The HP StorageWorks Ultrium 1760 Tape Drive is HP's fourth-generation of LTO tape drive technology capable of storing up to 1.6TB per cartridge in under 3 hours. HP Ultrium half-height drives are designed for server customers in direct attached storage (DAS) environments where hard disk and system bottlenecks can impede data transfer rates. To further protect the most sensitive data, AES 256-bit hardware data encryption provides easy-to-enable security to prevent unauthorized access of tape cartridges. By using LTO-4 hardware data encryption, not only is data fully capable of being compressed therefore maximizing capacity, encrypted backups are completed without a loss in performance. Capable of data transfer rates up to 160MB/sec, HP's exclusive Data Rate Matching feature further optimizes performance by matching speed of host to keep drives streaming and enabling the fastest performance of any tape drive in the industry. The Ultrium 1760 provides investment protection with full read and write support with LTO-3 media, and the ability to read LTO-2 cartridge. By doubling the capacity of previous generation Ultrium drives, HP customers now require fewer data cartridges to meet their storage needs, significantly reducing their IT costs and increasing their ROI.

Cisco Catalyst 2960 Series Intelligent Ethernet Switches are a new family of fixed-configuration standalone devices that provide desktop Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, enabling enhanced LAN services for entry-level enterprise, mid-market, and branch office networks. The Catalyst 2960 Series offers integrated security, including network admission control (NAC), advanced quality of service (QoS), and resiliency to deliver intelligent services for the network edge.

Symmetra PX, three-phase input / three-phase output (3: 3), is a single unit, composed of modular components. This modular architecture provides the foundation of building and scaling near-continuous availability power systems with a flexible range of power capacity. The Symmetra PX packages the high availability requirements of easy power and runtime scalability into a very small footprint. Combined with the complete line of APC data center protection software and accessories it provides the four most critical elements of total data center protection.

The EF 50mm f/1.2L USM is a peerless new standard lens featuring an ultra-large aperture for a narrow depth of field and soft background blur so loved by photographers everywhere. The EF 50mm f/1.2L USM is suitable for any shooting situation; its lens coating and construction are optimized to minimize the ghosting and flare that frequently occurs when lenses are used with digital cameras. This high-performance, weather-resistant lens delivers all the superb image resolution and contrast you expect in a Canon L Series Lens.

The Cisco 2800 Series provides significant additional value compared to prior generations of Cisco routers at similar price points by offering up to a fivefold performance improvement, up to a tenfold increase in security and voice performance, new embedded service options, and dramatically increased slot performance and density while maintaining support for most of the more than 90 existing modules that are available today for the Cisco 1700, Cisco 2600, and Cisco 3700 Series.

The Cisco 2800 Series features the ability to deliver multiple high-quality simultaneous services at wire speed up to multiple T1/E1/xDSL connections. The routers offer embedded encryption acceleration and on the motherboard voice digital-signal-processor (DSP) slots; intrusion prevention system (IPS) and firewall functions; optional integrated call processing and voice mail support; high-density interfaces for a wide range of connectivity requirements; and sufficient performance and slot density for future network expansion requirements and advanced applications.

Designed for installation in medium and large venues, the CP-X605 is an ideal solution for the corporate and education market.

With high performance and easy to use features including manual lens shift, optional lenses and advanced networking, combined with a common sense design and simple user functionality, the CP-X505 is a cost effective solution for day-to-day use.

HP StorageWorks All-in-One Storage Systems are radically simple, integrated, and affordable network storage solutions that enable small and mid-size companies to easily manage, grow, and protect their data. The AiO400 provides shared storage expansion for application servers, enhanced file serving for end-user clients, and comprehensive data protection features to ensure that your business is both safe and secure. Together, these functions offer a higher degree of value and utility than traditional options while allowing businesses to save time and money. This fully integrated solution is designed to be deployed on the existing Ethernet network in less than 30 minutes by IT generalists with no storage expertise. HP All-in-One Storage Systems offer everything you need to lower the cost and complexity associated with rapidly growing data storage environments.

HP All-in-One Storage Systems are ideal for growing small and mid-sized companies that need the management, consolidation, and data protection features typically reserved for higher-priced and more complex storage architectures.

MGE UPS SYSTEMS is a global provider of power quality solutions designed to increase the availability and uptime of mission-critical applications or processes, from a simple desktop PC to a large Internet Data Center or a semi-conductor manufacturing plant.

