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Forval International, a provider of IT services for SMBs, and Jungo Ltd., a provider of broadband gateway middleware, have announced that Forval’s new ElipSwitch all-in-one business gateway will be powered by Jungo’s OpenSMB software platform.

As a complete all-in-one solution, the ElipSwitch enables the small to mid-size business users to easily set-up the device in a secure networked or wireless environment and start working immediately. The ElipSwitch is positioned as providing SMB and SOHO customers the means for dramatically lowering their IT costs by completely eliminating or at least reducing the need for on-site IT personnel.

The ElipSwitch is designed to provide a full set of features and services such as a file server that enables employees to share files in a central location, a print server for easy sharing of central printers, built-in VPN capabilities for remote secure connection when individuals are away from the office, as well as a built-in Firewall for security from outside attacks. To ensure timely delivery of critical data, the ElipSwitch will also provide user defined quality of service (QoS) capability.

Jungo has provided Forval with its latest OpenSMB version. Comprised of the software foundation for small business gateways, the OpenSMB includes an application framework for the coordination and delivery of advanced IP-based services including remotely managed services, remote backup capability and the provision of a framework for delivering additional services such as anti-virus and anti-spam for future deployment.

Making such services available enables service providers and the Value Added Resellers (VARs) to generate additional revenue sources while also increasing the average revenue per user (ARPU) and creating additional differentiation in addition to significantly reducing churn.

Ofer Vilenski, founder and CEO of Jungo, said in a press release that Forval’s introduction of the ElipSwitch will effectively deliver a wide range of valuable features and services that ideally serve the needs of the SOHO market. Those at Jungo value Forval’s partnership in deploying the company’s fully featured OpenSMB software platform to effectively leverage the strength of the Forval platform.

David Fortini, chief operating officer, Forval International, contributed that Jungo’s OpenSMB software platform was the only solution that could enable the deployment of all the features required by Forval. Jungo’s solid architecture was relied upon by Forval to allow for efficient product modifications and enhancements in the future without the need for hardware modifications.

The opportunities for Jungo and Forval and the ElipSwitch are potentially endless as the concept of remote offices and remote workers has significantly taken off; especially in the SMB market as these organizations have recognized the value of a strategy that can maximize individuals without significant investments.

A solution that can eliminate the need for on-site IT personnel gives the impression that it is extremely user-friendly and easy to configure. Given its area of focus and the demand that it is responding to, the ElipSwitch seems well positioned to deliver as promised while also being user friendly. With its ability to expand in the future, this platform is a good fit for its target market.

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Susan J. Campbell is a contributing editor for TMC and has also written for eastbiz.com. To see more of her articles, please visit Susan J. Campbell’s columnist page.