobile Security Suite 5.0 provides a good mix of security features for devices based on Microsoft's Windows Mobile 5.0, but the product ultimately misses the mark due to clumsy management tools and a complete lack of integrated cross-platform support that would certainly be compelling in an increasingly crowded but compartmentalized marketplace."

For more on Mobile Security Suite 5.0:
- read the eWeek review

Reinvented enterprise iPaq

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 19:01:38 -0500

The iPaq name has long meant full-featured wireless device for mobile data management and access. It's also meant a device with the large-form size common to palm-top computers. Now, HP hopes it will also mean a feature-packed cellphone in a sleek (well, sleeker) package. The iPaq 500 series, introduced in Barcelona, gives up the bulky form-factor while hanging on to most of the features that make an iPaq an iPaq. This multi-network phone (which will use 3G networks, WiFi hotspots, or office wireless networks), will ship with VoIP software and management tools that will allow it to seamlessly hand-off calls between networks. The Windows Mobile phone is designed to appeal to enterprise customers that have made significant investments in wireless applications, but are still open to a new platform.

For more details on the new iPaq:
- read the article at News Factor

How to deploy a wireless network smoothly

Sun, 24 Sep 2006 20:01:38 -0400

To hear tech leaders tell it, there are still some huge stumbling blocks in the way of a smooth wireless network deployment. One big issue is the lack of good management tools for keeping track of what's going on inside and outside of the enterprise. The second and third key hurdles are the need for better technology standards and easier to use devices. That's just a sampling of the insight gleaned from IT leaders attending the recent Interop conference. Better network performance tracking technology would be a big help, as would proactive monitoring capabilities. Yet, as some tech leaders relate, there have been more than a few success stories in deploying wireless networks and converging them with other voice and data networks already in place. Find out why these successes worked and what to be prepared for before you move ahead to give your users the wireless capabilities they need today. Article

PLUS: Dual-mode devices get closer to reality. Article

How to deploy a Cisco Unified Wireless Network

Sun, 07 May 2006 20:01:38 -0400

A recent review of Cisco's Unified Wireless Network illustrates the strong integration the vendor is making between its traditional wired network and appliance, controllers and the access points that tie the network together. Cisco is clearly working hard on the integration element, and the management tools are getting incredibly high marks.

The very first step in building out a new Cisco controller-based network, or expanding an existing one, is plugging in the Wireless Control System, a device that lays under the Windows operating system or Linux platform and gives IT leaders capabilities from management and reporting to WLAN planning. The tools then let you determine how many APs you need to deploy and provide strong management capabilities. Then it's time to determine security and monitoring requirements and whether your enterprise needs to use the location tracking function, which the vendor believes will be an increasing enterprise need in some industries. Learn how the system performed on an in-depth performance check and what you need to do to make the network purr smoothly. Article