At the end of 1993, Trilobyte Software announced that it has released a new version of its ARACommander client software for AppleTalk Remote Access (see TidBITS #178). The new version supports Apple's recent ARA 2.0 release, and adds several new features.

ARACommander's new feature set focuses on a full scheduling and scripting capability, as well as on additional security measures. While small license pricing has increased (from $19.95 to $35 for a single user license, for example) the bulk licensing has become more affordable (such as a 100-user license for $675).

ARACommander 1.0's security offerings included the ability for a network manager to produce a "Connector" application that wasn't modifiable, and that didn't permit users to view the phone number or username settings. 2.0 adds the ability for the Connector to disable itself after a specified number of bad password attempts. Connectors may also be set to disable themselves after a certain number of days.

Connections may be scheduled through ARACommander's own interface, and the software provides full AppleScript compatibility to allow even more flexible scheduling options. (Both connections and disconnections may be scheduled or scripted to occur automatically.) ARACommander can also automatically redial if the ARA server line is busy or doesn't answer.

Registered users who purchased ARACommander after 31-Jul-93 may upgrade for a shipping and handling fee of $4, regardless of license size; earlier purchasers' upgrade costs range from $10 for a single user license to $120 for the 100-user license.

Trilobyte Software -- 513/777-6641 -- 513/779-7760 (fax)
trylobyte@aol.com

-- Information from:
Ron Duritsch, Trilobyte Software -- rduritsch@aol.com