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EverLink is a client/server product that provides secure and instant file transfer, email, instant messaging and secure web server access over the Internet, intranets and extranets in real time. It will do so between geographically remote computers with diverse operating systems, using http protocols. Besides a secure web hosting functionality, EverLink will provide secure and private communications between computers on opposite sides of a firewall without breaching it, and while keeping the network structure invisible.

Comprising of the EverLink client and the EntryGuard server, and running at the application layer, it uses an innovative end-to-end connection for its communication link. The benefits of this are twofold; information is not stored on a server during transmission and thus cannot be intercepted. Some advanced security technologies make EverLink a likely contender for many organizations. For example, double URL mapping completely hides the IP address in a static URL, for any device behind the firewall. This shields the network structure and along with PKI authentication, S/MIME and secure sockets layer, results in a true end-to-end encrypted connection.

To return to the main components, the EverLink client enables secure file transfer, email and messaging, all with encryption and decryption. A global URL link enables end-to-end communications between users. The EntryGuard is the sentinel for point of entry access on an organization’s intranet, but allows authorized parties to communicate with sites behind the firewall under supervision. Providing database access for remote workers who connect to the EverLink SRAC Server through a secure https channel via a browser, SRAC then connects to the corporate database, allowing mobile workers to display the desired records on their screen.

Besides the standard monitoring and logging capabilities, it also contains an address book, LocatorOne, which holds the URL addresses of EverLink users and provides a stalwart global search function. This eliminates the need for client software on remote users’ systems, allowing secure communications through a standard web browser. Put more simply, if you are a remote user who does not have EverLink software, you can access another EverLink user’s computer via a web browser, obviously seeing only what you are authorized to see.

The ‘catholic’ range of operating systems that EverLink supports should please everyone from the security-conscious to the security illiterate. The security-conscious will be pleased that they are not confined to the less secure Windows platforms, while the security-illiterate will be pleased that they can achieve security without compromising on ease of Windows administration. Client runs on Windows NT/95/98/2000, Solaris, Linux, Mac OS and IBM OS/2, while EntryGuard server runs on Windows NT, Solaris, Novell NetWare 5.0 and Linux.

With telecommuting and mobile/remote working increasingly becoming a standard modus operandi, one of the most important concerns for users is the transfer of files, with regard to security as well as the simplicity of the action. In EverLink, file transfer is achieved between remote and local sites by simply dragging the files/folders to their destination. If the connection is interrupted during the transfer process, it will continue when service is resumed, useful if a connection is not stable.

Both network managers and remote users will also be delighted to learn that there is no need to install client software on remote machines. This is because EverLink stores account information in the form of a URL address, and is thus capable of providing secure and instant communication using a standard web browser. This is especially important for serious B2B practitioners, whose remote users will not only be employees, but will include customers, suppliers and partners, who will need to be assured of security as well as being offered ease-of-use. It’s a big product and I have only skimmed the surface.
  

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