Barracuda's IM Firewall is a 1 or 2U IM server offered in multiple models with support for up to 200 users in the smallest model to 7000 users in the largest. The server allows both for internal IM encryption and the management and archiving of public IM transmissions.

The server is compatible with multiple public IM networks; including AOL, Yahoo!, MSN, ICQ and Google Talk. Communications across such IM networks can be captured and archived to the appliance (including date, time, and full text), with the vendor noting that each IM Firewall model is capable of logging its maximum number of users for five years. Other management features include the ability to manage the identities of public IM users on the network, the ability to block public IM services, and the ability to scan IM messages for viruses.

A unified IM client is provided with the firewall that can be deployed to users in a point-and-click fashion (an E-mail can be sent to the user with an installation link, instructions, username and password). The vendor notes that this client can be used to both access public IM networks as well as send secure (256bit encrypted) internal IM messages within the organization.

Once captured, the appliance provides keyword-based reporting and alerting of IM communications where specifically defined words, phrases, or regular expressions can be flagged for analysis by administrators (real-time alerts and blocking of such identified messages is also possible). Available reports include those that indicate which users are using which IM services and for how long.

Hourly, zero-administration updates are generated and delivered by the Barracuda Central technology center, including new IM rules, public IM IP address ranges and ports, and virus definitions.

As of this writing, 5 versions of the IM Firewall are expected to be available. Models 220, 320, and 420 are each offered in 1U Mini formats and support 200, 500, and 1,000 users respectively (note that the maximum number of users is a recommendation of the vendor, and not a hard system limit). Each of these has a single Ethernet 10/100 port and a 10/100 Ethernet pass through port (with a pair of Ethernet jacks). The 620 Model is a full 1U appliance with dual GB Ethernet ports and a GB Ethernet pass through with support for up to 3,000 users. The 620 adds a RAID array and ECC memory to the hardware feature set of the lower models. Finally, the 820 model adds dual (hot swappable) power supplies and hot swappable disks to the 620 features; the 820 is a 2U offering with support for up to 7,000 users.

Functional features available only on the higher models include LDAP and Active Directory support and per user and group access control (all but the 220); active/passive failover and linked management (all but the 220 and 320); and Ethernet bypass hardware and customizable branding (620 and 820 only).

The IM firewall is expected to begin shipping in 1Q2006 with pricing ranging from $1,999 to $27,999 (no per user fees). Contact Barracuda Networks for further information.

product submission by EITPlanet Staff

E-Mail this page to a colleague
send info about IM Firewall

Suggest a link
for the IM Firewall fact sheet