Netilla Networks has introduced a firmware update for its remote-access network devices to improve security, boost performance and extend the number of applications supported, the firm said.

DynaTrust Release 5.0 is the latest version of the operating system that powers Netilla's Netilla Security Platform (NSP) and Secure Gateway Appliance (SGA) families of virtual private network (VPN) devices. The new code will be installed in all kit sold from November, and existing customers will be upgraded to Release 5.0 as part of their service plans.

Release 5.0 of the firmware includes features to protect web-based software against dangers such as DoS attacks and authentication hijacking. It also integrates endpoint security in the form of Sygate On-Demand from Sygate Technologies. This is an agent downloaded from the VPN at connection time, which verifies that the client is fully compliant with the appropriate security policy.

"As [systems for] secure application access move from early adopters to the mass market, features like ease of use, client integrity and performance are even more important," said Netilla chief executive Reggie Best. The update to Netilla's VPN appliances will make the system easier to use for network administrators and remote staff.

DynaTrust Release 5.0 boosts performance of web-based apps such as Microsoft's Outlook Web Access by offloading HTML translation from the client to the server. Netilla's Virtual Adapter also cuts performance bottlenecks by establishing a network-layer Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) connection between client applications and remote servers. FTP upload speeds can be increased up to tenfold using this method, according to the firm.

Pricing starts at £3,443 for Netilla Security Platform devices supporting up to 25 concurrent users. The new SGA-C, which is an application-specific VPN for securing access to Citrix MetaFrame, starts at £2,275 for up to 25 concurrent users.

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