Shiva Corporation today introduced version 2.0 of its award-winning Shiva AccessPort ISDN client router for connecting telecommuters and small remote office users to corporate networks, the Internet and online services.
Shiva AccessPort 2.0 provides enhanced security and ease-of-use features which make it much easier for network managers to deploy and maintain cost-effective ISDN solutions for large numbers of remote users. In addition, Shiva announced RapidInstall, a service that simplifies installation, including the option of engineering phone support that provides step-by-step instructions for customers.
"Shiva AccessPort 2.0 addresses the needs of both the network manager and the end user. Its installation features significantly ease the complexities of mass deployment and also simplify set-up for the non-technical SOHO user," said Angelo Santinelli, senior vice president of worldwide marketing and business development at Shiva Corporation. "In understanding the needs of today's telecommuters, we are offering RapidInstall support service, for installation guaranteed within one phone call."
An ISDN client router, the Shiva AccessPort connects telecommuters, remote offices and small businesses to the corporate LAN and the Internet. It offers easy-to-use, high performance and secure ISDN access with Tariff Management features that help reduce phone charges. The Shiva AccessPort can be used in conjunction with central site concentrators such as Shiva's LanRover Access Switch for an end-to-end solution and works seamlessly with many other solutions that support Multilink PPP and STAC compression.
Deployment and Security Features
Shiva AccessPort 2.0 provides an easy to use Wizard which makes installation simple for the non-technical user. In addition, Shiva also focuses on the more complex requirements of the Network Manager who requires secure mass deployment or upgrading of Shiva AccessPorts. Specifically, version 2.0 adds the following easy installation features:
Rapid ISDN Setup, provides a combination of automatic setup based on the country of use; discovery of the ISDN switch to which the device is connected; and automatic composition of SPIDs. This eases Shiva AccessPort setup by detecting and automatically configuring ISDN parameters.
Network Test Facility tests the ISDN functionality of the Shiva AccessPort during configuration and provides detailed traces of any problems with ISDN lines or configurations, saving time during setup for installation.
Mass Deployment Tool allows configurations and firmware upgrades to an installed base of Shiva AccessPorts to be edited, controlled and scheduled from a central site.
DIATover IP and IPX: Dynamic address translation for single or multiple hosts using IP or IPX. DIAT isolates the remote LAN for security and removes the burden of remote LAN administration.
Dynamic Host Control Protocol (DHCP): PCs being supported on the remote LAN automatically get an IP address via the Shiva AccessPort, which acts as a DHCP server. This prevents time-consuming address allocation for the network manager.
Security Assistant provides third-party security authorization support for remote users. Instead of full management software, only the Security Assistant popup need be deployed onto PCs making Shiva AccessPort use more seamless for the remote users.
"Currently we have 80 to 90 Shiva AccessPort 2.0's, and we are installing five each month," noted Keith Waterhouse, director of MIS at Colonial Properties Trust, the largest diversified real estate investment trust company in the U.S. according to the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts. "The ease of installation of the Shiva AccessPort 2.0 has been a key component in our success. Because its install process is very fast and easy, we can spend more time focusing on our business and less time dealing with our network infrastructure."
RapidInstall Service Eases Installation
In addition to its web-based online Install agent support, Shiva provides customers with the option of buying RapidInstall, a new support service for the installation of hardware and software for all of Shiva's product line including the Shiva AccessPort, LanRover Family, and LanRover Access Switch. RapidInstall reduces the installation time and effort for customers to make it as simple as possible to get products up and running.
The RapidInstall service includes:
Telephone installation assistance by an expert Shiva Installation Engineer, assuring fast and correct installation of the product.
Installation in approximately one hour, having the Shiva AccessPort 2.0 or LanRover up and running by the end of the call. Installations with more port density such as the LanRover Access Switch, may take longer than one hour.
Guaranteed scheduled date and time for installation allowing the customer to schedule an appointment at their convenience.
Free line provisioning included for ISDN products, alleviating the burden of managing line installation himself/herself when an ISDN line is required.
Pricing and Availability
Shiva AccessPort 2.0 will be available in October, 1997, from Shiva resellers and distributors at a suggested list price of US $795. Version 2.0 upgrade will be offered to existing Shiva AccessPort customers this month, free of charge from Shiva's web site at www.shiva.com/remote/accessport/install.html.
Note that the Mass Deployment Tool will be available free of charge from Shiva's web site in early fourth quarter, 1997. RapidInstall is available immediately at list prices ranging from $129-199 for the Shiva AccessPort and LanRover, and is priced at $750 for the LanRover Access Switch.
Shiva customers can order RapidInstall by calling 1-800-867-4482, Shiva Tech. Support directly at 1-617-270-8784, or via the Shiva web site in late September. The Install agent, Shiva's web-based online support, is also available via Shiva's web site.
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