Trapeze's Identity Based Networking is a key element of its Mobility
System Software, which also has been upgraded to version 2.0. The new
Mobility System Software adds support for Layer 2 and Layer 3 AP
connections to the company's Mobility Exchange switches. And new
versions of the switches, targeted at branch-office as well as core
network deployments, have been rolled out. These new offerings round out
the product line quite nicely.
The company continues to embrace 802.1x as the foundation for
authentication, privacy and access control. And unlike its competitors,
the company rejects the VPN model often viewed as the preferred WLAN
security solution by enterprise IT professionals. We think Trapeze is on
solid ground in embracing 802.1x as a preferred strategic direction.
However, most of today's enterprise WLAN rollouts are tactical at this
point and, right or wrong, a large proportion of enterprise IT folks see
VPNs as a preferred security solution.
Trapeze has had a tough year, including a major round of layoffs and
shakeups in its executive ranks. But its new product enhancements
position the company for another run--perhaps its last chance--at the
positive enterprise mindshare it so desperately desires. We think
Trapeze is worth another look, and we hope to do a more thorough,
competitive evaluation in our labs this summer. But with enterprise WLAN
uptake still a bit lukewarm as well as a growing list of facile
competitors, Trapeze faces quite a battle.
-- Dave Molta, [email protected]
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