PRODUCT FEATURES:

Hot-swappable battery and UPS modules without interrupting the secured system;

Bypass included as standard to achieve the highest level of availability;

Redundant power feed from 2 independent sources (AC normal and bypass inputs can be common or separate);

Automatic battery test and protection against deep discharges.

Management through various protocols (HTTP/SNMP/XML/Telnet);

Integration with popular Network Management Systems (HP Openview, IBM Tivoli, CA Unicenter...);

Battery Integration System option to optimize the footprint of extended runtime solutions (automatic battery module detection);

Compatibility with all types of genset;

Integration with Building Management Systems (Jbus), 6 voltage-free contacts for remote supervision;

Simple set-up (network or industrial mode) to give priority to system shutdown or service continuity in case of overload or short-circuit;

Event log for easy fault detection;

Easy to achieve hot standby system through two single units (N+2).

Highlights of the MGE UPS Systems MGE COMET EX11 RT NETWORK PACK

• Hot-swappable battery and UPS modules without interrupting the secured system;
• Bypass included as standard to achieve the highest level of availability;
• Redundant power feed from 2 independent sources (AC normal and bypass inputs can be common or separate);
• Automatic battery test and protection against deep discharges.
• Management through various protocols (HTTP/SNMP/XML/Telnet);
• Integration with popular Network Management Systems (HP Openview, IBM Tivoli, CA Unicenter...);
• Battery Integration System option to optimize the footprint of extended runtime solutions (automatic battery module detection);
• Compatibility with all types of genset;
• Integration with Building Management Systems (Jbus), 6 voltage-free contacts for remote supervision;
• Simple set-up (network or industrial mode) to give priority to system shutdown or service continuity in case of overload or short-circuit;
• Event log for easy fault detection;
• Easy to achieve hot standby system through two single units (N+2).

FileMaker Pro has outstanding peer-to-peer sharing built right in. So why add a server? There are three key reasons: expanded availability, enhanced security and increased performance.

Simply install FileMaker Server software on a dedicated computer and upload your FileMaker Pro databases to the server. You and your team will instantly realize how fast and easy it is to access your databases 24/7 schedule automated backups, and find information and much more!

Whether you have a team of two or a department of hundreds, FileMaker Server makes it effortless to securely share your FileMaker Pro databases with Windows and Mac OS users on your network or over the Web.

If you want up to 100 simultaneous users to access a database that has been published using Instant Web Publishing or if you want to use an ODBC or JDBC client to submit SQL queries or statements to a FileMaker Pro database, you'll want FileMaker Server Advanced.

When you think of fast, reliable laser printing for your business, the HP LaserJet 4350 series printer is the benchmark that sets the standard for the printing industry. Capitalizing on HP's legendary imaging heritage, these workgroup printers offer reliable printing, excellent print speeds, advanced networking features, and brilliant print quality to allow your office to work at peak efficiency. Built to deliver power and versatility, these high-performance, high-volume printers offer expandable features to meet the needs of your large workgroup. For best-in-class quality, reliability, and performance, HP is the only choice.

Highlights of the HP LaserJet 4350dtnsl - printer - B/W - laser

• Achieve much more with breakthrough print speeds up to 52 ppm. Waste no time waiting for the printer to warm up as the Instant-on technology ensures the first page prints out in under eight seconds. A powerful 460 MHz processor lets you print complex documents with a quicker return to the application for greater efficiency. Create professional quality documents with true 1200 dpi at full speed in best mode. High volume performance you can rely on with a 250,000 pages per month duty cycle.
• A simple, four-line graphical display panel gives you full control of the printer's features. Save time and money with HP Web Jetadmin which allows easy network installation*, remote diagnostics and error correction. Remotely configure device settings and email alerts using the Embedded Web Server which gives easy access via a standard web browser. Maximise output with a 10,000 and 20,000 page-yield toner cartridge and easily monitor levels of consumables with HP's Smart Printing Technology**.
• Easily upgrade the standard memory of 64 MB RAM to 512 MB. Share fast, reliable printing with an HP Jetdirect 620n Embedded Print Server for Fast Ethernet 10/100Base-TX*. Enjoy flexible connectivity via 2 EIO slots and CompactFlash™ solutions for most network environments. Increase the printer's input capacity to a maximum 3,100 sheets with additional trays***. Be more efficient with an optional duplex unit**** for double-sided printing, an envelope feeder and a 500-sheet stapler/stacker*****.
• *Embedded networking is available on the HP LaserJet 4350n, 4350tn, 4350dtn, and 4350dtnsl models only.
• **Using genuine HP supplies ensures availability of all HP printing features.
• ***Standard with HP LaserJet 4350tn/dtn/dtnsl
• ****Standard with HP LaserJet 4350dtn/dtnsl
• *****Standard with HP LaserJet 4350dtnsl

