ASA code update - mobile AnyConnect

For those that are keeping track there was an interim release on Dec 5th for asa804-16-k8.bin plus as I noted before there is now an ASDM release of 6.1.5.51 or asdm-61551.bin which is compatible with Jave 6.10 or 6.11. There is one issue I have found with the newer ASA code, it does not appear to honor the global translation timeout settings. So if you have long flow sessions (big single tcp backup sessions that stay open forever for instance) then you can have some serious issues.

Also, is anyone else completely baffled as to why the ASA is requiring a separate mobile AnyConnect license, even if you already paid for SSLVPN licenses for the standard AnyConnect on the ASA? Seems like double dipping to me. At a minimum a free license extension should be offered to clients to get some mobile licenses based on the number of existing AnyConnect licenses you already own. Perhaps 2 mobile for every 10 SSLVPN? Cisco, you are just getting greedy on that one.

Happy New Year everyone.
- Ed

Ubuntu 8.10 - everything seems to work fine

Well, I took the plunge and did a clean install of Ubuntu 8.10. I was running 7.10 and it was very stable, I passed on 8.04 since I heard about a lot of problems. I have to admit I am happy so far. Sound, video, external video, bluetooth are all working. The new NetworkManager is excellent and works as expected. VMware workstation 6.5 is working too. I just have to get Cisco VPN working and I will be back up and working completely as before.
I would definately have folks give it a go, its been stable and has performed pretty well so far. Keeping my fingers crossed.
- Ed

Cisco ASDM update - v61551

Cisco has posted an ASDM update 6.1(5)51 that is compatible with Java 1.6.0_10 (6u10). This takes care of the problem of running the newest Java but having to keep old versions around to support the older ASDM releases that required 6u7.
- Ed

Cisco UC 7 update

OK, it is very clear now that the UC plan for Cisco is to move all services to Web 2.0 and give customers the choice of either running the solution in house, in the cloud or a combo.
That being said, I don't think it is all baked out yet (they have purchased Jabber but where that is going to fit in with WebEx ? MeetingPlace I am unclear) but I did get the message loud and clear on one thing... the Apple iPhone will be THE platform of future development. I think the iPhone and Windows Mobile will get a lot of attention. I am not very clear how much attention BlackBerry will get, which is odd given its install base. I don't know if Cisco thinks there isn't enough Web 2.0 support on the RIM side or what but I sure didn't get the impression that they were going to make the next "wow" application on the RIM handhelds.
As soon as I hear a clearer roadmap I will post it up. Heck, if anyone knows for sure and has links to back it up please tell me! - Ed

Cisco UC changes - Web 2.0, Apple iPhone

Cisco just finished up their UC Partner VT in San Jose and Web 2.0 services are a huge part of what they are up to with the UC product family. It also seems that Cisco is turning into an everything but Microsoft sort of play. All the product families are on Linux, heavy development on Apple integration and support within the whole Cisco product families plus moving to more "open" standards in regards to directory structures. Its been in the works for awhile but it pretty much officially here now. Cisco is head to head with Microsoft in the UC space and wants to build a large ecosystem around their product families without any MS products in the picture. Never mind the partner part of the "partner / compete" motto.
It also seems with the Web 2.0 push that development on the iPhone as the mobile platform of choice is Cisco's game plan. With the release of the Cisco VPN client on the iPhone plus the fact Apple licensed ActiveSync from Microsoft it really does seem that you will see Cisco use it as the mobile interface to their product family. They are having Cisco employees switching over from the Nokia dual mode handsets to the 3G iPhone... that should tell you something. I wonder what will happen to Blackberry in all this. I might have to move to the iPhone just to start showing off some of the new offering that Cisco will have in the UC space.
- Ed