Orbit Communications announced today the release of its new Orbitnet software, which uses a two-way satellite to help connect a network of computers to the Internet through DirecPC's satellite Internet service.
Targeted at small office/home office (SOHO) users, Orbitnet is a server-based application that's compatible with all Windows platforms. Orbitnet server software runs on an Intel-based computer and provides network address translation (NAT), a firewall, a proxy server, and virus scanners. Orbit has based the firewall on stateful packet inspection technology that uses fine-grain control over user's Internet access privileges.
Orbit said its firewall's user-related rules can include parameters regarding time of day, site to access, and protocols allowed. The firewall also customizes security alerts and makes available support for Secure Computing's Smartfilter Basic, which helps block access to various types of Internet content. The built-in virus scanner scans content under the HTTP, FTP, SMTP, and POP3 protocols, which helps prevent intrusion through email, file downloads, and Web content.
Pricing for Orbitnet software ranges from $99.95 for three users and extends to $999.95 for unlimited users. The virus scanning and Smartfilter functionality are service-based options that require an additional monthly subscription to maintain. Users may search the Orbit Communications Web site for "Orbinet" to obtain more detailed pricing information.
