Nortel launches ‘Secure Portable Office’

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Nortel has launched a USB drive which provides an ‘office on stick’ by linking a remote worker’s PC with a corporate VPN (virtual private network) while ensuring that all information from a session is encrypted.

The Secure Portable Office client can be used with any internet-connected Windows PC, giving the worker secure remote access to applications and data, and eliminating worries about data theft.

The USB drive, which comes in 1GB and 2GB capacities, connects with a Nortel VPN Gateway 3050 or 3070 network appliance, via an SSL tunnel and authenticates the user via LDAP or Active Directory.

When plugged into a USB port on a PC the remote worker enters a username and password.

The software then checks for running antivirus and firewall applications, enabling IT departments to set policies governing access.

If the checks are passed, an encrypted remote session is initiated which places the user in a virtual desktop environment.

This prevents data being printed, saved or downloaded to the endpoint system’s hard drive.

At the end of the session, all data is removed from the endpoint system.

Secure Portable Office has been tested by several pilot users, including Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust.

The Trust used the technology to access and update server-based medical records from patients’ homes