Click here to receive your FREE subscription to Campus Technology
Data Security
Peace (of Mind) in Our Time
10/1/2007
Open Source Grows Up
Most university technologists are fluent in Linux, Apache, and other mainstream open source options. But looking ahead, open source security devices and networking gear likely will gain momentum within academic settings. One prime example: StillSecure has launched an open source platform that supports a secure firewall, intrusion prevention, WiFi, and VPN services. Known as the Cobia Unified Network Platform, the system is free to universities, businesses, and home users, according to StillSecure CTO Mitchell Ashley. Universities and other customers can pay a commercial fee to purchase the vendor’s software bundled with hardware and related support services. Early adopters include the University of Arkansas, the University of British Columbia, and the New England School of Law (MA).
Open source software provides several potential benefits in the world of security. For starters, any programmer is free to probe the open source code for potential bugs or security holes. The programmer can submit a fix to the problem, which is then incorporated into the product’s code base. Another potential upside: Open source solutions parallel the open, collaborative nature of academia. People across the world can share ideas and new concepts on security.
But open source security solutions remain in their infancy. “You’ll see more traditional, commercial products dominating the security market for the next few years,” predicts Golod at Revenue Accelerators. “But like any good university, you’ve got to keep your eye on the horizon for the next big thing. It’s safe to say more security innovations will come from the open source arena, because so many programmers are now switching to the open source model.”
::WEBEXTRAS ::
Head online for these on-demand
webinars:
- Extending the Vision: Large- Scale WiFi: Securely Connecting the Entire Campus Community
- Campus Data Security: Making the Assessment, Finding the Holes
- Unexpected Quick Wins in 802.1x: Simplify User Experience, Reduce Helpdesk Workload, and Automate Secure Guest Access
- Data Protection in the Real World: Guarding the Institution While Maintaining Academic Integrity
Joseph C. Panettieri is VP of editorial content at Microcast Communications. He blogs
daily at www.techiqmag.com.
Cite this Site
copy text (above) for proper citation
Recommended Reading
- CT Industry
- CT Solutions
- Cut to the Core
- DAM-ing the Digital Flood
- Get The Word Out
The market’s teeming with products to help you alert your campus community on any number of fronts. Now you just have to pick the right ones and get everyone signed up.
- Thwarting the Copycats
New tools are helping colleges and universities counter burgeoning paper mill sites, pervasive internet content, and persistent student ingenuity.
