Cyclades Announces Key Enhancements to Its AlterPath Advanced Console Server; Expanded Security and Improved Scalability, Performance and Flexibility.

SEATTLE -- Cyclades Corporation, the leader in next-generation IT infrastructure management, today announced key enhancements to its AlterPath(TM) ACS advanced console server product line. Topping the list of enhancements, which are available as part of the AlterPath ACS 2.6.0 firmware upgrade, is a group authorization feature that adds another layer of security to existing authentication processes. Along with updated Linux Kernel 2.6.11 compatibility, the AlterPath ACS also provides expanded support for remote site connectivity with GPRS and CDMA wireless modem cards. Cyclades will feature the AlterPath ACS and the entire AlterPath family of out-of-band infrastructure (OOBI) products at the SC/05 (SuperComputing) Conference, booth #912, in Seattle, November 14-17.

A crucial component of the AlterPath System of OOBI products, the AlterPath ACS provides secure and reliable remote access to network IT devices (servers, switches, routers, firewalls, etc.) through the OOBI or the IT production network from anywhere in the world. The AlterPath ACS offers a complete, secure console management solution for today's complex enterprise and telecom networks.

"The AlterPath ACS product line is central to our AlterPath System of out-of-band infrastructure products," said John Lima, president and co-founder of Cyclades. "The continued development of its features demonstrates our on-going commitment to providing our customers with efficient and cost-effective solutions for remote IT infrastructure management, strengthening our position as a console server market leader."

The new AlterPath ACS group authorization feature adds an extra layer of security to the product's existing network-based authentication processes. This feature allows customers to use their authentication, authorization and accounting (AAA) servers (TACACS+, RADIUS, and LDAP) to authenticate and authorize users, reducing IT administration overhead. Linux Kernel 2.6.11 compatibility provides improved scalability, expanded device support, and increased system performance and capacity. Expanded support for GPRS and CDMA cards enables wireless data connectivity between central office data centers and remote sites or branch offices, ensuring that remote IT devices can be accessed, monitored and restored through the OOBI.

The following features are also part of the AlterPath ACS 2.6.0 firmware upgrade:

--  Simultaneous SSH/Telnet        --  Global time configuration
        support

    --  X.509 SSH support              --  Enhanced serial port
                                           statistics

    --  IPsec -- support for NAT       --  Syslog filters
        Transversal                        configuration by levels

    --  IPMI power management support  --  Group power outlets control
                                           and management

    --  Java Applet enhancements       --  Bi-directional Telnet

Availability

The AlterPath ACS 2.6.0 firmware upgrade is now available for download at Cyclades Web site (http://www.cyclades.com/support/downloads.php).

About the Out-of-Band Infrastructure (OOBI)

The Out-of-Band Infrastructure (OOBI) provides secure alternate paths into the production infrastructure so that disconnected assets can be reconnected and subsequently returned to normal operation. This infrastructure includes serial console servers, KVM analog and KVM over IP switches, intelligent power distribution units, service processor managers, and blade managers, all controlled by an OOBI manager like Cyclades AlterPath Manager.

About Cyclades

Cyclades, the leader in next-generation IT infrastructure management, offers a comprehensive system of products that reduce IT operational costs and risks, while increasing the productivity of IT assets and personnel. Cyclades AlterPath System provides secure alternate paths into the production IT infrastructure, enabling administrators to remotely access, diagnose and restore disconnected assets to normal operation. Designed to seamlessly integrate and deploy into the enterprise, Cyclades AlterPath solutions include console servers, KVM and KVM over IP switches, power control appliances, service processor managers, blade managers and a manager to control the entire out-of-band infrastructure. More than 8,000 organizations, including 85 percent of the FORTUNE 100, depend on Cyclades products. Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Fremont, Calif., Cyclades is a global company with 19 offices worldwide. Additional information is available at www.cyclades.com or by calling 888-292-5233.