Cybernet Delivers Easy-to-Use, Low Cost Network FireWall
Appliance Software
New NetMAX Software Delivers Low-Cost, All-in-One Secure Network Firewall and
Router Appliance
Ann Arbor, Michigan, October 4, 1999 - Cybernet Systems Corporation today
announced the industry’s first Linux-based Internet firewall and router appliance
software to be available through retail channels. NetMAX FireWall, part of a suite of
NetMAX thin servers, dramatically simplifies network firewall/router installation and
management, lowers costs, and delivers all the necessary software, including a
complete version of the Red Hat™ Linux OS (NASDAQ: RHAT), in one integrated
product. A relatively unsophisticated user can set up a NetMAX FireWall system
quickly and easily through a few simple mouse clicks.
"The NetMAX FireWall appliance software delivers a complete, easy to use firewall
and router in one low-cost package," noted Greg Emery, vice president of marketing
for Cybernet. "The software is based on the rock-solid and secure Linux operating
system, yet shields the user from all the complexity typically involved in configuring
Linux. Now any user can turn any basic entry-level PC into a secure firewall in a few
minutes for next to nothing."
The NetMAX FireWall uses custom configuration code, tight component integration
and an advanced graphical HTML interface to simplify setup of a fully functional
firewall and router. Setting up a typical firewall and router takes significant technical
depth and potentially several days of configuration and "tweaking." The NetMAX
FireWall, in contrast, can be set up by anyone that can use a web browser, and even
includes pre-configured rules for many of the most common security configurations
used today.
Install a fully functional network gateway in minutes
The NetMAX FireWall installs the operating system, firewall and routing software, and
minimal system information is required to get a system running. After the installation
(typically 15 minutes) the FireWall is up and running and ready to be tailored to the
network.
Quickly configure a secure network
The NetMAX FireWall includes many of the common security configurations in use
today. The administrator simply selects which rules apply to the network and the
NetMAX FireWall does the rest. As the administrator’s security knowledge increases,
they can customize the default rules for more advanced networking options.
Provide a single point of access to the Internet for greater security
All traffic from the Internet to the network passes through the NetMAX FireWall,
where it is either accepted or rejected. This greatly simplifies network security,
letting network administrators concentrate security measures on the only point
where the network connects to the Internet.
Protect all Windows, Macintosh, and Unix clients
Everyone on the network is protected from attack, regardless of which operating
systems they run. All network routing functions and IP address sharing automatically
apply to Windows, Macintosh, and Unix clients.
Monitor network web browsing
The NetMAX FireWall reports on traffic from the network to the Internet, graphically
displaying the amount of web browsing done from within the network and showing
which external web sites are being accessed and how often. The report can be
customized to include other types of network traffic.
Reduce operating costs by sharing a single IP address
An entire network of IP addresses can be expensive, so the NetMAX Firewall allows
all network systems to share a single IP address. This lowers operating costs and
increases security by making it harder for others to access internal computers.
NetMAX FireWall includes and installs a Linux operating system based on the Red Hat
distribution, packet firewall and routing packages. All of the services are preconfigured and fully integrated; no other software is required. NetMAX FireWall is
carried by leading retailers and distributors throughout North America, with an
approximate street price of $99. Separate press releases on the other products in
the NetMAX server series are available on the Cybernet NetMAX web site
(www.netmax.com) or by calling Alice Aoki at 408-441-4100.
About Cybernet
Cybernet Systems is a technology research and development company focused on
creating and commercializing innovative, high quality, leading-edge solutions in the
networking, wireless, robotics, electromechanical and PC hardware/software arenas.
The company is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan. More information on
Cybernet or its NetMAX product line is available on the world wide web at
www.cybernet.com or www.netmax.com.