Columbitech, a
leading provider of secure wireless data solutions, will demonstrate a working
prototype of its Columbitech Wireless VPN at CeBIT 2001 in Hannover, in
partnership with Axis Communications, the Bluetooth access point manufacturer,
at Axis’ booth (Hall 11, Stand G62). The demo illustrates how mobile users can
move freely between a GSM network and Bluetooth without losing their secure
connections with the Internet or their corporate data – saving them from
having to log in repeatedly due to fickle network coverage. Columbitech will
also demonstrate the product at CTIA in Las Vegas, the largest wireless trade
show in the US. The demonstration at CTIA includes roaming between a CDPD
network, Bluetooth and wireless LAN.
Although security is the foundation of Columbitech’s technology, the roaming characteristic is a key element in ensuring that Columbitech Wireless VPN is convenient for corporate users, who are familiar with constant and reliable desktop connections. Columbitech replicates that experience wirelessly by enabling wireless session recovery, which allows the secure session to be suspended during periods of poor coverage and later resumed, possibly over a different network. In the background, Columbitech’s technology resumes the end-to-end secure session after a network handover, or after a period of poor connectivity. “This system of ‘session recovery’ enables a user to enjoy a seamless, always-on experience,” said Pontus Bergdahl, CEO of Columbitech. “No wireless VPN is going to be convenient to use, if the professional user is forced to re-login to resume a sensitive task, such as downloading a critical presentation, every time the signal blinks out.”
“Seamless
network roaming is in high demand among wireless network operators,” said
Torbjörn Wård, General Manager of Axis’ Mobile Internet Division. “Axis
can now present a solid solution to the roaming problem, and we see tremendous
potential in this area.”
End-to-end
security remains constant throughout this process. Columbitech uses a strong security framework specially
designed and optimized for wireless use. By
using Wireless Transport Layer Security (WTLS) Class 3 and other wireless
industry standard technologies, Columbitech ensures that critical security
features such as privacy, integrity, and authentication are maintained from
application-to-application, providing true end-to-end security.
Columbitech chose to use WTLS since it is a standard security protocol
designed especially for communication over wireless networks with limited
bandwidth. The Columbitech solution
supports client certificates for user authentication as well as leading
third-party methods for single-time passwords.
Columbitech
expects that its technology will have its greatest impact on wireless equipment
vendors wireless service providers, and enterprise software vendors. In addition
to enabling seamless network roaming, their product offerings to enterprise
customers should be greatly enhanced by Columbitech Wireless VPN’s main
features of end-to-end security, enhanced data speed, and the convenience of the
always-on connection. Columbitech is actively seeking partnership opportunities
with these groups, and is now signing up Beta testers, for implementation in the
second quarter of this year. The product is scheduled to be generally available in the
third quarter. White papers are available for downloading at www.columbitech.com.
Columbitech Wireless VPN can be seen at the CeBIT show in Hannover, Germany, March 22-28, at Axis’ booth (Hall 11 Stand G62). Columbitech will also demonstrate this capability with Axis at the CTIA trade show in Las Vegas, March 20-22, in booth 8167-E.
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