Verio Targets SMBs With Linux-Based Managed Server Release

Verio, a provider of business solutions online, announced on Wednesday the availability of its Managed Private Server (MPS) on the Linux platform as part of its 360-Degree Managed Servers suite of services.

Verio's Linux MPS is built on Red Hat (NYSE: RHT) Enterprise Linux ES version 4 and comes bundled with dedicated, enterprise-level hardware, a highly secure managed hosting platform and managed services for added power and performance. The new MPS platform provides Linux hosting to small and mid-market businesses. It also targets solution provider partners, independent software vendors (ISVs), Web developers and IT professionals.

"The Linux MPS is a good next step for customers who have outgrown what they have," Andrea Lewis, product manager for Verio's managed dedicated hosting products, told LinuxInsider. "This is a real good business option. Verio has already thought out what the customer needs and built it into one package."

Expanded Offerings

Verio has a Managed Private Server and a Virtual Private Server product line. The Linux MPS release rounds out the company's offerings, she stated.

The Linux MPS provides a new option to customers who are already using a dedicated server but no longer want to do their own server management. With the Linux platform, users do not need a resident IT staff to manage the server, Lewis said.

The Linux MPS suite will help small and mid-sized businesses mitigate recurring IT expenses, such as hardware and software maintenance and upgrades. The 360-Degree Managed Servers family consists of managed dedicated hosting solutions as well as virtual hosting product lines based on Linux, Unix and Windows.

"With this offering, Verio has worked to expand its popular MPS to the Linux platform, as well as to offer the latest applications and other technology enhancements," said Kiyoshi Maeda, president and CEO for Verio.

Firewall Security

The Linux MPS introduces added security with new firewall functionality. This preinstalled, preconfigured firewall enables customers to take advantage of a firewall without requiring extensive technical knowledge.

"We built in three preset firewall settings -- high, medium and low. Companies don't have to create their own IP tables and rules. Plus, it comes with a RAID (redundant array of inexpensive drives) array for no additional cost," explained Lewis.

In addition, the Linux MPS gives users the ability to adjust their firewall settings to help protect their business from denial-of-service (DoS) attacks and their server from port scans. Port scan attacks happen when hackers attempt to access and take over a server.

The Linux MPS firewall controls also give users the ability to process only certain Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) packet types, blocking unwanted or unknown traffic. Users can also configure settings to block certain ports that are not being used, thus acquiring added protection.

Other Features

The Linux MPS also gives users the ability to utilize multiple IPs on a single physical server. The server is preconfigured with one IP address. Up to 49 more IP addresses can be added for US$3.99 per month per additional address, Lewis said.

With this capability, a business can assign unique, dedicated SSL certificates to different e-commerce sites or intranets, which helps mitigate common concerns about privacy and security of online transactions.

Users have full control of their managed server, complete with root access, FairShare technology, and round-the-clock live support. Linux MPS also gives users access to Verio's vinstall tool, as well as an extensive software library, enabling quick deployment of a number of preconfigured applications that have been optimized for their managed dedicated server.

For example, users can choose to install applications ranging from blogging or podcasting applications to antivirus and spam protection utilities to help block unwanted e-mails.

All Verio MPS solutions include managed backup to protect business data; a RAID array for greater redundancy, reliability and speed; managed security patches; and fully managed hardware and software updates.

Verio's Linux MPS is available immediately to businesses, resellers, developers and wholesale partners worldwide.