Aventail updates VPN kit for universal access

Provides a single secure gateway for all remote client systems

Aventail has updated its virtual private network (VPN) platform to provide a single secure gateway for all remote client systems. The tool enables corporate gateways to have a single URL and a common look and feel whether accessed from a mobile device, home PC, laptop or kiosk, said Aventail.

Aventail ST, available now, is the only VPN that is truly universal, providing a common end-user experience and a centralised management model, the company said.

The updated platform fully integrates Aventail’s gateway for mobile clients, announced last month, but adds enhanced endpoint controls and better policy enforcement. Like that product, it runs on Aventail’s EX-1500 and EX-750 network appliance hardware.

“Mobile was really the meat of this integration,” said Aventail’s Tony Caine. “The whole vision is for a single gateway that detects users as they come in and directs them to the relevant applications, depending on the device they are using.”

Among the enhancements is support for direct access to server-based applications, such as Windows Terminal Services and Citrix applications, without the need to download a software client.

Administrators can check that users are running the most up-to-date security tools on their client system before granting access.

Existing Aventail customers will be updated to the new platform as part of their maintenance contract.

New pricing starts at £2,640 + VAT for the EX-750 configured for 10 users, while the enterprise-class EX-1500 starts at £6250 + VAT.