Packeteer accelerates branch office consolidation with new release for iShared WAFS solution

IT Wise, the Sub-Saharan distributor for Packeteer, today announced the latter`s version 3.2 of the iShared product family that can significantly lower the entry cost for implementing wide area file services (WAFS) and enhance an organisation`s Microsoft System Management Server (SMS) 2003 infrastructure.

By reducing the number of servers and network devices currently needed at branch locations, version 3.2 of the iShared product family will provide customers with optimal application performance from the data centre to the branch office. This is Packeteer`s first integration release since acquiring Tacit Networks that will also provide improved data security and manageability while helping customers optimise network traffic to the branch office.

"With the iShared product family, we`re defining a `branch office in a box` solution that perfectly complements our core application performance and optimisation solutions," commented David Puglia, Packeteer`s vice-president of marketing.

"As we continue to integrate technologies, we`ll be uniquely positioned to help customers - especially global organisations that rely upon distributed Microsoft applications - maximise their server consolidation initiatives for storage or file access by delivering secure, real-time data access for all remote users. We anticipate future solutions that can completely centralise branch office management while optimising application performance between the data centre and the branch."

The new 3.2 iShared product family now delivers WAFS (CIFS acceleration, file differencing, storage caching, distributed file system) with WAN Optimisation (gigabyte-level dictionary caching, compression, TCP acceleration, MS Exchange acceleration, and web object caching) as well as advanced Microsoft application services. This integrated set of solutions differentiates the iShared product family from point optimisation products by moving well beyond simple acceleration to provide key IT services including SMS, Domain Controller, Print, DNS and DHCP, all managed within and compatible with the Microsoft framework and security. These capabilities represent new requirements for enhancing branch office service levels and extending branch office manageability.

"Packeteer is leveraging key networking, file and security technologies in the Windows Server platform and delivering solutions to simplify the management of branch office infrastructure and increase the productivity of remote users," added Zane Adam, director of product marketing in the Windows Server division at Microsoft. "The iShared and PacketShaper product lines, combined with Windows Server and provided by a leading partner, are a compelling proposition for our worldwide customers."

In addition, version 3.2 introduces iShared FlexInstall, a software-based option for deployment on existing server infrastructure. With this option, customers can now choose to install iShared software alongside other applications onto existing server hardware to provide WAFS capabilities. Customers evaluating server and storage opportunities and new technologies for application delivery to their branch offices now have a cost-effective WAFS solution that leverages existing infrastructure.

By fully integrating into Microsoft management and security frameworks, the new iShared SMS enhancements significantly accelerate downloads of SMS packages through WAN optimisation and namespace transparency technologies. Additionally, with version 3.2 enhancements for Microsoft`s System Management Server (SMS) 2003, Packeteer is introducing the industry`s only WAFS solution that enables enterprises to co-locate SMS distribution points, secondary site servers and management points on the iShared appliance to truly deliver a `branch office-in-a box`.

"The iShared appliances from Packeteer are going to open up significant opportunities in the branch office market," concluded Tim Hebert, COO for Atrion Networking, a Packeteer Service and Solutions Partner. "We see customer demand to resolve application and file transfer performance issues, data integrity problems, and the management challenges at the branch. This new release from Packeteer is going to provide a powerful solution that addresses these growing problems."

For further information, please contact Mike Ransom at telephone +27(012) 665 2204; fax +27(012) 665 2918; e-mail miker@itwise.co.za.