Google searches for an enterprise space

NETWORK WORLD NEWSLETTER: NETWORK PRODUCT TEST RESULTS
08/02/05

Dear security.world@gmail.com,

In this issue:

* Clear Choice test of Google Search Appliance, GB-1001
* Links related to Network Product Test Results
* Featured reader resource
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race. This guide is designed to help with a collection of news,
analysis and product test reviews for practical how-to advice on
subjects ranging from patch management and spyware to promises
and risks of automated security services.
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Today's focus:

Google searches for an enterprise space

By Thomas Powell

The Google Search Appliance packages up the company's famously
accurate technology into an easy-to-use search engine for
intranets and public-facing corporate sites. In our Clear Choice
test of the GB-1001 model, we found that while the searching and
indexing features live up to the Google name, the product lacks
polish and advanced management features.

The appliance's honeycomb case caught our eye, but the whimsy
wore off as we began to notice occasional unevenness in the
appliance. For example, the appliance takes a number of minutes
to start up and run its various system checks. To alert you it
is done, it plays a little tune. In testing in our server room
and at a collocation facility, we couldn't hear the tune over
the dull roar of such environments and had to manually probe for
the system's state.

The GB-1001 does not provide obvious light indicators or a small
LCD screen on the unit. No on-off switch is provided, as the
designer likely intended you to go through the proper shutdown
procedure. We experienced an unplanned UPS failure, and upon
power restoration the box recovered properly once it performed
an automated rebuild of its RAID system that lasted several
hours. After you do trigger shutdown through the Web
administration system provided, you need to be careful not to
cut power too early; otherwise, you will have the RAID rebuild
wait on your hands.

We also found other polish points lacking. Within the
administration system, confirmations of configuration changes
didn't appear in a logical place, form fields were slightly
misaligned or oddly arranged, warning messages did not appear
reliably, help information was too concise or lacked good
examples, result output previews didn't always work, and, in
some cases, error messages lacked detail.

There were some bright spots, including clear installation
documentation, color-coded cables and a built-in DHCP server
that allowed us to plug in a laptop and quickly configure the
network settings.

Using a Web-based GUI, your first step after installation would
likely be to define a search index by indicating starting URLs,
URL patterns and file types that should be recorded and
discarded by the crawler.

For the complete rundown of the test results go to:
<http://www.networkworld.com/nlprodrev4277>

The top 5: Today's most-read stories

1. Cisco vulnerability posted to Internet
<http://www.networkworld.com/nlprodrev4278>

2. Router flaw sparks battle
<http://www.networkworld.com/news/2005/080105-blackhat.html>

3. Researcher at center of Cisco router-exploit controversy
speaks out <http://www.networkworld.com/nlprodrev4280>

4. Black Hat event highlights RFID and VoIP security threats
<http://www.networkworld.com/news/2005/080105-blackhat-side.html>

5. Cisco nixes conference session on hacking IOS router code
<http://www.networkworld.com/nlprodrev4281>
_______________________________________________________________
To contact: Thomas Powell

Powell is the founder of PINT, a San Diego Web development and
consulting firm. He is also the author of numerous books on Web
development practices including JavaScript: The Complete
Reference and Web Design: The Complete Reference. He can be
reached at tpowell@pint.com
_______________________________________________________________
This newsletter is sponsored by Avocent
Network World Executive Guide: Security Evolves. Automation,
specialized 'ops centers' and more.

For network security professionals, keeping a safe distance
ahead of the worst the bad guys have to offer is a never-ending
race. This guide is designed to help with a collection of news,
analysis and product test reviews for practical how-to advice on
subjects ranging from patch management and spyware to promises
and risks of automated security services.
http://www.fattail.com/redir/redirect.asp?CID=109192
_______________________________________________________________
ARCHIVE LINKS

Clear Choice Tests archive:
http://www.networkworld.com/reviews/index.html
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FEATURED READER RESOURCE
SIX TIPS FOR GETTING WHAT YOU DESERVE

Before you go in for your next annual review or promotion
interview, you would be wise to consider these tips for ensuring
you've got the right stuff to move ahead. Network executives
offer advice to help you gun for that next promotion and fatten
up your paycheck. Click here:
<http://www.networkworld.com/you/2005/072505-salary-side2.html>
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