Brace yourself for the newest 2P half-height blade that provides power-efficient compute power, integrated iLO-2 management, expanded memory and I/O. Make a difference in your data center with HP ProLiant BL460c, which is optimized for space constrained deployments of high performance systems installations. What's more, the BL460c steps up the fault tolerant in a dense platform with mirrored-memory, online spare memory, memory interleaving, embedded RAID capability, and enhanced remote Lights-Out management.

Combining concentrated 1U compute power, integrated Lights-Out management, and essential fault tolerance, the DL360 is optimized for space-constrained installations. Dual-core or Quad-core Xeon processors, DDR2 Fully Buffered DIMMs, Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) and PCI Express technology provide a high performance system ideal for the full range of scale out applications. What's more, the DL360 G5 steps up the fault tolerant in an ultra dense platform with redundant power, redundant fans, mirrored memory or online spare memory, embedded RAID capability, and full-featured remote Lights-Out management.

The densest, most power packed UPS available - offering HP customers more watts per U than any other UPS - allowing for more valuable rack space to be utilized by all your server, storage and networking equipment.

The leading edge HP UPS R5500 Uninterruptible Power System features a slim 3U rack-mount design, offering up to 4500 Watts of true power (5400 watts international). This new rack-space saving design allows more support for critical rack mountable equipment. This product brings unprecedented power density and innovative features to the proven HP family of rack-mountable UPS products.

The UPS R5500 is a high power density solution, designed for customers who want to provide power protection in space-constrained rack enterprise environments.

Freesat is a digital satellite service that offers free HD (High-definition) TV programs. With the G10 series, you can enjoy sharp pictures, vivid colors, multi-channel sound, and various services with the interactive contents.

600-Hz technology lets you view superb full-HD motion and still images with 1,080 lines of resolution. For even greater clarity with motion images, Panasonic uses its own unique image-analysis technology. This technology converts the motion in each scene into data, then optimizes the sub-field to display fast-action scenes in Full-HD resolution. And each frame is displayed for a shorter length of time than in previous systems, to reduce aftereffects.

VIERA incorporate an improved panel production process and the real black drive system. A pre-discharge control system, the real black drive system combines with NeoPDP technology to achieve next-generation black reproduction. When you're watching movies, VIERA renders images just the way the director intended, even in scenes where it's difficult to achieve a proper balance of light and dark.

VIERA Link allows interconnected operation of various AV devices using only the VIERA remote control, by simply connecting the devices to each other by an HDMI cable. VIERA Link performance has been further enhanced with LUMIX digital camera connection. By connecting a LUMIX camera that has an HDMI output terminal to VIERA, you can use the VIERA remote to control the playback of images stored on the camera.

It's easy to view Full-HD images with the SD Memory Card slot. Watch and show your photos and motion images right after you take them. Simply insert an SD memory card into VIERA to display photos and Full-HD videos on the large screen.

Why have separate black and white and color printers when you can have the Epson AcuLaser C9100? Epson has taken the lead in laser technology to deliver a complete high-performance solution for all your color and mono printing needs.

With the Epson AcuLaser C9100, you can produce professional color documents with the speed and ease you would expect from a mono laser printer. And the running costs are the same or less than most mono laser printers. So, replace your old A3 mono printer and let Epson add vibrant and precise color to your business when you need it.

Create visually rich, engaging content for virtually any media - print, web, interactive, video, audio, and mobile - using the tightly integrated tools and services in Adobe Creative Suite 4 Master Collection software.

Express yourself freely and stay in the creative flow, no matter what the medium for your design, thanks to numerous new features and improvements in Creative Suite 4 Master Collection. Design across media more efficiently and effectively using simpler ways to complete common tasks and innovative approaches to moving from one medium to another. What's more, this software works with enhanced creative professional services that enable you to collaborate online with colleagues and clients, find answers to technical questions, create and share color harmonies, and more.

Utilizing Advanced Intelligent Tape (AIT) technology, Sony brings to market a new line of OEM tape libraries, setting new standards for reliability, capacity, and performance in today's demanding storage environments.

