PRODUCT EVALUATION: Internet @ppliance Industry Report

Internet @ppliance Industry Report:
A Guide to Technology,
Products, and Deployment

Introduction

When it comes to household appliances, we all have an intuitive understanding of what each device does and how to operate it, whether it is an old-fashioned toaster or the latest microwave/convection oven. For the most part, these are single-function devices that can save time and make it easier to perform common tasks such as making toast or a roast. But the same can't be said of Internet appliances. Unlike their household cousins, there is no general agreement of purpose or capabilities. About all that these devices have in common is that they are easier to use than setting up a new computer and installing a series of software programs.

Internet appliances come, for the most part, ready-to-use. Their software comes pre-installed, and they require minimal configuration to get them up and running. Most products are administered via a web browser, making them fairly easy to setup and maintain. That is the good news. The bad news is that different appliances offer overlapping features, making choosing the right product difficult. Indeed, Internet appliances can be used for a wide variety of tasks and services. There are web appliances, email appliances, domain name and dial-up appliances, firewalls and eCommerce products. Each appliance combines a different mix of services. In the household world, a similar situation would be if General Electric started selling a combination dishwasher and carpet cleaner.

So, buying an Internet appliance isn't as simple as using one. If you never saw a blender, you would be hard-pressed to choose the right appliance for making milkshakes, or even know that there is such a device. The same is true in the Internet appliance marketplace. First, you need to know the right questions to ask to frame your requirements. Then, you need to focus on the type of problem you are trying to solve. Some products are better suited to remote offices or small business owners, while others are geared towards teleworkers, Internet and eCommerce Service Providers or for use in branch offices of larger corporations.

That's where this report can help. We will provide advice on how to pick the right product to match your needs with the appropriate collection of services offered by each product. We've personally used many of these products, and have compared them against the features of traditional Internet servers. We'll give you plenty of context and guidance as well.

Our report is divided into several sections. First, we'll answer frequently asked questions regarding Internet appliances, and review some typical end-user requirements. We'll enumerate the capabilities and features that distinguish one type of Internet appliance from another. We'll categorize the different Internet appliance technologies. We'll also cover the relationship between Internet appliances and other hardware devices and software services that are used to deploy Intranets, Extranets, and home, small business, and remote office LANs requiring Internet access. Finally, we'll review several products in detail, covering their strengths and weaknesses and practical applications. These products are the Cobalt Qube 2700 Internet application and web appliance, the Encanto e.go Commerce web appliance, the eSoft InstaGate™ security appliance, the Efficient Networks™ 2200 SDSL router, the Freegate OneGate 1000 Internet access appliance, the Internet Appliance SES 1500 secure web appliance, the Rebel.com NetWinder OfficeServer Intranet application and secure Internet access appliance, the Technauts™ eServer 152-E Internet application and security appliance, and the WebRamp 300e dial communications appliance.

This research report was paid for by the vendors of these products. However, the results and opinions expressed are our own, based on many years' experience with using a wide variety of Internet-based products.

We periodically add new products to this report and date each individual product review so that you may fairly assess and compare these products. Pricing, models, and features vary over time; please visit these vendor's web sites to learn about recent product updates.

No part of this report may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers.