ServerWatch News Briefs for January 16, 2004

This Week’s Swatches

• Bringing StarOffice to the Land of the Rising Sun
• NCS Releases Server Appliance to Thwart Cyberterrorism
• Toshiba Announces Wireless Server Software for SMBs

Bringing StarOffice to the Land of the Rising Sun

Sun selected Sourcenext to sell its StarSuite 7 Office Productivity Suite in Japan; NCS Technologies has developed the Advanced Intrusion Prevention Appliance, a server appliance designed to offer protection from cyberterrorism; and Toshiba unveiled 18 software packages to better meet SMB needs.

Sun Microsystems Friday revealed that it has selected Japan-based computer products distributor Sourcenext Corp., to sell Sun’s StarSuite 7 Office Productivity Suite in retail locations in Japan and via Internet downloads.

The StarSuite 7 Office Productivity Suite is the Japanese version of the StarOffice productivity suite and a core part of the Sun Java Desktop System.

The StarSuite 7 software will be sold in as many as 15,000 Japanese retail locations, including home electronic, convenience and book stores. The multi-million-dollar deal represents the largest number of new stores to date that will carry the StarSuite software.

Enterprises considering StarSuite will have two options. Sourcenext will make the StarSuite 7 software available for an annual subscription price of 1,980 Yen (less than $20) beginning February 5, 2004. This is the first time that either StarSuite or StarOffice products have been offered by a retailer on an annual subscription basis.

StarSuite can also be purchased outright for 9800 Yen (less than $100).

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NCS Releases Server Appliance to Thwart Cyberterrorism

NCS Technologies this week announced it has developed the Advanced Intrusion Prevention Appliance for a new ISV partner. The new OEM appliance is designed to offer protection for financial institutions and critical IT infrastructure should they be victims of cyberterrorism.

The Advanced Intrusion Prevention Appliance meets the guidelines of the Department of Homeland Security.

The appliance combines a robust firewall with an intrusion detection system to form a one-package solution to help prevent attacks on an organization’s IT systems. In the event of an attack, the appliance will capture all of the forensic data, thus providing a complete and thorough audit trail of the attack. The information can then be sent to the National Cyber Security Division of the Department of Homeland Security, or the abuse department at the attacker’s ISP.

The appliance system is housed in a 1U form-factor running a high-speed Pentium 4 processor. The system has four Gigabit Ethernet interfaces for high-speed connectivity and includes secure lockable and removable hard drive carriers as well as a smart card reader. It can be activated using smart card authentication, only.

“With this new partnership, NCS continues to maintain its leadership position in delivering completely functional and deployment-ready server appliances for ISV partners. We are extremely pleased at being a part of the fight against cyberterrorism. This is indeed a precious addition to the suite of OEM Security Appliances that NCS has developed,” says Pranay Prakash, executive director, OEM Servers & Appliances in a prepared statement.

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Toshiba Announces Wireless Server Software for SMBs

Toshiba’s Digital Solutions Division (DSD) Wednesday unveiled 18 software packages designed to meet SMB needs. The packages will be marketed and sold through Toshiba’s channel partners.

Toshiba’s Mobile Productivity Solutions, which are based on its Magnia server line, Portege Tablet PC series, and
Pocket PC devices, will include specific hardware and software bundles to address many of the key IT challenges SMBs experience. The new solutions range from security and document management programs to education and healthcare solutions.

The server solutions were selected to provide channel partners with efficient and affordable ways to meet customers emerging IT needs and challenges. The turnkey server bundles provide all of the hardware and software in one convenient package, with the intention of giving channel providers tools to quickly deliver value to customers and increase profits.

The offerings fall into three categories:

• Security Solutions enforce network security and virus protection using Toshiba’s Magnia SG25, SG30, or Z310 bundled with Astaro’s Security Linux software to prevent viruses, spam and unauthorized access to networks.
• Data Protection & Backup Solutions simplify backup and provide complete data protection for customers using
  Toshiba’s Magnia Z310 pre-loaded with data recovery solutions from Unitrends and NetX.
• Document Management Solutions organize paper and electronic documents with Toshiba’s Magnia servers and management
  software from Boston Business Technologies and Search Express.

Toshiba has a dedicated sales force to help channel partners sell high-margin solutions (i.e., those ranging from 12
percent to 25 percent), in addition to opportunities for installation/consulting services, the sale of additional licenses,
and ongoing support.

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