Sony AIT libraries utilize the latest in AIT tape drive technology for a combination of high performance and reliability

With up to 16 cartridge storage capacity and configurations with 1 or 2 drives, the Sony AIT tape libraries offer scalable storage solutions.

A compact form factor, 2U height, offering both desktop and rack mount configurations, and lower power consumption make or easy integration into most storage environments.

Sony AIT tape libraries incorporate Memory-In-Cassette (MIC) technology to enhance data access speed, creating a perfect solution for either archiving or near line storage.

The way in which businesses use LANs is changing and the performance requirement at the edge of the network is becoming more demanding. IP telephony and other collaborative applications are driving more traffic to the edge of the network. As file sizes continue to grow, users need more bandwidth. Quite simply, the convergence of voice, video, data, and storage enables users to do more from their desktop. Enterprises need to be able to address today's increased demands and still prepare for the unknown demands of tomorrow. By re-assessing how they're using the wiring closet, they can achieve both goals, and be assured that their investments will be protected for a long time to come.

Part of the Nortel Networks BayStack 5000 series, BayStack 5510 Switches are 1 rack unit high stackable 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet Layer 3 routing switches that are designed to provide high-density Gigabit desktop connectivity for mid-size and large enterprise customers' wiring closets. BayStack 5510 Switches offer a scalable and resilient solution, providing exceptional security features, and support for enhanced convergence while minimizing capital and operational expenses. The BayStack 5000 family of switches represents the next-generation in innovation and performance in a stackable solution.

The BayStack 5510-24T Switch features 24 10/100/1000BASE-T RJ-45 ports for desktop switching and two built-in GBIC ports for uplink. Port 23 and Port 24 offer configuration flexibility as either a 10/100/1000 or a built-in SFP GBIC port.

ZyXEL GS-4000 series is an intelligent Gigabit multilayer (L2/L3/L4) Ethernet switch that provides enterprise-class availability, resilient and redundant architecture with OSPF, VRRP, RSTP and port trunking. The GS-4000 series offers many advanced features to make it the preferred choice for real-routing network in the enterprise. Advanced functionalities like QoS, rate-limiting, rule-based access control lists, multicasting support, wire-speed, high-performance IP routing and simplified management software (iStacking) highly improve network operation.

The GS-4024 features 20-port 100/1000BASE-T RJ-45 and four dual-personality GbE interface (RJ-45 or SFP). Based on non-blocking switching architecture, the GS-4000 series can be deployed as both an intelligent access layer switch for enterprise wiring closets and as a Layer 3 backbone switch for SMB networks.

Simplicity and efficiency

Project a quality image with the EMP-7900NL from Epson. This sophisticated projector delivers optimum performance - sharp and bright images - with comprehensive network capability and timesaving features. Ideal for larger venues.

Image is everything

For large venue presentations, the Epson EMP-7900NL projector will impress any audience with its outstanding image quality and brightness. Suitable for your conference room, but light enough to move around, the Epson EMP-7900NL also allows projector control from an IT Network Management Station.

Key Features

Outstanding 4,000 ANSI lumens brightness, XGA projector
Advanced "networkability" features with EpsonEasyMP
Long lamp life up to 3000 hours
Auto Keystone, Quick Corner and Wall Shot make set up easy
Password protected for enhanced security
Silent mode just 33dB, won't distract the audience
Ideal for large conference rooms/ceiling installations
Automatic signal detection
Epson Preview displays all connected input sources
Can be moved between meeting rooms - just 5.6kg
Supplied without lens, choice of 3 lens options
Easy-to-use remote control

This cost-effective service helps you minimize system downtime due to hardware failure. It features a commitment to resolve hardware problems within 6 hours from the time your service call is received. When you experience system problems, your call is immediately connected to an HP-certified resolution engineer for troubleshooting. If your problem cannot be resolved remotely, an experienced support professional is dispatched to your site to begin hardware repair and restoration activities.

Choose 6-Hour Call-to-Repair support when you need to: be confident of system restoration within the shortest possible timeframe, boost productivity via increased hardware system uptime, obtain easy-to-buy, easy-to-use extended warranty services, and enhance IT resource planning and IT staff efficiency.

As more critical and revenue-based applications flow across company networks, data networks are becoming the corporate "competitive" edge. Lack of performance in the wiring closet, more stringent application bandwidth requirements, and the lack of qualified network experts are all challenges that have to be met before implementing the next "killer application." Fixed port desktop routing switches provide core network routing features without the large rack space requirements and large capital expenditure required by traditional core routing switches. By enabling better bandwidth utilization, application performance increases and both employee productivity and revenue can be enhanced - creating a truly competitive network.

