Push technology pioneer Marimba Inc has released the enterprise version of its Castanet ‘push’ software, which enables applications written in Java, C, C++ and Visual Basic to be updated across the internet securely. We first learned of these plans back in May (CI No 3,154), which involves the addition of authentication so things like Dynamic Link Libraries (DLLs) can be downloaded, as well as Java applets. Users will be able to determine whether or not to allow them access to their hard disk by the information about the source contained within the authentication certificate. Java applets are only permitted to execute within the Java sandbox, without access to the hard disk except under special circumstances, and as such do not require authentication as to their source. The Transmitter servers will send the information or software updates to clients with a security risk that is appropriate. The additional features are added to the core Castanet technology as two components – Castanet UpdateNow and the Castanet Guardian security package, with both Castanet client application and Transmitter server software updates. The client is available as either a ready-to- use application or as a software developer’s kit (SDK) for tailored applications such as mobile phones, smart cards and other network hardware. The aim of Castanet is to enable businesses and software companies to distribute application updates from their Transmitter servers to Tuner clients. Castanet Guardian prevents accidental damage by restricting applications read and write capabilities to its home directory, and also offers RSA Security Inc’s Secure Socket Layer (SSL) and certification features for the Transmitter server software, and encryption. Palo Alto, California-based Marimba will ship the UpdateNow component at the end of the August and UpdateNow Transmitter will cost $1000 and up per server license, the same price as the existing Transmitter. The Guardian Security package will follow in September.
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