SecureNet Xtra

I recently had the opportunity to review INM's SecureNet Xtra and was impressed by its ability to communicate with proxy servers both with and without username and password authentication. This is the only Xtra that allows Director applications to communicate across a secure proxy server, making it a valuable addition to any software toolkit.

One of the standout features of SecureNet Xtra is its ability to access secure http servers (HTTPS) outside of the browser environment. It can perform HTTPS queries from within Director at authoring time and from projectors at runtime, making it a versatile tool for developers.

SecureNet Xtra also expands the capabilities of NetLingo, supporting the most essential features and expanding them when it comes to secure Internet transactions. However, it should be noted that there are differences between NetLingo and SecureNet Xtra, and some features have not been implemented for version 1.x.

One of the best things about SecureNet Xtra is how lightweight it is – just 128K – meaning it won't add significantly to your project's size. Shockwave download is just 80K. It is also incredibly easy to use, with no Lingo scripting required when using the accompanying Behaviors. Advanced features can be scripted if needed.

Additionally, SecureNet Xtra can automatically detect proxy server settings, optionally detecting the proxy server IP Address and Port number from the user's internet settings. Free Behaviors are included with the Xtra, allowing for essential functionality to be implemented with drag and drop ease. Tutorials and samples are provided for hands-on learning.

Finally, version 1.3.1 includes support for Mac OS X 10.3.x, including HTTPS through proxy servers. The only requirement is Macromedia Director 7.02 or later. Overall, I highly recommend INM's SecureNet Xtra for any developer looking to expand the capabilities of their software.