This exciting new alternative to traditional fixed appliances is both a software platform and a growing suite of software modules that unify firewall, IPS, routing, DHCP, DNS and other essential network services into a single open, flexible software platform. Flexibility
You can implement the full Cobia platform or only the modules you require. Individual components can be deployed as needed. Device and function consolidation
All systems and services are contained in a single software platform and centrally managed through one web-based console. The complete platform can be hosted on a dedicated, off-the-shelf x86 machine. Ease of configuration
Cobia provides single-pane-of-glass access to all network systems, services, and functions. The interface has been designed to leverage module consolidation. Because the entire platform is run through a single interface, configuration and on-going administration are fast and easy. Low cost of ownership
The base Cobia platform is offered as a free software download. Reduced hardware expenditures
Because Cobia is installed on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware, the expense of deploying multiple proprietary network and security appliances is eliminated. Reduced network administration
Management, configuration, and monitoring of all modules are accomplished through a single web-based management console.
Extensibility Built from proven open-source networking applications, Cobia's underlying code is available and accessible. Users are free to implement internally their own modifications and extensions. Scalability
Cobia scales to networks up to 1000 end users. As needs grow, your Cobia implementation can be migrated to more powerful hosts without requiring reconfiguration. Embedded Security
The platform is being designed to include standard and advanced security applications, including firewall, intrusion detection, and VPN. The platform installs with its own hardened Linux OS. Ease of upgrade and maintenance
Cobia upgrades are delivered as software updates that are downloaded and installed through a standardized process. Fork-lift upgrades are eliminated. The Cobia platform is developed by StillSecure®, a company with deep networking and security expertise. As a developer of a successful line of network-based security solutions, StillSecure brings the experience and vision necessary to consolidate networking, security, VoIP, and next-generation applications into a Unified Network Platform™. StillSecure offers Cobia UNP and online forum-based support free of charge. StillSecure offers Cobia pre-installed on an appliance and commercial paid-for support options. | |
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Cobia Vision
Cobia™ is a Unified Network Platform™ that centralizes and simplifies the way you implement and manage the network. It provides a secure foundation for converging network applications including security, network management, WiFi, and VoIP. Cobia is the next-generation network for small and medium businesses.
Convergence
Convergence is gaining momentum. Initiatives and emerging standards such as Cisco's CNAC, Microsoft NAP, and 802.1x are high-profile examples of convergence at the architectural level. At the application level, you have universal threat managers (UTMs) and branch-office-box (BOB) solutions.
Cobia takes convergence the next logical step, consolidating the essential, high-value networking applications in a single secure platform (see Modules for the list of components included). Administration is accomplished through an integrated, easy-to-use management console. It is no longer viable to implement and manage the network as a conglomeration of individual, fixed-appliance point solutions. Its too expensive and consumes too much administrative overhead. Cobia tackles this problem head-on, offering full networking capabilities within a single software application.
An alternative to the fixed network appliance
Network vendors have a stranglehold on small and medium businesses. Few viable alternatives are available to compete with their proprietary fixed-appliance solutions, which are expensive to manage and maintain, and can be end-of-life'd without regard for the impact on customers. For vendors the goal is to sell hardware and maintenance agreements. Customers have had no choice but to submit to this one-sided monopolistic model.
Cobia is the alternative. By consolidating the primary networking and security applications in one platform, Cobia dramatically reduces the expense of implementing and maintaining a network. It is an open application, installs on the off-the-shelf x86 hardware of your own choosing, and is available free of charge. If, down the road, higher performance is required, simply migrate your Cobia implementation to a bigger host. As business needs change and expand, Cobia flexibly adapts without additional cost.
An open platform
Cobia is an open application. It incorporates proven open-source tools and services, and the code base is available for download. The open software model gives users a number of advantages:
- Cobia and its constituent components are supported by a world-wide development community.
- The Cobia platform is open and extensible. Users are free to modify and implement the product to suit specific internal needs.
- Third parties are welcome to build additional components and modules.
- Users have complete transparency into the code.
Cobia is available free of charge
We offer the Cobia platform to users free of charge. Third-party modules developed outside of the StillSecure core product team may also be fee-based. See modules and licensing for details.
We are following the open software business model that has proven successful and gained widespread acceptance in recent years: We offer the base application free of charge and generate revenue through fee-based technical support and training services.
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