IRI Systems Newsletter
17 March 2006

Recent Software Acquisitions

We have recently acquired Wordperfect Suite X3, which is installed on "winnie".   In addition to the usual office productivity apps, it includes
the Paradox database program.

We have also updated the licenses for IDL and ENVI  on "winnie" and Linux to allow up to 3 concurrent users.

We are in the process of acquiring Visual Studio 2005 Standard, one copy of which will be installed on "winnie".

We are  also implementing a web form for new software requests.    If you have a requirement for software that is not currently available,
please let us know.

Symantec Security Client Rollout

Beginning next week, we will start to install Symantec Security Client 3.0  as a replacement for the current Symantec Antivirus software
installed on the Windows workstations and notebook computers.  Sara Barone is coordinating the testing and rollout of the new software.

The new security client includes anti-spyware capabilities, intrusion detection and  prevention, and a firewall to replace the current Windows
XP firewall.   For most systems, we will be able to deploy the client software updates remotely, but we may have to schedule some local updates
of the software.  We may also need to devote some time to "cleaning" systems of previously undetected threats.

If you would like more information about Symantec Client Security 3.0, please refer to:

Client Security - Product Info

VPN client software for accessing IRI

We are now deploying a software VPN (Virtual Private Network) solution for Windows notebook computers.  The VPN software
is being deployed to make up for some shortcomings in the current "stunnel" solution for remote access.   If you are planning a trip
this month, please check with us to try out the VPN connection while you are away.

The VPN server is an open source solution called "Openswan", which was installed and configured by Brian Falk, and he is our "Subject
Matter Expert" for the VPN software.

The VPN solution that we are using takes advantage of secure network protocols already built into WIndows.  When you use the
VPN connection,  your machine will appear to be on the local network, so you will have access resources such as shared folders,  printers,
and software license servers just as if you were on the local network.

We will post a "How-To" on using the VPN connection on the IRI portal site  (and we'll send out a link  when the HowTo is available).

Please note:  We will only install the VPN for the IRI staff on IRI-provided notebook computers.  Also, any notebook computer that we install
the VPN software on must be a "managed" system.  It must belong to the IRI domain and the system configuration and  software must be
maintained  by IRI computing support.  If you can't comply with the systems requirements , we will not provide the VPN software. This is for
reasons of security, and to allow us to properly troubleshoot any remote networking issues.

Mirapoint SPAM filtering appliance

Over the next month, we will also be testing a network appliance for email spam filtering and virus checking.  The product is called "Razorgate".
Some information about "Razorgate" has been published to the IRI portal.

While testing the Razorgate appliance, there may be some temporary slowdowns in email delivery due to the way the appliance filters SPAM.
We therefore will try to concentrate the testing during weekends and off-hours.

For information on "Razorgate",  please join the IT Parent Community in the IRI portal, or visit www.mirapoint.com

IRI Portal Development

The first stage implementation of the portal is in progress and an update will be coming soon in the next couple of weeks.  Thanks to Baaba and
Jeff for all their efforts. 

We have also started work on an "IT parent community" to replace the IT resources on the IRI internal page.  We hope that the IT community will be a
 much better resource for links to IT resources, procedures, How-To's,  FAQ's and more.  Feedback is welcome.