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Internet's low-cost, high speed, and ubiquity make it attractive for business communications, when compared to permanent private networks or direct long-distance calling. However, there are serious security issues with Internet:
- Privacy of the business information in transit over insecure Internet.
- Protection of computers against malicious access when connected directly to Internet.
Security soltions are available but are typically expensive and complicated both to install and maintain. Unfortunately and frequently, there is a significant trade-off between "security" and "ease of use". The more secure a solution, the more difficult it is to use and maintain.
- For small and medium sized AS/400 users who have no specialized security personnel and security systems, such solutions are typically out of reach.
- For the average user attempting to access a remote, secured AS/400 across Internet, the connection procedure can be unwieldy and operationally delicate, ie, not quick and easy to use.
- For example, on a LAN gateway to Internet, special hardware and software is required and/or, on individual LAN PCs licensed software must be installed and configured. One cannot expect clients or suppliers or partners to buy and install special software to access your AS/400 for Businsee-to-Business, "B2B", communications.
Mei provides a solution in HostGate, an AS/400-to-Internet gateway that allows AS/400 owners to provide secure access to their AS/400.
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- At the AS/400 site:
- Hostgate requires no specific hardware or software for networking.
- Hostgate requires no special AS/400 software or configuration.
- No computer staff or special.
- For remote users on Internet, with single PCs or on a LAN:
- No specific hardware or software is required.
- No special training or procedures.
All of the usual complexity, maintenance, and expertise of connecting to Internet is delegated to Mei and HostGate.
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