Network appliances have lagged a long way behind the rest of the world when it comes to web interfaces. But Version X is designed from the ground up to make configuration and administration as clear as possible. Built with user-focused design principles at the forefront, Version X's clear, logical interface reduces ambiguity and configuration blind spots. A security appliance is only as good as it's configured to be, and Version X makes sure nothing is left to chance or misconfigured through user error.

Every Version X UTM appliance is IP version 6 ready. That's certified by the IPv6 Forum, the official standards body. Its battery of over 3,000 tests has made sure Version X is absolutely rock solid for IP version 6. That's why Version X appliances sport the IPv6 Forum's Gold logo.

With the Version X interface remaining consistent across the range of Cyberoam UTM appliances, you can start with a basic model and increase your capacity with a higher-end version as your business grows. As you trade up, that consistent interface means no surprises and no steep learning curves.

Cyberoam's iView logging and reporting solution is built in to every Version X appliance. A huge range of integrated, pre-configured reports give clear graphical statistics on everything from external attacks to the most prolific internal users of bandwidth. With over 1,000 reports built in, no corner of your network will remain in the dark.

Version X appliances support 3G and WiMax USB modems. They can work both as primary connections, for load balancing or carrying specific network traffic, or as backup. So if you lose your primary connection, the system will switch over to wireless broadband automatically. It's one extra weapon in your arsenal, and one fewer thing to worry about.

There's no sense in trying to pretend that instant messaging hasn't become an important business tool. You need to embrace it, but you also need to control it. Version X introduces a complete IM monitoring and control tool. With full policy control, logging and monitoring facilities, you can pin down malware threats, make sure the facility isn't being abused and ensure IM is adding value to your business, not taking it away. Using the public IM network and Version X gives the advantages of a private IM system, without the cost.

Hardware-based firewalls are fast but generally inflexible. Version X's firewall uses Cyberoam's Extensible Security Architecture. The firmware isn't hardcoded; it can be upgraded as threats evolve over time. That's in contrast to dedicated ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) based appliances.

Version X's highly capable firewall works right from the physical link layer (layer 2), up through layer 7 (the application layer) and into layer 8. Layer 8 is the user: Version X's identity-based design moves on from IP-address-based systems. It means you can save time and money by identifying individual users if, for example, you experience an attack on your systems. It's the next step in firewall and security administration design.

These days, it's not enough simply to block corporate access to the web. With applications moving to the cloud, business-critical productivity solutions make web access a must. Version X's application-layer management, along with its identity-based 'layer 8' capabilities, can prioritise for the best level of service by taking into account the specific application, the time of day, the bandwidth being consumed and the particular user. That sophisticated level of filtering optimizes available bandwidth so you don't need necessarily need to spend more on broadening your internet pipe in order to get the cloud applications you depend on. Version X makes sure your level of service to those critical cloud apps remains at the standard you need.