Nortel has unveiled a business solution that gives road warriors an ‘office-on-a-stick’ using a specially-formatted USB key for Windows PCs that automates business network access when inserted and protects information and applications by completely removing them when the USB key is removed. The solution – called Nortel Secure Portable Office – combines hardware, software and services to provide simple, secure network access for remote workers.
When the Secure Portable Office USB key is inserted into a Windows PC, user identity is first authenticated. Then a secure network connection is established through Nortel VPN Gateway . Finally, a ‘Virtual Desktop’ is launched, presenting the user with a menu of authorized network applications. An automatic scan for viruses and out-of-date or malicious software can also be configured.
All data and applications are encrypted, both in transit and on the PC. When the USB key is removed, the complete Secure Portable Office environment – including all confidential data and applications – is automatically removed. This helps ensure regulatory compliance by protecting sensitive information that could otherwise be exposed on a lost or stolen laptop.
What separates Secure Portable Office from competitive offerings are the upfront services Nortel provides to help organizations tailor solutions to their own unique requirements. This can include everything from application, security and business continuity needs assessment to network architecture and security policy consulting and solution training.