How current WAN firewalls are flawed Last time, we mentioned that the current generation of WAN firewalls has not advanced as rapidly as the security threats that the firewalls are supposed to protect against. Today we'll examine that in greater detail and identify some of the key weaknesses in the current generation of firewalls. Next-generation WAN firewalls: First, a history lesson Some forms of WAN firewalls have been around for a couple of decades. It is hard to deny that firewalls are helpful. They are. It is also hard to argue that they are very exciting. In fact, since the turn of the century the types of security threats facing IT organizations has changed dramatically while the WAN firewall has not added much new functionality. That situation appears to be changing. As we’ll explain in the next couple of newsletters, a next-generation WAN firewall is being deployed that is intended to combat the security threats of the 21st century. The impact of VDI The last couple of newsletters looked at some of the challenges associated with implementing virtualized servers. This newsletter will examine some of the challenges associated with implementing a virtualized desktop infrastructure (VDI). The impact of server virtualization In the last newsletter, we began discussing some of the challenges associated with server virtualization. In this newsletter, we will continue that discussion by talking about some of the specific WAN challenges that are associated with server virtualization. The challenges of virtualization The recent IT Roadmap conference in Chicago began with Jim and two other analysts on stage being asked questions by John Gallant. Given the current economic conditions, the question and answer session focused on cost savings. One of the questions posed to Jim was, "Should IT organizations be looking to implement virtualization as a means of saving money?" Jim's answer was yes, but only if they realize the impact that virtualization has on the WAN, on management, and on application delivery. The next few newsletters will explain exactly what that impact is. Interop soldiers on in the face of a bad economy, swine flu Interop Las Vegas faces challenges because of restricted IT budgets nationwide, the poor economy and the unpredictable impact of a swine flu epidemic, but the show is forging ahead with new programs including a segment dedicated to cloud computing. Interop: 25 random things about Las Vegas For those who attend Interop this month and think they have some free time, here are 25 quintessentially Vegas things to consider while visiting the city of lights. Plus: The Network World Las Vegas Interop 2009 Planning Guide Interop off to a good start Cisco Subnet blogger Larry Chaffins says that based on the number of vendors contacting him for meetings/briefings at Interop, this year's attendance should be pretty much on par with last's show. Best of Interop Awards are going well, I am a judge this year. But who will make the biggest bang? The Best of Interop Awards are going well this year, this being my first appearance as a judge. I have had a few people ask me if I was going to judge this year, so I decided it was time to let... The Best of Interop finalists Cisco Subnet blogger Larry Chaffin unveils the list of Best of Interop finalists -- do any surprise you? May Giveaways Cisco Subnet, Microsoft Subnet and Google Subnet are collectively giving away books on Google Apps Deciphered, the CCNA Security exam, an awesome SQL Server 2005/2008 training video and the grand prize, a Microsoft training course from New Horizons worth up to $2,500. Deadline for entries May 31. Network World on Twitter Get our tweets and stay plugged in to networking news. |
No comments:
Post a Comment