So how do Network Managers scale performance when servers are costly and not ideally suited to SSL provision, and require multiple license management?

The solution comes from allowing each device to do what it does best. Servers are not ideally suited to performing standard encryption and decryption tasks at great speed. SSL solutions move the encryption and decryption task from the server to the network, which has far higher performance - thus allowing the server to carry on with more important tasks.

Cisco offers a network based SSL solution including centralised digital certificate management which can load balance at Layer 5, manage a far greater throughput and scale far more easily, including centralised digital certificate management.

Cisco Content Switches (Catalyst 6500 with CSM & CSS11500) with integrated SSL modules meet both of these challenges by combining leading SSL acceleration technology into the network. In addition to superior price performance, the SSL module simplifies the management of digital certificates and offers new possibilities in optimizing the switch-to-server architecture for security and performance. And SSL transaction performance can be scaled by adding multiple SSL modules to a chassis.

Overall this means there are a number of compelling business reasons to choose Cisco SSL:

1. Improved site and application performance/reliability
   SSL performance issues eliminated Hardware redundancy ensures site availability SSL packet inspection/persistence for e-transaction integrity/assurance
2. Reduced OPEX and CAPEX
   Savings of up to 50% on hardware for comparable server "horsepower" Substantial cost savings on annual service contracts and software licenses required for each server Investment "extension" for Catalyst users Single-device management (switch-integrated solutions) Certificate management is drastically simplifie