The SSL VPN portion of the FirePass is first-rate and provides all of the necessary components for secure deployment. During my tests, I did not experience any compatibility issues between JVM releases on my remote test users and the automatically downloaded Java and ActiveX components from the FirePass. Also included is a connector called My E-mail that takes you directly to your inbox on a POP3 or IMAP server. Unfortunately, access to terminal services is limited to Win32 PCs. Not only can you connect to Web applications but also to Windows and Unix file shares, X-Windows, Citrix MetaFrame, VNC (Virtual Network Computing, an open source remote control application), Microsoft Terminal Services, “green screen” host access, local intranet sites, and an IPSec-style network-level connector. The FirePass uses Webifyers to define access to internal servers. Just as with the Array SP, I used Windows 2000 Active Directory as my authentication source and had no trouble with the system. Available authentication schemes for groups are RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service), Vasco Digipass, LDAP, basic HTTP to an external server, Windows domain/Active Directory, or HTTP form-based authentication, but only one type of authentication is available per group. You can import users from an LDAP source, from a file, from a Windows domain, or simply add them manually. Policy configuration begins with the creation of one or more user groups. List of steps to complete specific tasks. As would just about all of the other SSL appliances I’ve reviewed, the FirePass would benefit from a setup wizard or ordered

The tasks are well-organized and include informative descriptions that take much of the mystery out of the equation. While not a task for the novice, configuring the FirePass was much easier than was the Array appliance. You can also use SSL to encrypt local traffic to help prevent snooping.

Unlike the Array SP, the FirePass does not support clustering, but you can configure a second unit for hot, stateful fail-over. The FirePass 1000 comes in a slim 1U chassis and ships with dual 10/100Mbps Ethernet interfaces.

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