Computer Associates International Inc. has formally launched a wireless LAN management tool that"s designed to help IT managers set up end-user access privileges and identify rogue devices on their networks. The Wireless Site Management 4.0 software uses Global Positioning System technology to help pinpoint all of the wireless devices installed on Wi-Fi networks, according to CA officials.
Jeff McGee, CIO at Bossier Parish Community College in Bossier City, La., said he tested the new software for five months and found that it helped him identify and locate hackers who were using unauthorized systems on the school"s WLAN. "I can actually walk up to (a rogue user) and say, "cease and desist,"" McGee said.
The school is about to occupy a new unified campus that will bring together five existing locations. McGee said that about 6,000 students could be connected via Wi-Fi links within the next 12 months, making software such as Wireless Site Management important for controlling use of the WLAN.
"We have a need for something like this because we actually teach hacking at this school," he noted. "The best thing about this product is that it"s a hacker"s worst nightmare." McGee plans to deploy the commercial release of the software as soon as possible.
CA released a beta version of Wireless Site Management last May and said it expected to ship the finished product within three to six months (see story). The software also can monitor Wi-Fi networks for performance problems and security vulnerabilities, according to CA. In addition, IT managers can use the new tool to provision end-user devices and restrict access to networks at certain times of the day.
Wireless Site Management 4.0 is available immediately and starts at US$15,000 for a license that covers up to 100 end users.
CA also announced that it has made good on a promise to release its Ingres database technology under a free, open-source code license. The Ingres software is now available for download online.
Stacy Cowley, of the IDG News Service, contributed to this report.