Sun beefs up Java Comms Suite security

Sun Microsystems today unveiled security enhancements to its Java System Communications (JSC) Suite which it claimed will help customers protect information, ensure end-user privacy and facilitate regulatory compliance.

The JSC Suite, which includes System Messaging Server, System Calendar Server, and System Instant Messaging, is designed to provide a platform for deploying email, calendar, instant messaging and other collaboration services.

Enhanced features include support for the Secure Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions protocol in the Communications Express web client, which now enables users of the JSC Suite to sign and encrypt messages, resulting in increased client-side security and stronger end-to-end security.

In addition, an enhanced Delegated Administration utility works with the Java System Access Manager for role-based administration.

This is designed to enable service providers and IT departments to delegate the management of communication users' hosted domains or subdomains when and where appropriate.

Sun also announced a partnership with Symantec to enable the Sun Java System Messaging Server to communicate directly with Symantec AntiVirus Scan Engine.

Through this integration, emails that contain viruses can be detected immediately and removed from the messaging system before entering the end user's inbox.

"Protecting enterprise communication from the risks inherent in today's online environment requires a comprehensive ecosystem including built-in security features as well as partnerships to fine-tune the solution in response to specific customer requirements," said Sara Radicati, president of The Radicati Group.