Ipswitch, Inc. Announces Ipswitch WS_FTP Server 5.0 With Integrated Notification Server

FTP market leader provides IT administrators with enhanced ability to manage critical business data movement with groundbreaking workflow capabilities

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Lexington, Massachusetts – May 25, 2004 – Ipswitch, Inc., the leading developer of file transfer, messaging and network monitoring solutions, today announced the release of Ipswitch WS_FTP Server 5.0 that communicates critical business data in real time. Ipswitch WS_FTP Server 5.0 includes the integrated Ipswitch Notification Server, which delivers an integrated workflow capability for users and IT administrators. Other additions increase security and provide IT administrators with more powerful flexibility to manage users and maximize file transfer speed.

Intelligent workflow is now integrated into Ipswitch WS_FTP Server 5.0
Via the Ipswitch Notification Server, an integral feature of Ipswitch WS_FTP Server 5.0, a file transfer can initiate several different events that enable administrators and users to couple the secure and efficient capabilities of Ipswitch WS_FTP Server 5.0 to their business logic and processes. For example, sales managers can be notified the instant daily sales reports have been updated, floor managers can immediately know how many units were shipped off a manufacturing floor and CFOs can quickly ascertain the status of divisions’ budgets at the end of each day. Ipswitch Notification Server supports notifications via SMS, which has worldwide coverage, e-mail and pager, or via external programs such as CRM tools or similar customer software applications. Easy-to-use wizards can create notifications incorporating seven built-in rules including directory created, file deleted, file downloaded, file renamed, file uploaded, failed login and disk quota exceeded. Notifications can also include dynamic content insertion for items such as subject and date and a ready-test feature allows for quick verification to ensure proper functionality before deployment.

“We’re moving beyond simply transferring files efficiently,” said Ipswitch Chief Operating Officer Bill Pollack. “We’re looking at how to link the movement of data to a business process. We’re making it possible for anyone in a business setting to automatically be notified the second any data files integral to his or her success are updated. That is extremely powerful. At the same time, we are ensuring that data remains confidential and that administrators have greater control over their networks to achieve peak efficiencies.”

Clear Command Channel (CCC), Rules Engine provide greater user and data protection
The addition of Clear Command Channel (CCC) to Ipswitch WS_FTP Server 5.0 adds greater security to an already secure solution. Using the PASV command, administrators can configure IP addresses and port ranges behind firewalls and Network Address Translation (NAT) devices with or without SSL for optimal protection. With Ipswitch WS_FTP Server 5.0’s Rules Engine, administrators can thwart hackers by blocking a user after a specified number of failed login attempts and immediately receive an alert to this activity via the Ipswitch Notification Server.

Greater network efficiency, maximized file transfer speeds with new administrative tools
With Ipswitch WS_FTP Server 5.0, administrators have greater control over end-user file transfer activity and can maintain optimal file transfer speeds for all users. Disk quota management allows administrators to set a disk space quota for users or for an entire group of users. Administrators can also restrict the amount of bandwidth being used by an individual or users within a group at any given time. Both ensure that speeds are optimized for all users connecting to Ipswitch WS_FTP Server 5.0.

With the addition of Universal Naming Convention (UNC) support, Ipswitch WS_FTP Server 5.0 enables system administrators to set a user’s home folder on a shared or remote drive for security or management reasons. Administrators also have the ability to make any folder on the server be a user’s home folder, meaning he or she can configure several users to the same home folder for a shared group folder. This further helps conserve disk space to maximize available resources. This is especially attractive to service providers who can create a company account with several users who can all share the same home folder.

“Controlling data transfers in my company is critical for me,” said Tom Byrne, t echnical services specialist and Microsoft technical developer/tester at ArchiText Inc ., a translation services company based in Andover, MA. “I have much more command over what is happening with the new management features in Ipswitch WS_FTP Server 5.0. I can better dictate the flow of information so that I am maximizing network resources without compromising the end-users’ experience. I have more time for updating our workstations, running every possible language, virus definitions and Critical Updates. Besides that, the Ipswitch on-line support feature is one of the best I have ever used.”

Price and Availability

Ipswitch WS_FTP Server 5.0 is available for a U.S. list price of $395. Bundles of Ipswitch WS_FTP Server 5.0 and Ipswitch WS_FTP Pro are available starting at $680 for 10 copies of Ipswitch WS_FTP Pro with Ipswitch WS_FTP Server 5.0. Free upgrades to Ipswitch WS_FTP Server 5.0 are available to anyone with a valid service agreement. Ipswitch WS_FTP Server 5.0 with an annual service agreement, an attractive offering of one year of live and unlimited telephone and e-mail support plus all software and upgrades, is available for a price of $490.

About Ipswitch, Inc.

Ipswitch develops and markets practical, affordable software products worldwide, providing maximum impact for businesses and consumers. More than 100 million people use highly popular Ipswitch software every day, to quickly and easily send e-mail and instant messages (IMail Server), monitor their networks (WhatsUp), and transfer files over the Internet (WS_FTP). In addition to creating software solutions that address the needs of today’s IT businesses, Ipswitch extends its corporate focus to benefit the community. Five percent of its profit is donated to charitable organizations working to help fight child poverty. For product and sales information, please contact our sales team.

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