Quick Takes update from July 2003

Sun Microsystems Sun ONE Directory Server 5.2
Sun Microsystems has added support for multiple platforms, including Solaris x86, in Sun ONE 5.2. This software, a central depository for management of network profiles and identities, provides additional 64-bit cache support on Solaris and Hewlett-Packard HP-UX systems, increasing vertical scalability while bringing memory to 3.7 GB. Four-way multimaster replication over both WANs and LANs means always-on directory services and high throughput using protocol-independent technology that supports LDAP and DSML.

Starts at $1.25 per entry. Sun Microsystems, (650) 960-1300, (800) 555-9786. www.sun.com

Altusen LCD Console KVM Switch

Altusen has introduced a space-saving 1U LCD console KVM switch for the enterprise. The 16-port, plug-and-play KVM switch incorporates a 15-inch LCD display that requires no additional software. When daisy-chained to Altusen's new

16-port high-density KVM switch, the LCD console switch lets you control up to 512 computers. The LCD Console KVM Switch also has a Category 5 remote console port that functions up to 500 feet away, and offers two-level password security and role designation. The switch is hot-pluggable and offers AutoScan for monitoring selected computers.

$3,495. Altusen, (949) 453-8885, (866) ALTUSEN. www.altusen.com

Visual Numerics JMSL Numerical Library 2.5 for Java Applications

This latest version of the JMSL Numerical Library extends the capabilities of Java with Visual Numerics' proprietary IMSL (International Mathematical and Statistical Libraries) algorithms that allow advanced numerical analysis and save you from having to write your own algorithms or use open-source (and potentially vulnerable) algorithms. It comes with custom language extensions that make it easy for Java developers to incorporate numerical analysis into their applications.

$4,995 for a single development license plus support. Visual Numerics, (925) 807-0138, (800) 364-8880. www.vni.com

Symantec ManHunt 3.0

Symantec Corp. delivers high-speed intrusion detection in ManHunt 3.0. Monitoring network traffic at speeds of up to 2 Gbps, ManHunt's multilayered detection architecture looks at protocol anomalies and signatures, and uses DOS and scan detection to identify attacks. Designed to scan out variant and polymorphic exploits, ManHunt examines the structure and content of communications, especially those sent via HTTP, FTP, RPC, SMTP and DNS, searching for protocol anomalies to stop attacks before the damage is done. ManHunt can be customized to terminate TCP sessions, trace an attack to its source, enforce flow policies, and send custom responses as well as e-mail and SNMP notification to admins regarding possible intrusion.

Starts at $8,995. Symantec Corp., (408) 517-8000. www.symantec.comPost a comment or question on this story.