Hewlett-Packard has released Version 2.0 of the Bastille security tool and a new Install-Time Security product for its HP-UX operating system.

HP has applied the open source work done on Bastille Linux to its own OS to help improve the security settings on HP-UX 11i. With the software, users can answer a series of questions about desired security and usability levels and Bastille will help configure the kit as needed. Easing the server lockdown process and educating the administrator are the ultimate goals.

The Install-Time Security software offers up several pre-configured security settings during a first time server installation. This product helps cut down on some of the tedious questions an admin will need to answer and automatically goes in search of needed security software.

The standard HP-UX11i already ships with a host of security functions for setting up policies and access controls. HP also bundles its own HIDS (host intrusion detection system) with the OS at no charge.

HP continues to invest in its version of Unix, as incremental improvements in HP-UX are necessary to keep passengers on board, as the good ship Itanium sets sail on its brave voyage.

The company is dependent on HP-UX's success on Itanium to keep the heat on rivals Sun and IBM, as it moves away from PA-RISC and Alpha chips. ®