The Nortel Networks Passport 1424T routing switch is an application-based fixed port desktop Ethernet switch that delivers enhanced network performance, simplicity, and flexibility required by today's bandwidth-sensitive applications. Simple to install and maintain, the Passport 1424T combines network core routing features with wiring closet type efficiency. Twenty-four 10/100 Ethernet ports and two GBIC slots combine to provide connectivity for workgroups, servers, and switches in a 1U high solution. Wire-speed routing and a non-blocking architecture provide the performance required by today's bandwidth-sensitive applications. For applications that are more sensitive to network jitter and delay, four priority queues - with support for 802.1p and DiffServ - provide Qualtiy of Service within the network.

NETGEAR's low-cost, stackable, Gigabit Ethernet switches deliver maximum throughput and flexibility where you need it - to high-speed, high-density workgroups at the edge of the network, in the backbone of growing networks or for bandwidth thirsty file and application servers. The ProSafe fully managed switch delivers 24 of auto-sensing 10/100/1000 Mbps interfaces for high-density copper connectivity. Four hot-swappable Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP) gigabit interfaces provide optional fiber connectivity for longer reach Gigabit Ethernet requirements. Additionally, four high-speed module bays offer modular expansion for 10 Gigabit Ethernet or 24 Gigabit Stacking connectivity. The non-blocking design of the switch delivers simultaneous, full wire-speed, low-latency throughput to all ports.

A full suite of Layer 3 switching functionality ensures reliable routing between VLANs and network segmentation where and when you need it, at no additional cost. By configuring the switch into a stack of up to 8 units across a 48 Gbps bi-directional ring, a high-density, single IP-addressable switch can be built.

Robust security features include IEEE 802.1x port-based authentication and access control lists, ensuring that only authorized users can access your network. Secure management of the switch is available through Secure Sockets Layer (SSLv3) for the Web GUI and Secured Shell (SSH) for command-line sessions. Additionally, multiple switches can be securely managed via SNMPv3 with NETGEAR's ProSafe Network Management Software NMS100. For workgroup deployments in cost-sensitive organizations that require Layer 3 switching, additional Gigabit capacity, high-value price point, flexibility of stacking, and reduced maintenance requirements, NETGEAR's ProSafe 10/100 Layer 3 Stackable switches deliver the ideal access-edge solution.

With their high-value price point, flexible design, and reduced maintenance requirements, NETGEAR's ProSafe 10/100/1000 Layer 3 Stackable switch solutions yield a high return on investment, and are ideal for delivering highly reliable, converged voice, video, and data services over a single network infrastructure.

PRODUCT FEATURES:

24 10/100/1000 Mbps Ports;

4 10-Gigabit High-Speed Module Bays;

4 10/100/1000 Mbps combo ports;

Stacking for up to eight units - up to 192 Gigabit Ethernet ports;

Non-blocking design for wirespeed performance at all ports;

Full Quality of Service (QoS) control for all interfaces for emerging technologies;

Dynamic Layer 3 switching for VLAN routing and network segmentation;

Layer 2 and Layer 3 services for complete management control;

802.1X, RADIUS, SSL, SSHv2, SNMPv3, and more;

Optimized for ProSafe Network Management Software NMS100;

Easy to use right out of the box, with Web-based administration for advanced features;

1U rack-mount form factor uses less rack space and provides lower per-port cost.

Canon's EOS 50D bridges the gap between the novice and the seasoned pro with a perfect combination of high-speed and quality. It features an APS-C sized 15.1-megapixel CMOS sensor for tremendous images, DIGIC 4 image processor for fine detail and superior color reproduction, and improved ISO capabilities up to 12800 for uncompromised shooting even in the dimmest situations. It features a refined 3.0-inch Clear View LCD (920,000 dots) monitor, supercharged live view function with Face Detection Live mode, plus a number of automatic image correction settings and HDMI output for viewing images on an HDTV. Pick up the EOS 50D and you'll experience true digital inspiration!

