Cisco Systems has launched its next-generation
application delivery product, the Cisco Application Control Engine
(ACE), with what it claims is the industry's highest performance,
rich multi-layer security and unique virtual partitioning
capabilities.
The ACE multi-service module for Catalyst 6500 Series Switch
offers a number of new capabilities, including hundreds of virtual
partitions, per-partition resource allocation, role-based access
control and an XML management API. The ACE also consolidates
functionality such as server load balancing and offload,
application acceleration and application-layer security.
Cisco says the ACE allows IT departments to control
infrastructures centrally while delegating application
administration to separate operational teams. Cisco also attributes
the ACE with simplifying application infrastructures, shortening
the workflow necessary to bring applications and business services
online, and shortening time-to-deployment of business critical
applications. Specially, Oracle says the Cisco ACE improves the
delivery performance of its Fusion Middleware 10g.
Also just launched is a new security software module for the
Application Velocity System (AVS), an application acceleration and
security appliance. The new module works seamlessly with Cisco ACE
and adds bi-directional application inspection and protection while
eliminating application vulnerabilities.
Cisco Application Control Engine is available now in
configurations that support 4gbps, 8gbps and 16gbps throughput,
costing £23,000, £34,000 and £57,000 respectively. The AVS
application security software module will be available in early May
and will cost £5,700.