The EdgeGuard platform from Metavize is a gateway deployed in-line appliance (either just inside or in place of the existing firewall) onto which can be loaded an assortment of individual "Software Appliances," individual software modules that provide specific security features (such as anti-spam, anti-virus, URL blocking, etc.) and yet are all housed and run within the single gateway appliance. A central GUI console allows for the management of each of the individual software appliances, each displayed within a "virtual rack" interface (i.e., a visual display of the individual software modules resembles a rack of separate components), with independent controls for the toggling and configuration of each of the modules themselves. In addition to the management/monitoring of the software appliances, this interface additionally allows for the procurement and deployment of the modules, as well.

The hardware itself is a mini 1U enclosure, boasting an Intel Pentium 4 3.0E GHz processor with 1MB cache and 800 MHz FSB; 2x512MB PC3200 DDR SDRAM (4 GB max); a Maxtor 40 GB drive; and a trio of Ethernet NICs. Connectivity to the LAN is via three Ethernet NICs with RJ-45 ports, and additional expansion capabilities include 2 EIDE ports, 2 Serial ATA ports, 2 USB 2.0 ports, serial, parallel, PS/2 keyboard and mouse ports. Up to 250 concurrent users are supported by the EdgeGuard platform, with throughput listed as up to 10 MB/second.

Software appliances available for the EdgeGuard platform are offered by the vendor in module suites. Suites currently available include:

- Firewall Suite: Allows for basic blocking of particular traffic and/or the sharing of Internet access among multiple users. Included in the Firewall Suite is the Firewall appliance, with the ability to block or accept TCP and/or UDP traffic from a source address or port to a destination address or port as well as set a default action (pass or block) for traffic for which no rules apply; the Packet Attack Shield which blocks all malformed packet-based attacks; and the Network Sharing module with NAT, DHCP, and DNS capabilities.

- Content Control Suite: With Web Content Control for URL filtering and download policy enforcement, and Rogue Protocol Control, which halts unwanted protocols on any port.

- AntiFraud Suite: With Spyware Blocker for the detection of infected hosts and blocking based on cookies, Active X and host blocklists; and PhishNet, the newest addition to the product line, which scans and blocks phishing E-mail on SMTP, IMAP4 and POP3 traffic.

- AntiVirus Suite: With AntiVirus Scanner, for protection (detection/removal) from viruses on HTTP, FTP, SMTP, IMAP, and POP3 traffic; and SpamGuard for the blocking of spam on SMTP, IMAP4 and POP3 traffic.

An additional module, EdgeReport, generates summary and detailed reports across all of the software appliances.

The EdgeGuard platform is available now with a price of $2,995 plus a $995 annual subscription and maintenance fee for all the network security application suites listed above.

Visit the Metavize Web site for further information.