Attensa, Inc., introduced a virtual appliance version of the Attensa Feed Server. The new version of the Attensa Feed Server is a virtual appliance that provides enterprise customers with centralized administration, routing, security, search, synchronization, analytics and reporting for enterprise-wide RSS coordination. Attensa developed the virtual appliance version of the Feed Server in partnership with rPath, provider of the first platform for creating and maintaining virtual appliances. A virtual appliance is an application combined with a streamlined operating system, offered in a format that runs in virtualized environments.

    It brings together all of the tools IT administrators, team leaders and users need to manage and streamline the delivery of critical business information using web feeds behind the firewall. Attensa is also offering customers an easy way to evaluate and pilot the Attensa Feed Server with a free trial version which can be downloaded immediately the official website.

    The Attensa Feed Server enables your employees and their teams to safely and securely use Web feeds to share critical information and collaborate across the organization and its value chains. Using the Attensa Feed Server, it's easy to get the right information to the right people at the right time. The trial version is a fully functional version of the Attensa Feed Server that supports five locally configured users, unlimited groups, unlimited feeds and can be quickly installed on the evaluator's hardware. Attensa and rPath Partner on Feed Server Virtual Appliance to Alleviate the Configuration and Integration Challenges for Customers

    "Software applications delivered as virtual appliances represent a better way to distribute software, because the typical hassles of installation, integration, maintenance and administration have been removed," said Marty Wesley, director of product marketing. "End-users will find the Attensa Feed Server to be an ideal way to begin building Enterprise 2.0 applications because it's easy to work with and build on."

    To develop the Feed Server virtual appliances, Attensa uses rPath's web-based interface for configuring and maintaining virtual appliances, performing key tasks such as update management, application configuration, license management, and backup. With the Attensa Feed Server, individuals, workgroups, departments and entire organizations can securely receive internal and external RSS information. RSS articles can be read in Attensa feed readers for Windows, Mac, Microsoft Outlook, BlackBerry and other mobile phones, and in a secure online reader.

    "Our partnership with rPath is helping us offer new ways for customers to easily experience the benefits of managed RSS for streamlining communications in the enterprise," said Rich Rudolph, Vice President of Sales and Marketing of Attensa.