VanDyke's SecureCRT client allows Windows machines to establish and utilize encrypted connections with SSH1 and SSH2 servers. The client also supports telnet, serial, and other communication protocols. SecureCRT can connect to third party servers via SSH; the vendor also offers their VShell Server (a separate product) for the server-side of the SSH tunnel.

Multiple forms of user authentication are supported by the shell, including standard password, public key (RSA, DSA, and x.509 including Smart Cards), Kerberos v5 (via GSSAPI), and Keyboard Interactive when connecting to SSH2 servers; for SSH1 servers, password, public key, and TIS authentications are supported. Support for OpenSSH Agent Forwarding allows authentication to multiple linked servers after the first SSH server has authenticated the user.

Key management features include the ability to view, import, and export host keys; a shared host key database (with the vendor's SecureFX file transfer client) where the private key agent cache is shared between the two applications so that passphrases needn't be reentered; and a "Public Key Assistant" allowing for the uploading of public keys to an SSH2 server by end users.

Encryption support includes 2048 bit length DSA keys under SSH2, with the 3DES, RC4, Blowfish, Twofish, AES-128, AES-192, and AES-256 algorithms offered. For SSH1 servers, DES, 3DES, RC4, and Blowfish are supported. In addition to shell connectivity, SecureCRT enables encrypted communications for other applications via its support for port forwarding of common TCP/IP protocols (POP3, IMAP4, HTTP, SMTP, etc.).

Other key features include:

- X11 forwarding

- Variable data compression levels

- VT100, VT102, VT220, ANSI, SCO ANSI, Wyse 50/60, Xterm, and Linux console terminal emulations, all with support for ANSI color

- Multiple session support, including support for tabbed sessions, named sessions, and the automatic launch of single/multiple sessions on program start

- Keyboard mappings (per session) without requiring an external keymap file

- 128,000 line scrollback buffer

- IPv6 support

- Script recorder (records keystrokes, including function keys, and generates a VB script from them)

- Support for custom log data strings

New features in the latest SecureCRT release include support for moving session tabs between SecureCRT windows; a new button bar that allows the mapping of buttons to frequently used commands, scripts, and menu functions; and support for installation on U3 smart drives, among other enhancements.

SecureCRT is available now. Pricing starts at $99 a copy; with volume discounts available.

Visit the VanDyke Software Web site for further information.

product submission by EITPlanet Staff

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