MidPoint goes a level above and beyond competitive offerings by not only allowing users of a network to share modems and Internet connections but also allowing for the ability to consolidate multiple modem connections into a single, high-speed connection. Up to four individual modems can be "teamed" together, so if you have four 56 Kbps modems you can effectively achieve a 212 Kbps connection (each modem is currently limited to a maximum connection of 53 Kbps by the federal government). This connection can be shared by multiple users or one lucky individual can have it all to him or herself. Granted, there are a couple of consolations to sharing multiple connections, but these are based more on the physical requirements of the connections than on any limitations in the software itself. The first drawback is that each modem used will need to have its own phone line, the cost of which should definitely be considered when comparing modem aggregation with alternatives like ISDN lines and cable modems. Of course, MidPoint also features the ability to combine multiple ISDN lines and even allows for ISDN and analog modem lines to be aggregated together. The client can team individual ISDN channels even if your provider doesn't support the combination of channels. Another potential area of concern is that not all ISPs allow modem teaming. Before using MidPoint's teaming capabilities, you should check whether your provider allows for this by inquiring with technical support. Even if you can log onto your account using two different computers at the same time it's still a good idea to contact your ISP about their policies on this issue as some providers charge higher rates for multiple simultaneous logins. If your provider restricts your access to a single connection at a time, you can still take advantage of MidPoint's teaming capabilities, but you will have to use a separate internet account for each connection. Setting up MidPoint is surprisingly simple. First, the main program is installed on a host computer in a process that only takes a couple of minutes. Next you'll need to run MidPoint's Guest Setup on each of the computers that will access the host computer's modem (or modems). The Guest Setup application automatically configures each computer's browser to work with MidPoint on an as-needed basis. If the guest computer also has its own modem, you can later switch back to this modem by simply changing the browser's proxy settings. For Windows NT users, this is all that is needed to get up and running with MidPoint. An additional step is required for Windows 95 users who want to be able to take advantage of MidPoint's modem teaming capabilities and who are not using the latest upgrade of Microsoft's DUN client, v1.2. If this is the case, you'll need to purchase and download the $25 MidPoint Multi-Line Support for Windows 95 add-on client (this is necessary because older versions of Microsoft DUN did not permit multiple simultaneous analog DUN connections). Unlike the Companion and Gateway software, the Multi-Line client is not available for evaluation. For most Windows 95 users the best route is to download the 1.2 freeware release of Microsoft DUN and thereby save $25 by not having to purchase the add-on Multi-Line program. Both MidPoint Companion and MidPoint Gateway can be downloaded and evaluated as trialware for thirty days. The $119 MidPoint Companion client is designed for small networks of up to five computers and can be used strictly for modem sharing or for modem teaming as well. The MidPoint Gateway software begins at $229 and supports workgroups of five or more users. It sports the same feature set as the Companion client and also offers both modem sharing and modem teaming capabilities. MidPoint distances itself from the competition in more ways than just its modem teaming capabilities. Among its finer selling points, MidPoint features on-demand connection capabilities which allow guest computers to automatically connect to the Internet as needed. MidPoint initiates dial-up processes on the host computer, establishes connections to the Internet provider or providers, and then automatically disconnects when finished or after specified periods of inactivity. MidPoint also acts as a natural firewall by ensuring that requests from the Internet are not passed directly through to your LAN. Only authorized users can pass information through the firewall and therefore between the Internet and your LAN. MidPoint doubles as a proxy server and routing service as well, meaning MidPoint can receive information from the Internet and in turn send it to the correct computer or computers on the network. This alleviates the need for each workstation to have its own IP address. These features allow you to connect your network to the Internet without needing to purchase expensive hardware router equipment and separate firewall software. Additional MidPoint features include cache sharing (allows users to quickly access web pages that have already been downloaded by others), offline browsing via scheduled retrievals (downloads web pages at scheduled times so that you have the information available when you need it without having to re-access the web), Windows traybar support, usage statistics via activity logs (provides administrators with information such as when MidPoint was started, when connections and disconnections were made, and who requested what information and when), and excellent online help documentation that is second to none in this category of clients. MidPoint supports every standard Internet protocol needed to fully utilize the 'net including HTTP (web), HTTPS/SSL (secure web), NNTP (UseNET news), SMTP and POP3 (e-mail), FTP, Telnet, and more. MidPoint will also allow you to run FTP and HTTP servers through its firewall. Overall, while both WinGate and Trumpet FireSock are less expensive than MidPoint, neither combines the excellent set of features and modem teaming capabilities that make MidPoint a must-have application for anyone that wants to share one or more modems over a network. Pros: Unparalleled 'net speeds using modem teaming, superb feature set, excellent help documentation Cons: Price tag relative to the competition, WinGate sports a more attractive and user-friendly interface Version Reviewed: 1.11 Date of Review: 9/22/97 For the latest information on MidPoint Companion, check out: http://cws.internet.com/32lannet.html#midpoint apps conference Main Menu