Sybase, Inc. announced the general availability of Sybase Enterprise Portal 5.0. The EP 5.0 Portal Framework adds improved overall ease of use, openness and security. A redesigned and internationalized GUI includes a drag-and-drop layout, parallel portlet loading, and personalization. Portal Framework also adds support for multiple databases and application servers, including Sybase EAServer, BEA WebLogic and IBM Websphere. Portal Framework support for advanced security includes LDAP and certificate-based authentication, hierarchical role-based access, SSL encryption and multi-level auditing and alerts. EP 5.0 is available in 3 editions. Designed for the work-group, the Information Edition is focused on information and content aggregation. The Application Edition includes the same functionality plus search and a J2EE-compliant application server for creation and deployment of portal applications. Also included in the Application Edition are deployment packs to support multiple databases and application servers. Both the Information and Application additions will be available by December 2002 at prices starting under $10,000. The Enterprise Edition, geared to large deployments, adds advanced security, high-end scalability and failover capabilities. It is available now at $85,000 per CPU. www.sybase.com