Highlights of the Canon EOS 50D SLR inc 18-200mm IS Lens Kit

• 15.1-megapixel CMOS sensor
• Next generation DIGIC 4 image processor
• 3.0-inch Clear View LCD
• Enhanced live view shooting
• 9 cross-type high-precision sensors
• Lens peripheral illumination correction setting
• Updated EOS integrated cleaning system
• Creative auto goes a step beyond full auto with on screen setting display
• HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) output

The latest Intel processor, a bigger hard drive, plenty of memory, and even more new features all fit inside just one liberating inch. The MacBook Pro has the performance, power, and connectivity of a desktop computer. Without the desk part.

Panasonic's DLP system projectors have taken another step forward. Now they produce even better images while maintaining all of their highly reliable functions. Their 6,000-lm brightness delivers crisp, easy-to-see images even in brightly lit classrooms and meeting rooms, to make presentations easier to understand.

The PT-D5700E offers full 6,000 lumens of brightness, thanks to the newly developed AC lamp and more efficient reflectors and synthetic mirror. This enables crisp, sharp images even when projecting in a classroom, meeting room, or other location with ordinary daytime lighting.

The system daylight view function uses an image processing circuit to compensate for the loss of color saturation that occurs when light reflects onto the screen from bright surroundings. It is especially effective for producing crisp, sharp images in dark portions containing gradation. The function can be adjusted in three steps.

Anybody can operate the PT-D5700E by remote control or monitor its status over a LAN network, because it is all done using the computer's familiar Web browser. Furthermore, the PT-D5700E sends an e-mail message to notify the operator when an error has occurred, or a lamp needs to be replaced.

Customizable and easy-to-view, large, vivid, well-spaced familiar icons on the Lexmark e-Task 8-inch (20 cm) color touch screen provide access to print, copy, fax and scan-to-email functions.

Specialized and general office copy, fax, scan and print is consolidated on one multifunction printer with a StapleSmart Finisher.

Copy or print up to 50 pages per minute with standard 256MB RAM, expandable to 640MB, and a 514 MHz processor and a time to first copy as quick as 8.5 seconds to handle even the most complicated output.

Up to legal size (8.5 x 14", 216 x 355 mm) documents with up to 600x600 dpi in black and up to 300x300 dpi in color with an up to 50 page Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)

Hard disk wiping and AES encryption, IPv6, SNMPv3, SSL, IPSec and 802.1x authentication and user authentication provide security measures for multifunction communications and data encryption. (See Features)

Direct printing of PDF and image (TIFF, JPEG, HTML, and others) files from a USB flash drive using the convenient USB Direct interface on the operator panel. Or scan a document and save to the USB Flash drive as PDF, TIFF or JPEG.

Fax, Scan Preview, Custom Jobs Copy, fax and e-mail, Priority Copies and Job Cancel increase user productivity.

The VPN Accelerator Card Plus (VAC+) for the Cisco PIX Firewall Series provides high-performance tunneling and encryption services suitable for site-to-site and remote-access applications. This hardware-based virtual private network (VPN) accelerator is optimized to handle the repetitive but voluminous mathematical functions required for IP Security (IPSec). Offloading encryption functions to the Cisco PIX Firewall VAC+ not only improves IPSec encryption processing, but also maintains high-end firewall performance. As an integral component of the Cisco VPN solution, the Cisco PIX Firewall VAC+ provides platform scalability and security while smoothly working with the services necessary for successful VPN deployments - encryption, tunneling, and firewall.

The Cisco PIX Firewall VAC+ adds Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) hardware acceleration to the Cisco PIX Firewall. Also known as Rijndael, AES provides a better combination of safety and speed than Data Encryption Standard (DES). Using 128-bit secret keys, AES offers higher security against brute-force attacks than older 56-bit DES keys and can use 192-bit and 256-bit keys as well. AES is computationally more efficient than DES and can work at multiple network layers simultaneously. In October 2000 the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) of the U.S. Department of Commerce selected AES as a new encryption technique for protecting computerized information. It is expected to replace DES, which was adopted by the U.S. Department of Defense in 1977.

The Cisco PIX Firewall VAC+, which fits into a PCI slot inside the Cisco PIX chassis, encrypts data using 56-bit DES; 168-bit Triple DES (3DES); and 128-, 192-, and 256-bit AES algorithms at speeds up to 440 Mbps. A Cisco PIX Firewall equipped with a VAC+ can support as many as 2, 000 encrypted tunnels for concurrent sessions with mobile users or other sites. In addition to encryption, the card handles numerous other IPSec-related tasks - hashing, key exchange, and storage of security associations - freeing the Cisco PIX Firewall main processor and memory to perform other perimeter security functions.