Cisco Introduces New ASA 5506/5508 to replace ASA 5505 SMB Firewall

Cisco is introducing a new line of ASAs to replace the existing SMB ASA 5505 line of firewalls.  Since Cisco’s acquisition of SourceFire, Cisco has rapidly been integrating the technology into their Firewalls and in doing so has created the most advanced perimeter network appliance on the market.  The vast breath of technology that is now incorporated into a single ASA Firewall allows business to gain all of the next generation security appliances capabilities under a single platform in their network.  Up to now Cisco hasn’t brought this advanced security technology down to the 5505 ASAs until now.  With the introduction of the new ASA 5506 it brings new capabilities and allows companies to leverage the same capabilities across all of Cisco’s firewalls.  Below I have highlighted  some of the new features that the ASA 5506/5506W (wireless version) and the 5508 ASA firewalls include.

Key Enhancements Over ASA 5505:

• NGFW(NextGen Firewall) – FirePOWER Services
  • threat-focused NGFW; provides ASA firewall functionality, advanced threat protection, and advanced breach detection and remediation combined in a single device
• Application Visibility & Control
  • Identify applications and create rules based on applications and users.
• AMP (Advanced Malware Protection)
  • Detection, blocking, tracking, analysis, and remediation to protect the enterprise against targeted and persistent malware attacks
• NGIPS (Next-Gen IPS)
  • Superior threat prevention and mitigation for both known and unknown threats
• URL Filtering Subscriptions.
  • Application-layer control (over applications, geolocations, users, websites) and ability to enforce usage and tailor detection policies based on custom applications and URLs
• Simplified Purchase Experience: Unlimited User (node) support
• VPN: Enhanced Mobility Support
• Throughput: Over 2.5x stateful Performance
• Intergraded Wireless Access Point
  • AP is similar to AP702i 2×2 MIMO
  • Autonomous and CAPWAP mode operation support
  • Separate Management for Wireless, HTTP to AP GUI
• Ruggedized Option 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you have systems running Microsoft Windows 2003 that you don’t even know about?

https://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/search/default.aspx?sort=PN&alpha=Windows+server+2003&Filter=FilterNO&wa=wsignin1.0

Not only do folks need to worry about the Windows 2003 systems that support the business applications they use, but also be on the lookout for “embedded systems” that may be lurking within your environment that you don’t really consider application server, e.g., phone systems, alarm systems, management systems, etc…

If you’d like some help in discovering your Windows 2003 exposure please reach out to us sooner rather than later.  July will be here before you know it and those who plan early will get the resources that are available to assist.  Those who don’t….won’t.

Lewan Named to 2015 Tech Elite 150 List

For the third year in a row, Lewan has been recognized for our exemplary approach to delivery of Managed IT Services and been awarded a spot on the 2015 MSP Elite 150 list, part of CRN’s Managed Service Provider 500 (MSP500) list. The Elite 150 group is recognized as large data center-focused solution providers with a strong mix of on-premise professional services as well as off-premise services.

From CRN:

This annual list distinguishes the top technology providers and consultants in North America whose leading approach to managed services enables their customers to improve operational efficiencies, elicit greater value from their IT investments, and successfully leverage technology to achieve greater competitive advantage.

In today’s world of outsourced IT, the expertise of MSPs has become increasingly important to organizations. The plethora of choices in terms of consumption and procurement of technology can become overwhelming. To help facilitate companies’ selection and adoption of managed services and providers, CRN, the leading media outlet for technology vendors and solution providers who serve end-user customers, has identified the top 500 MSPs.

“The allure of Everything-as-a-Service to organizations is largely rooted in the appeal of predictable operational expenses, cost-cutting, resource allocation and access to on-demand/pay-as-you-go technology. Therein lies a great need for the expertise of managed service providers,” said Robert Faletra, CEO, The Channel Company. “We congratulate the managed service providers who have engineered, or re-engineered, their businesses to deliver the services their customers rely on for future growth and ongoing success.”

Lewan Awarded for Customer Satisfaction Excellence from Cisco

Lewan is honored to announce achievement of Cisco’s Customer Satisfaction Excellence award. Customer Satisfaction Excellence is the highest distinction a partner can achieve within the Cisco Channel Partner Program.

“Congratulations to the entire Lewan team on this recognition of your great work over the past year and continued delivery of a world class customer experience to our customers,” said Fred Cannataro, Lewan’s CEO and President.

And from Cisco, “Customer Satisfaction Excellence is a core value we both share and a key driver of our current and future success. Thank you for your commitment to the success of your customers.”

Lewan will be recognized for Customer Satisfaction Excellence in the Cisco Partner Locator (www.cisco.com/go/partnerlocator) with a special star indicator representing our achievement. Customers, Cisco personnel and partners will be able to identify you as having achieved outstanding customer satisfaction as part of Cisco’s worldwide assessment process.

Channel Customer Satisfaction Excellence assessment is based upon the customer satisfaction results captured in the Cisco Partner Access Online tool.

About our Partnership with Cisco

Lewan has been a Cisco Gold Certified Partner since 2005. Gold status is Cisco’s highest partner designation.

Our team of engineers holds 46 individual Cisco certifications including CCIE certifications in Routing & Switching, Voice and Security. The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification is accepted worldwide as the most prestigious networking certification in the industry. Combined with our sister companies, we offer the breadth and expertise of over 132 individual Cisco certifications nationally.

Our Cisco Certified engineers are able to offer assessments, performance evaluations, design workshops, and full installation and training around each of the areas that we hold Cisco certifications. Lewan’s certified areas of expertise are unified communications and business video, traditional route & switch environments, wireless, data center (including servers, storage, & virtualization), security & mobile device management.