Cyclades Corporation today announced key enhancements to its AlterPath ACS advanced console server product line. Topping the list of enhancements, which are available as part of the AlterPath ACS 2.6.0 firmware upgrade, is a group authorization feature that adds another layer of security to existing authentication processes. Along with updated Linux Kernel 2.6.11 compatibility, the AlterPath ACS also provides expanded support for remote site connectivity with GPRS and CDMA wireless modem cards. A crucial component of the AlterPath System of OOBI products, the AlterPath ACS provides secure and reliable remote access to network IT devices (servers, switches, routers, firewalls, etc.) through the OOBI or the IT production network from anywhere in the world. The AlterPath ACS offers a complete, secure console management solution for today's complex enterprise and telecom networks. "The AlterPath ACS product line is central to our AlterPath System of out-of-band infrastructure products," said John Lima, president and co-founder of Cyclades. "The continued development of its features demonstrates our on-going commitment to providing our customers with efficient and cost-effective solutions for remote IT infrastructure management, strengthening our position as a console server market leader." The new AlterPath ACS group authorization feature adds an extra layer of security to the product's existing network-based authentication processes. This feature allows customers to use their authentication, authorization and accounting (AAA) servers (TACACS+, RADIUS, and LDAP) to authenticate and authorize users, reducing IT administration overhead. Linux Kernel 2.6.11 compatibility provides improved scalability, expanded device support, and increased system performance and capacity. Expanded support for GPRS and CDMA cards enables wireless data connectivity between central office data centers and remote sites or branch offices, ensuring that remote IT devices can be accessed, monitored and restored through the OOBI. The following features are also part of the AlterPath ACS 2.6.0 firmware upgrade: a.. Simultaneous SSH/Telnet support a.. Global time configuration a.. X.509 SSH support a.. Enhanced serial port statistics a.. IPsec - support for NAT Transversal a.. Syslog filters configuration by levels a.. IPMI power management support a.. Group power outlets control and management a.. Java Applet enhancements a.. Bi-directional Telnet