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Cobia™ Unified Network Platform™ delivers — in a single software-based solution — the core networking and security services needed to build out your network infrastructure.

Networking and security are converging. Security is no longer incrementally tacked onto the network as budget allows. Cobia delivers on convergence - integrating security and networking in a single, modular, open-source software platform.

Cobia provides:

• Flexibility — implement only the modules and services you need
• Software-based — installs as a standalone platform on x86 hardware or as a virtual device
• Consolidated network and security management — single interface/dashboard for managing all network services
• Virtualization — distribute network services across multiple virtual or physical hosts, quickly redistribute as the environment requires
• Low cost of ownership — fully functional base platform and core modules available free of charge
• Support — online support forum is available through the Cobia site, or commercial technical support is available for purchase
• Partnership Programs — opportunities for VARs, ISVs, and Platform partners to take advantage of unique revenue streams

The Cobia platform can be downloaded from our dedicated Cobia website for installation on an x86 host or as a VMware image (Linux or Windows). The Cobia VMware image is a certified VMware virtual appliance, bringing stability and ease to VMware deployments.

Flexibility, performance, and efficiency

Cobia is the new alternative to the traditional, fixed appliance approach in deploying networks. This next-generation solution integrates key functions into a modular software platform that leverages general purpose hardware.

Intel/AMD-based hardware devices are now fully capable of hosting networking and security services. Multi-core processors and the high speed PCI-Express bus can support the networking needs of small to medium-sized businesses as well as remote enterprise offices. General purpose computing hardware means network and security devices can be expanded and upgraded to the latest high performance hardware at much lower costs and with less disruption. Compared to fixed appliances, commercial off-the-shelf appliances provide cost-effective operation with greater levels of available support.

This software/COTS hardware foundation allows Cobia software to scale from individual home users to modest SMB environments up to networks of approximately 1000+ users. Scalability is determined by hardware performance. To scale the platform, simply migrate Cobia to a higher performing host, or disperse Cobia modules among multiple devices.

Convergence. Virtualization. Standards-based hardware. These are at the heart of Cobia's Unified Network Platform concept. Cobia unifies networking, security and other core infrastructure services — such as routing, intrusion prevention, file-sharing, email, and VoIP services — in a single, centrally managed, software platform.

Modular platform

Cobia employs a modular design for flexibly deploying core network services. Planned Cobia modules include:

Networking

• Router
• DHCP
• DNS
• Wireless
• Domain controller
• File/print services
• Web services
• Email services
• VoIP
• Reporting

Security

• Firewall
• VPN
• Intrusion detection/prevention (IDS/IPS)
• AV gateway
• Web/spam filter
• Network access control

All modules install on the base Cobia platform, which is specifically designed to maximize the flexibility and efficiency of Cobia's modular architecture. Users choose which modules to implement, and can migrate or turn modules "on" or "off" as needs change.

In addition to the StillSecure^®-produced modules listed above, Cobia accommodates third-party or home-grown modules customized to your organizational needs. Third-party modules plug in seamlessly; simply use the Cobia Framework™ and Cobia SDK, published on the Cobia developer's web site to build the module. Within the framework, core configuration data is propagated across modules, and data dependencies are automatically checked and validated, reducing administration and ensuring network continuity.

Open Software-based platform

Cobia is delivered as an open software-based platform and installs on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware. The Cobia platform can be installed as either a dedicated network and security device (on one or more servers) or as a virtual device installed on the VMware platform. Cobia's dedicated device and VMware installation options give administrators ultimate flexibility to meet the changing needs of current and future networks. Cobia's modular design also means that network and security services can be placed in the network where needed, and are not bound to one proprietary hardware device.

The Cobia open architecture provides plug-n-play installation of one or all of the available Cobia modules. Cobia can operate modules provided by StillSecure or other third party companies or developers.

Cobia software is provided under dual-use license: a public community license and a commercial use license. Through the StillSecure Community License, Cobia users are free to download and modify the source code to meet individual requirements. Additional details on StillSecure's Community License are available in the Legal section of the site.

Consolidated network management

All Cobia modules are managed through one web-based console that provides single-pane-of-glass access to all network and security services, and functions. The interface is designed to leverage module consolidation onto a single platform. Because the entire platform is run through one interface, configuration and on-going administration are fast and easy.

Upgrades to the Cobia platform are delivered as software updates. These are downloaded and installed through a standardized upgrade process. Cobia eliminates the traditional 'forklift' upgrades commonly required for fixed appliance infrastructure systems.

The virtualized network

Cobia's use of virtualization allows networks to be implemented and changed without having to move or replace existing fixed appliances. Virtualization makes it possible to take multiple physical devices and create a single, virtual platform of networking and security services. These services (firewall, DNS, WiFi, VPN, etc.) are able to be run on one device, or dispersed across the network as needed, and managed from one central console. Network and security services can be setup quickly utilizing existing hardware, making it possible for your network to grow, expand, contract, and evolve without requiring you to re-architect the core infrastructure.

Virtualized Cobia devices can also perform critical network services during a network move or reconfiguration. As hardware prices decrease and performance continues to increase, Cobia is well positioned to take advantage of advances in virtualization to build secure network infrastructures.

The Cobia platform has also been tested and certified by VMware as an official virtual appliance. This means that Cobia is ready-to-run on any virtual machine, and tested by the VMware Certification Lab for stability, compliance with best practices, security, and comprehensive user resources.

Cobia brings considerable advantages to administering networks in dynamic test environments, collegiate student laboratories, and other non-production applications.

Support

Cobia UNP comes with free online community-based Cobia support forums with contributions made by Cobia users with additional posts by our StillSecure Cobia team.

Three levels of engineer delivered technical support are also able for purchase:

Tier 1 - Email support, 8am-6pm MST
Tier 2 - Email and phone support, 8am-6pm MST
Tier 3 - 24/7/365

Visit the Cobia Support page for more details.

Low cost of ownership

The base Cobia platform is offered as a free software download at cobia.stillsecure.com. Because Cobia is installed on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware, the expense of deploying multiple appliances is eliminated. Management, configuration, and monitoring of all modules are accomplished through a single web-based management console, maximizing administrative efficiency.

Partner Programs

The Cobia ecosystem is comprised of ISVs, VARs, and Platform partners. Each category of partner provides a unique and valuable component to the overall platform.

ISV Program - for network, security, and application software companies who wish to develop or port a software product as a Cobia module, bundle Cobia as a part of a product offering, or incorporate some or all of the Cobia technology into a product. More details>>.

VAR Program - for value-added resellers, distributors, and system integrators that wish to bundle their products and services with the Cobia platform. More details>>.

Platform Program - for computer hardware manufacturers, network infrastructure equipment manufactures, and network appliance companies that wish to OEM, incorporate, or bundle Cobia with their products. More details>>.

More information about benefits, applications, and resources available at cobia.stillsecure.com/partners.

Availability and release roadmap

Cobia is currently available and includes:

• Cobia Framework
• Cobia Admin
• Cobia Router
• Cobia DHCP
• Cobia Firewall
• Additional modules are under development and will be available soon.

Cobia is available for download as:

• Native installation requires dedicated host
• VMware for Linux/Windows

Download Cobia and learn more at: http://cobia.stillsecure.com.