Netscape does security deal

Security Dynamics will bundle server software from Netscape Communications (NSCP) with its forthcoming security products, the companies said today.

Netscape's Directory Server 3.0 will be included with Security Dynamics' SecurSight components, a set of four software modules that plug into various parts of a company's computing infrastructure. The four components--Desktop, Manager, Authentication, and Agents--will begin shipping by the end of June.

It is unclear if Directory Server, which includes the Mission Control network management package, will be integrated into the initial releases of the SecurSight components. Netscape group product manager David Weiden said only that integration is planned "this year."

Directory Server has its own security measures, but it "doesn't replace the security solutions that SecurSight provides," Weiden said. "This basically means that IT administrators will store all security information in Netscape's LDAP servers."

The deal is part of a push by Netscape to sell its server technology to third parties creating original software products. For example, Netscape announced last month that Hitachi would integrate Directory Server into future Hitachi Internet products.