In this version we are showcasing the following technologies:
Public Wireless LAN Interworking
The most prevalent user authentication method for Public Wireless LAN (PWLAN) hotspots is web-based authentication - also commonly known as Universal Access Method (UAM). However, UAM is non standards-based, and is neither secure nor conducive for seamless roaming. At the Proof-of-Concept Showcase, witness how easy it is to use a rogue access point to hijack a UAM session, rendering any user's data vulnerable. To safeguard your data, Proof-of-Concept recommends the IEEE 802.1X authentication framework. Based on open standards, this framework allows you to attain a more secure environment while addressing the shortcomings of UAM to suit deployment needs. People on the move will also discover how seamless roaming will soon become a reality -when existing GSM SIM cards can access Wireless hotspots without the need for new user sign-up or having to remember usernames and passwords. This development is made possible by IDA's partnership with Intel (US) in the IDA-Intel Wireless Interworking Initiative launched in March 2003. Its objective is to develop and validate an open and standards-based Public Wireless LAN Interworking reference architecture for industry adoption. This joint collaboration is significant for Singapore and Asia as a whole, because it is the first to involve operators and vendors from the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, as well as players across the Wireless LAN ecosystem.
5.8GHz Licence-Exempt Fixed Wireless Technology
This technology enables enterprises and institutions to build their own point-to-multipoint wireless networks at low cost, without the need for a spectrum licence from IDA. Such networks can be used to connect offices in different buildings or provide backhaul for outdoor wireless LAN access points, thereby eliminating the need to pay for costly leased lines or to lay cables.
At the Proof-of-Concept Showcase, find out how this technology can form part of a video surveillance network, and how video can be relayed to a central monitoring station even in the absence of line-of-sight between the surveillance terminal and the base station.
Mobile Thin Client Computing
Enterprises face several challenges when deploying mobility solutions. The variety of mobile devices and operating systems currently available make the deployment of enterprise mobility applications difficult and costly. A lot of time and effort is required to modify the applications and test them on the various platforms. Also, additional server solutions are needed for data synchronisation. An alternative is to deploy mobile thin client solutions which provide a virtual interface on the mobile device to the remote desktop environment. However, most of these solutions often encounter slow screen refresh and require screen scrolling due to display limitations on devices, thus impeding usability.
This Proof-of-Concept Showcase will demonstrate another approach to mobile thin client computing that circumvents hardware limitations to allow full-fledge desktop applications to run on mobile devices - with great ease and convenience!
Unified Communications for Enterprise
Computer Telephony Integration (CTI) enables computers to coordinate and control telephony functions such as making and receiving voice calls. Even though CTI technology has existed commercially since the mid-1980s, it has been exploited in only a few niche areas that can justify the high costs of the required infrastructure investments. With the advent of PC technology and emergence of standardised middleware and interfaces, CTI has evolved into enterprise oriented unified communication platforms. These next generation CTI solutions are generally software-based and hence can be readily deployed over existing communication and data infrastructure.
This Proof-of-Concept showcase will show how an enterprise CTI solution currently running as a limited trial within IDA, can effectively integrate independent corporate telephony and data systems into a unified productivity enhancement tool.
Antispam Technologies
Unsolicited e-mail or spam is a problem for most Internet users. While there is no silver bullet that can completely eradicate spam, there are many technical solutions that can effectively reduce the volume of spam that email users are bombarded with. Visit the Proof-of-Concept Showcase to learn about technical solutions currently available, such as Distributed Checksum clearing house, Sender-ID and Bayesian Filters. Find out how each can play a role in your battle against spam, and how, when combined, they can provide a formidable shield to fend off spam!
Host-based Intrusion Prevention System (HIPS)
Intrusion Prevention Systems are design to protect information systems from unauthorized access, damage or disruption. They are developed to counter the evolving threats presented by the latest generations of worms, software and network exploits. The level of threats increases as new generation attacks become more vicious and pervasive. Attacks such as Sasser, SQL Slammer of Nimda are so virulent today that they are capable of damaging your information systems in a matter of minutes. Host IPS is a software program that resides on individual system such as servers, workstations or notebooks.
It is complementary to the existing solutions such as firewall, anti-virus solutions, and is able to protect systems from hackers and worm attacks without waiting for new signature creation and distribution. Traffic flowing into or out of that particular system is inspected and the behaviour of the applications and operating system may be examined for indications of an attack. These host system-specific programmes or "agents" protect the operating system, and applications running on the host. When the attack is detected, the host IPS software blocks the attack at the network interface level or issues commands to the application or operating system to stop the behaviour initiated by the attack.