Polytechnic Institute of NYU Deploys Array Networks Equipment for Access Control

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 08/26/08

Polytechnic Institute of New York University has selected an Array Networks SPX3000, a universal access controller that combines virtual private network (VPN) and network access control (NAC) functionality. The device will provide identity-based customized portals for 5,000 users to access their individual information.

"Providing university users with a cost-effective, secure access solution has been our goal," said Hani Basilious, technical director for Polytechnic. "When we looked for an SSL VPN product, we needed a solution that could handle Layer 3 connections, was easy to deploy, and would provide us with great performance. Array's product exceeded our expectations in every perspective."

Before the SSL VPN deployment, NYU-Poly's IT department would have to "punch holes in its firewall" each time users required access. This was particularly burdensome for the school, which experiences turnover in its user base every semester as students enroll and graduate. By deploying the SPX3000, the institute was able to establish a centralized IT management system for granting remote access.

The school is also able to use the VPN to redirect resources to PeopleSoft enterprise resource planning systems. The controller includes DesktopDirect, which provides users with self-managed registration for remote desktop access so that it doesn't have to be handled by the IT department.