Blue Coat introduces WAN optimisation solution

Blue Coat Systems has announced Blue Coat ProxyClient, the next version of its WAN optimisation client software. ProxyClient software extends integrated application acceleration, web security and policy control to remote or mobile enterprise users, regardless of location.

It includes byte caching and location awareness to optimise application performance for remote users and provides centrally managed web filtering with anti-spyware and anti-phishing protection. The base ProxyClient software with WAN optimisation will be available free of charge to customers who purchase ProxySG appliances. ProxySG customers licensed with Blue Coat WebFilter software will get the addition of remote web control added-on to the ProxyClient free of charge.

ProxyClient software is the first integrated client that enables enterprises and organisations to extend security, policy control and application acceleration to remote employees, according to Blue Coat. The combination of functionality in the software enables companies to establish controls over networks they do not own, including the internet, ensuring performance and protection for the remote user. Since mobile and remote users comprise a significant and growing portion of all employees, a unified platform that extends application performance, security and policy control to users in any location is an emerging IT requirement.

The policy-based acceleration in the ProxyClient software enables dramatic performance increases for remote applications. Tests by the vendor show performance increases of up to 35 times improvement in user wait times, and bandwidth usage. In one evaluation, a 10Mbyte Power Point file took 104 seconds to download without the benefit the ProxyClient software, but only three seconds with the ProxyClient software enabled. The built-in Real Time Performance Indicator displays acceleration results.

"Blue Coat sees the WAN optimisation client as an integral part of its WAN Application Delivery offering," said Nidal Taha, Blue Coat's Middle East regional director. "Enterprises need to extend not only application performance but also web security and policy control to employees with company-maintained laptops that are working remotely from the office. ProxyClient is the only solution to protect, manage and accelerate applications to remote employees."