Novell Inc has made an early access release of key network services for business intranets and the Internet available, reports Network Briefing. The new functions include proxy caching, security services and virtual private network technologies which, according to the company, will accelerate information access on the Internet and intranets; provide secure computing over the Internet and reduce the cost of intranet and Internet connections. Novell says it will incorporate the technologies in its platform and network services product line in 1997. The upgrades include Novell’s proxy caching for faster access to HTML pages by storing frequently used pages in a local area proxy cache. Pages will be stored and updated based on frequency of use, file size and time-to-live dates. Novell’s security services provide administrators with a comprehensive, firewall class security framework. The circuit gateway and HTTP proxy employ full integration with Netware Directory Services to control user access to Internet and intranet applications, sites, and content. Filtering and IP network address translation are offered at the packet level for systems and applications not using the proxy cache or circuit gateway. Also included are new virtual private network services that enable intranets to extend securely over the Internet via encrypted tunneling. The services will work in conjunction with IntranetWare’s wide area network routing options. The early access CD includes a multi-user license time-bombed to expire April 15, 1997. The technology is in various stages of completion and should be installed and run only in isolated environments, warns Novell.
