ClarkConnect

ClarkConnect
	File:Logo cc rgb.png
Developer	Point Clark Networks
OS family	Red Hat Enterprise Linux
Working state	Current
Source model	Open Source
Latest release	4.3 / August, 2008
Kernel type	Monolithic kernel (Linux)
Default; user interface	Web user interface
License	Various
Official website	http://clarkconnect.com/

ClarkConnect is a Linux distribution. The purpose of ClarkConnect is to transform any standard PC into a dedicated firewall and Internet server/gateway.

The design of the operating system is derived from Red Hat Enterprise Linux, with optional modules for firewall and LAN servers. ClarkConnect is based on Linux 2.6, modular design, automatic updates and commercial support. Advanced Packaging Tool is used to handle RPM packages.

History

The first version of ClarkConnect was launched to the public in November 2000 included a basic software update service along with a dynamic DNS service.

Subsequent versions of ClarkConnect built upon the security and web serving software, adding features such as a Web Proxy (with a content filter and virus scanner), and services for email, web, database, VPN, and LAN backup/recovery.

Features

ClarkConnect is one of the more robust internet gateway solutions available. Features include:

Firewall, Networking and Security
Virtual Private Networking
Web Proxy, with Content Filtering and Antivirus
E-mail, including Webmail
Groupware
Database and Web Server
File and Print Services

ClarkConnect aims for simplicity in user and server management through the WebConfig interface. Users are created in the web-based GUI from a simple user creation wizard, where access to the various features are granted to the user (i.e.: a user could be given a mailbox and a file store, but denied a VPN connection and access to the FTP server). Users can be grouped for simplicity in administering firewall rules and certain features such file and printer sharing.

Editions

There are two editions of ClarkConnect available:

Community Edition - Free
Enterprise Edition - $85/year or $435 one-time

Community edition is free, but contains a limit of ten mailboxes, does not include technical support, and only includes 18 months of free software updates. The Enterprise edition has no mailbox limit, includes technical support, and comes with at least five years of software updates. Additional subscriptions such as automatic updates to third-party software (Antivirus, Antispam, Content Filter, etc.) are sold at an additional yearly fee, and are available to both Community and Enterprise editions. Users may manually update this software through a third party if they choose not to purchase automatic update subscriptions.