Astaro Secure Client V8.3

We are pleased to announce Astaro Secure Client V8.3 This new release includes the following new features:

Integrated WLAN Configuration
When using Wireless LAN as connection type you can now directly configure and control the WLAN card from within the Astaro Secure Client. You no longer need to install additional management software from the card vendor (for Windows 2000/XP only)

Automatic Media Detection
The client now automatically detects all available transmission paths and selects the fastest media depending on specified priorities. The connection type priority is specified in the following sequence: 1. LAN, 2. WLAN, 3. DSL, 4. UMTS/GPRS, 5. ISDN, 6. MODEM.

Friendly Net Detection
Friendly Net Detection enables the Astaro Secure Client to dynamically apply a suitable firewall policy depending on the detected communication environment (e.g. detected IP network or DHCP server). This feature prevents unintentional use of incorrect firewall configurations, and thus attacks on the corporate network.

Voice over IP (VoIP) Traffic Prioritization
Integrated bandwidth management mechanisms allow transferring voice data with high Quality of Service levels (low delay, low distortion) across the VPN.

Extended range of supported Smart Cards
The following smart cards are supported directly via the PC/SC or CT-API interface: Signtrust, NetKey 2000, TC Trust (CardOS M4), Telesec PKS SigG

HTTP Authentication
HTTP authentication allows automatic, script-driven logon for mobile users at hotspots (DSL as well). User name and password are automatically extracted from the client configuration in the background, thus the user does not have to re-enter this data into a HTTP authentication pop-up window.

UDP Encapsulation support
With UDP encapsulation the port used for IPSec communication can be freely selected. This allows establishing IPsec tunnels even through firewalls which have not the standard IPsec ports opened.

Beside these new features the new release also introduces a new licensing scheme including:

• Mandatory activation of each client before
• Change of current update policy -> only minor updates remain free of charge, major updates now incur an extra cost

The new release of Astaro Secure Client is available immediately. Customers who have either a valid Astaro Secure Client support contract or who have bought a license from 1st January 2006 will be able to use the new features with their existing license. Customers with older licenses are able to upgrade to the new release via one-time updates.

How to Upgrade

There are two ways to upgrade an existing Astaro Secure Client to the new version:

1. Start the Astaro Secure Client Monitor on your desktop. On the menu select "Help -> Search for New Updates". Click "Next" on the upcoming "Software Update Wizard" window. The client will now automatically search for new updates. If a newer version is found, you can click on the "Next" button to start the automatic installation immediately.
2. Use MyAstaro to download the new client software from our HTTP or FTP Server. When installing the new software an already existing version will be recognized and updated accordingly. If you want an evaluation copy of Astaro Secure Client, go to MyAstaro and complete a short form to create a MyAstaro account. You will then be taken to a screen where you can download a 30-day evaluation version of Astaro Secure Client.

For more information please visit our website.
Your Product Management Team