F5 claims Vista SSL VPN first

Stephen Withers
Wednesday, 28 February 2007 08:29

Business IT - Security

A new version of F5's FirePass Controller SSL VPN software is the first of its kind to support Windows Vista (as well as Mac OS X, Linux and older versions of Microsoft's operating systems), the company claims.

Allowing secure remote access from any web-enabled device, FirePass Controller can support up to 2000 concurrent users on one device, and tens of thousands by using load-balancing across multiple devices.

The new software means FirePass is now compatible with Windows Vista, XP, 2000, Mac OS X, Linux and PocketPC, according to F5. Current FirePass owners with maintenance agreements can install the update on their existing  units.

Our support for Microsoft’s Windows Vista gives our customers the assurance that their F5 investment will serve them far into the future," said Ameet Dhillon, Director of Product Management at F5.

The primary advantage of SSL VPN over other VPN technologies is that being web-based it does not require software to be pre-installed on the client. This makes it especially suitable in situations may need remote access from borrowed or rented computers such as those in hotel business centres, internet cafes or public access kiosks.