The product, which will retail for just over $1,000, supports VPN, PPTP, IPSec, DNS, DHCP, print spooling, and other services designed to allow ISPs to deploy small business networks easily, cheaply, and reliably.

by Amy Newman of serverwatch.internet.com [January 31, 2002]

Sun Microsystems Monday unveiled a Sun Cobalt Qube server targeted at home networks, small businesses, and remote branch offices.

Peder Ulander, senior director at Sun Cobalt, told ServerWatch that the Sun Cobalt Qube 3 server appliance is simple enough to enable the novice user to be up and running within 15 to 20 minutes, yet complex enough that a power user can Telnet in and have full root access at the kernel level.

"The new Sun Cobalt Qube 3 appliance can be used for sharing files, resources, or documents across a network or for hosting a company's e-mail, launching a website, or serving as a secure gateway to the World Wide Web. It makes it easy to bring the full benefits of Internet computing to anyone, anywhere," said Vivek Mehra, vice president and general manager of Sun Cobalt server appliances.

The plug-and-play solution allows users to set up their own e-mail systems, network home or office PCs, and protect their computing environment from hackers or viruses. The Qube 3 includes all of the tools and applications needed for always-on Internet connections and to Web-enable a home network or small business environment.

Qube 3 includes a built-in firewall that can be configured to protect private data and still give users full Internet access. It offers VPN support, and support for both IPsec and Microsoft PPTP VPN services. Sun BlueLinQ technology is provided to keep the appliance updated with the latest security patches and other software.

Qube 3 sports a browser-based GUI, preinstalled and preconfigured applications, configurable network services, and multilevel administration capabilities. Its port-forwarding capabilities map ports and redirect network traffic, making the network scalable. Qube 3 also offers print spooling, a Windows Domain Controller, kernel hardening, and simultaneous, automatically detected support for seven languages (as indicated by the user's preferred configuration).

Qube 3 integrates with the Sun Cobalt Control Station, enabling system administrators in the main office to manage Qube 3 server appliances at remote sites and branch offices. Administrators can view the status of each appliance and direct software updates to any Qube 3 server from the Control Station. In addition, autoprovisioning capabilities allow a service provider or system administrator to deliver and install custom-built applications automatically to other Qube 3 servers via the Internet.

Pricing and availability
Qube 3 will hit the market February 25, 2002, priced at $1,149 per server. Customers can purchase the server through the Sun Store, most major online retailers, and Sun's Reseller network.

The software upgrade is free to current Qube users over the Internet and also is available as a CD-ROM for shipping and material costs. Trade-in programs are available as well.

—End