Barry wrote:
> 
> I am working with a Medical Billing office.  Who has just
> given me their Internet Access wish list, and requirements.
> 
> Can E-Smith/SME fulfull these requirements?  The answers in (
> ) are my best understanding at this point.
> 
> 1.  Firewall (YES)
Not advertised as such, but it is generally accepted that it does indeed qualify as a firewall
> 
> 2. VPN for Remote Home Workers and Remote Offices.  4-10 Home
> users who will just be connecting via client software (IPSEC
> through either WinXP or Win98 computers).  3-5 Remote offices
> that may require a E-Smith or other VPN device on their
> premises. (YES)
The Win98 computers will require the dun update to accept 128bit connections
Machines behind e-smith can also use the vpn connection, or you could use the ipsec to create premanent links between the server.
> 
> 3.  Authentication of Remote Users.  Username and Password
> required to make VPN connection.  (YES - but is this required
> if it is a SME/E-Smith or a hardware VPN device making the
> connection.)
If you use ipsec/freeswan, the e-smith boxes store the password, and use it themselves
See prev Q.
> 
> 4.  Monitoring of Internet Usage for internal office users. 
> Filtering not required but logging of access is.  (YES)
> .
Yes, Yes and Yes - either by viewing log files, or using awstats, and the web use report and email reports
> 5.  Monitoring VPN usage.  Is their traffic being generated
> on their connection.  (NO)  Purpose of this is to see if home
> workers are actually working not just establishing a
> connection and sitting around having coffee.
> 
One answer - IPTRAF !
This will let you view traffic on local and internet nics.
Can be filtered down to just show certain traffic from certain pc's etc...
> 6.  Virus Protection.  (YES for email, Add-on)
> 
But it costs..
I'm still waiting for someone to do a package for clam antivirus, so it's tied into qmail and squid.
> 7.  Spam filtering.  (YES with Add-ons)
>
Yup, and there is procmail....... 
> We are evaluating the SME/E-Smith option in comparison to
> using a Sonicwall Hardware Firewall/VPN solution.
> 
But a lot easier to customise and use.
> I'd love to see any comments or recommendations either way. 
> Also, are there any other requirements to meet HIPPA
> regulations that I should be aware of?
What is HIPPA ? is this a dyslexic hippo ? 
