Francis Chu

Who said you cant use commodity server hardware to build systems that are capable of tackling large-scale computational tasks? Appro International leverages off-the-shelf Intel hardware to build server-blade cluster systems that are designed to handle HPC (high-performance computation) applications. The Hyperblade systems can be deployed to run home-grown applications performing such compute-intensive tasks as stock […]

NetScaler Inc.s latest Layer 7 appliance, the Secure Application Switch Request Switch 9800, harnesses on-board SSL acceleration and global load balancing to provide large-scale Web sites and service providers with a robust, comprehensive content management system. In eWeek Labs tests, the RS9800—the flagship of NetScalers Web application control appliance line—provided intelligent traffic management through NetScalers […]

Enterprise VPN solutions are traditionally deployed over leased lines, frame relay or ATM (asynchronous transfer mode) connections, but many organizations are migrating their VPN infrastructure completely or in part to IP-based virtual private networks using protocols such as IP Security, MPLS and SSL. While IPSec and Multiprotocol Label Switching are more suitable for site-to-site connectivity […]

The ProLiant DL560 Generation 1, Hewlett-Packard Co.s latest rack-optimized server, ratchets up the power by supporting four of Intel Corp.s fastest processors, and its compact 2U (3.5-inch) chassis is good news for cramped server cabinets. The ProLiant DL560 G1, which began shipping earlier this month, is the first server eWeek Labs has seen that puts […]

Organizations looking for an inexpensive, easy-to-set-up firewall/ VPN gateway appliance for small branch offices should consider NetScreen Technologies Inc.s NetScreen 5XT. The 5XT is part of NetScreens line of security appliances, all of which use integrated ASICs to handle IP Security encryption, firewall services and protection against denial-of-service attacks. The 5XT, released in November, packs […]

ExpertCitys GoToMyPC Corporate 3.0 enables secure remote desktop control and access without the need for client software. GoToMyPC Corporate is a service that allows remote users to access their PCs over the Web, without the need for software such as Symantecs pcAnywhere 10.5. The GoToMyPC Web site provides a centralized administration point that allows IT […]

Wireless hot spots are springing up all over the country in coffee shops, bookstores, airports, hotels, university campuses—and now, fast food chains, too—to provide visitors the freedom of mobile Internet access using their notebooks or handheld devices. But I do not see a compelling reason to bring my laptop to the corner Starbucks and check […]

Veritas Software Corp.s Backup Exec for Windows gains close to 100 new features and enhancements with Version 9.0, including support for the prerelease Windows Server 2003, a more useful GUI, and improvements to groupware and database agents such as Microsoft Corp.s Exchange and SQL Server. Put another way, Backup Exec 9.0 provides one of the […]

EZQuests latest external Cobra hard drive boasts superb storage capacity, a high-speed FireWire interface and a compact form factor. My tests showed the Cobra+, which shipped in January, is an ideal portable storage system for adding large amounts of data archiving capability to any PC or Mac desktop. EZQuest offers several Cobra+ drives with capacities […]

The primary business driver for server consolidation is cost reduction, but other reasons to rein in “server sprawl” include increased manageability, a more robust server platform and better IT service levels. Consolidation of server hardware is closely related to application and storage consolidations—certain types of server consolidation involves converging applications on a single machine and […]