Celestix Enhances RAS3000 Remote Access Server with Support for SSL VPN for Microsoft Exchange Server 2003.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 22, 2004

Enables Remote Users to Securely Connect to Microsoft Exchange Server 

Using Outlook Without Additional Connections or Hardware

Celestix(R) Networks, Inc., today announced that its RAS3000(R) remote access server is the first to support the virtual private network (VPN) features of SSL VPN for Microsoft(R) Exchange(R) Server 2003. The enhancements allow remote corporate users to connect to their corporate Exchange Server by using Outlook clients to access emails and folders without a VPN connection. Any remote users with a notebook computer can launch Outlook at work, pick up email, take the notebook home, plug it in, and get new email without adjusting any settings.

"The RAS3000 enables full Outlook connectivity to Exchange Server 2003 via SSL VPN and traditional VPN access on the same appliance at an unparalleled price-point," said Yong Thye Lin, president of Celestix Networks. "These enhancements provide customers unprecedented flexibility and security."

RAS3000 has been enhanced to:

-- Leverage full power of Exchange Server 2003 email and

collaboration features for remote users.

-- Eliminate invocation of VPN client or downloading of Java

applet.

-- Save support costs by ending the need for modification to the

client computer.

-- Reduce deployment to 15 minutes.

-- Integrate seamlessly with Active Directory for authentication.

Celestix RAS3000 customers, such as PlanetRE, find the new remote access features especially time- and cost-effective.

"We like the flexibility that the enhanced RAS3000 provides, particularly the ability to provide SSL VPN access to Exchange and IPSec VPN access to our network," said said Subrao Shenoy, CEO at PlanetRE. "We can now pick and choose who gets what type of access. That means increased security and reduced support costs. Now PlanetRE can rest assured that our traveling executives have access to their email from their laptops from Internet access point without worrying about firewalls blocking VPN ports."

"Customers have told us they need secure remote access solutions for virtual private networks," said Steve Brown, Director of the Security Business and Technology Unit at Microsoft Corp. "Solutions such as RAS3000 SSL VPN access for Exchange Server can help customers benefit from further simplified deployment, management and security through integration with Microsoft environments."

Pricing and Availability

The Celestix RAS3000 Remote Access Appliance, including all software (Windows Server 2003, ActiveRAS VPN reporting, SSL VPN for Exchange, etc.), starts at $5,995. It is now shipping to customers worldwide. Customers may purchase the system through Celestix's global network of authorized VARs and resellers.

About Celestix Networks

Celestix Networks is the premier developer of managed security appliances, offering a broad range, of ready-to deploy security tuned appliances and turn-key security solutions. Celestix security appliances are designed to reduce product complexity and provide customers with less expensive, easy to use delivery platforms. Working closely with strategic partners, Celestix insures that its appliances have the breadth and depth of functions, features and performance to provide the best appliances and turnkey solutions to meet today's demanding security needs. Now with its Microsoft security initiative, Celestix is developing significant software intellectual property in the packaging and delivery of Microsoft security technologies. Founded in 1999, Celestix boasts a strong international presence, with offices in the U.S., Germany and Singapore and a strong partner presence in Japan. For more information, please call us at 510-668-0700 or visit us on the Web at http://www.celestix.com.