New Astaro Security Gateway Version 7.1

<p><strong>Burlington, Mass. &mdash; Jan. 8</strong><br />Astaro Corp., a provider delivering unified threat management (UTM) security appliances, announced the global availability of version 7.1 of its Astaro Security Gateway software appliance. Integrating a completely new HTTP proxy in the latest release of the company&rsquo;s security platform, Astaro successfully introduces advanced Web filtering functionality delivering significant performance improvements. Astaro develops unified threat management security gateway appliances that combine network security, Web filtering and e-mail security, all of which can be managed through a single console.<br /><br />Whereas previous releases used &ldquo;Squid&rdquo; as HTTP proxy, a solution based on open-source technology, Astaro has now integrated proprietary technology delivering unmatched efficiency gains. The new proxy completely replaces the old engine and supports features like Directory Single-Sign-On via NTLMv2 and Kerberos authentication. Other enhancements include a flexible combination of black and white list technologies, as well as streaming media capability to play audio and video data without interferences.<br /><br />Internal performance tests also revealed that the new proxy&rsquo;s advanced I/O model, in combination with intelligent caching functionality, allows for significant performance improvements of up to 80 percent. These results were confirmed by the vendor&rsquo;s new beta program, providing extensive feedback from more than 200 partners and end customers. In addition to faster response times, providing users with a better surfing experience, the new software version supports interface-based packet filtering, detailed network accounting and enhanced user interface functionality.<br /><br />Astaro Security Gateway V7.1 offers a full range of security features, including central administration, e-mail encryption, flexible and secure SSL VPN connectivity, and comprehensive clustering functionality to help customers maximize security investments. Ninety-seven percent of beta program participants voiced their opinion that the new version&rsquo;s features would significantly improve their companies&rsquo; level of network security. </p>