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FTP or Firewall Tuning in Anticipation of AS3
Introduction
If you need to set FTP with key customers or your connections to other companies are not operating reliably, it may be time to consider a tune-up. You likely have the proper components, but you may have outgrown them.
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| Re-configuration will help you adjust for your growing volume and its increased complexity. The challenge for the medium sized company is lack of time and expertise.
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Having an expert to turn to brings a quicker solution and expands your skill set.
Overview
EDI INT AS3 is FTP Secure (FTPS) in batch mode. It is a significant step up from AS2 in capability. However, the complexity has dampened widespread acceptance. The result is growing FTP traffic, but not the use of AS3..yet.
AS3 provides security for the transport payload through digital signatures and data encryption. It also ensures reliable delivery through the use of receipts. AS3 only specifies how to transport data and not how to validate or process it.
You have likely noticed during the last three years the volume of traffic through your VPN and firewall has grown stealthily. You know it has grown, but likely have not had time to step-back, assess, and then make improvements. This challenge has been faced by many other companies. Here are some of the changes they have made.
- Set a proxy properly in the DMZ (for companies whose internal policy limits access to the open port).
- Properly set Terminal Services, VNC, RDP, Telnet and SSH sessions.
- Boost VPN performance, especially for remote and wireless users.
- Recalibrate your firewall to ensure hidden voids are found.
- Set redundancy and immediate recovery.
- Automate failed MDN exception reporting.
- Improve reporting so that you know immediately when you are down (email on fail alerts).
- Upgrade to the current version of software.
- Migrate to lower cost Linux servers
- Tighten central administration and enforcement.
- Consider more use of secure Internet data transmission using the federally required EDI INT AS2 standard.
A secure network makes it easier to share vital information between companies over the Internet. Completion of these steps will prepare you for AS3. (DCS does not offer anti-virus or anti-worm support.)
Conclusion
Your business processes are unique and your budget is tight: yet you must align your procedures to growing customer demands and evolving requirements. The challenge is how to economically make those improvements.
Our DCS Process™ can help you improve: DCS is thoroughly familiar with internetworking and our methods have been standardized. Our $500 half day, remote mini-assessment will survey your hardware, software, locations, and growth anticipated. You will then receive a task list with time estimates and priorities. After improvements are at hand, training is also worthwhile. Finally, our remote production support service can quickly help during vacations, etc. You will experience fewer interruptions, so you can work on necessary projects. And, fewer intrusions mean more harmony and less stress. The first step is easy, just email us for more information
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