AirSoft's Powerburst 2.0 to Boost Remote Access

The remote-access servers we tested can improve network-access speed, but if you need an extra boost, try AirSoft's Powerburst. It uses a client/agent design to cache frequently used files on the remote user's client system. This strategy enhances performance because most network transmissions are redundant and might as well remain in the user's cache instead of clogging the modem connection.

With Powerburst, which supports Windows NT and NetWare servers, you have Windows-based client software and a DOS-based agent that resides on a dedicated system attached to the home office's LAN server. Powerburst creates a 10-MB cache on the client's local hard drive the first time the remote workstation accesses a file on the server. Operating in tandem, the Powerburst client and agent apply caching algorithms to examine transmissions and eliminate the redundant file-system calls.

AirSoft claims that Powerburst (version 2.0 was released this spring with Windows 95 client software) increases application response time by 200 percent to 400 percent for remote-node access to LAN-based files. We can't verify this dramatic promise, but any performance improvements that Powerburst provides would mean that remote users would finish working and disconnect to free up remote ports for others.

The nice thing about Powerburst is that it requires few or no changes to your network or remote-node server configuration. It is compatible with most file-server environments, remote-node servers (e.g., Cisco, Shiva, 3Com, and Novell), and all remote-access media, including the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), ISDN, frame relay, and others.

Powerburst agent software is available for $995. Each agent is capa ble of supporting up to 64 simultaneous users. Powerburst client software is available in multiuser licenses, starting at $645 for a five-user pack and ranging up to $245,000 for a 5000-user license.

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Product Information

Powerburst 2.0...................$645 for a five-user pack

AirSoft, Inc.
Cupertino, CA
Phone:    (408) 777-7500
Fax:      (408) 777-7527
Internet: 
http://www.airsoft.com

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Powerburst 2.0

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Powerburst's client/agent architecture caches frequently used data on the remote user's hard drive.