Chapter 3: Feature-Specific Upgrade Behavior

HTML Notification

notify

notify_missing_cookie

Compression

transformation_error

unsupported_encoding

invalid_response

ICAP

icap_error (should be used in place of the existing icap_communications_error exception page)

On a downgrade to SGOS 3.2.4, the ProxySG reverts to using the SGOS 3.x policy that was in use the last time that SGOS 3.x was running.

Documentation References

Chapter 15, “Advanced Policy,” in the Blue Coat ProxySG Configuration and Management Guide

The Blue Coat Content Policy Language Guide

VPM

In SGOS 4.x, VPM now uses UTF-8 encoding format for fetching and installing policy.

UTF-8 Encoding

As of SGOS 4.x, VPM policy (XML) stored in the ProxySG is read using the UTF-8 encoding format. Any international characters present in this policy must be encoded using UTF-8. Policy (XML) created through VPM prior to SGOS 4.x does not contain international characters and so it should continue to load correctly after the upgrade.

If you created or edited the policy (XML) file outside VPM and loaded it into the ProxySG prior to upgrading, it might contain international characters. If these characters are not encoded in UTF-8 format, VPM is unable to load the policy. In this case, it begins with an empty policy after displaying an error message.

Object Naming

Objects that can be named by the user no longer start with "_" (underscore character). The underscore character is now used internally to prevent name collisions between objects that can be named by the user and internally generated names.

If obsoleted objects are upgraded, such as File/MIME Types in SGOS 2.x that get translated into combined condition objects, these objects are prefixed with __Upgraded_. Policy compiles correctly even if the underscore character is not removed. However, if you want to edit these objects, you must remove any underscore characters from the beginning of the object name before the object setting can be saved successfully.

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Blue Coat Systems SGOS 4.x manual UTF-8 Encoding, Object Naming

SGOS 4.x specifications

Blue Coat Systems SGOS 4.x is a robust operating system designed for the Blue Coat ProxySG series of appliances, which serve as content filtering and web security solutions. The SGOS (Secure Gateway Operating System) is crafted to enhance network performance while providing extensive security and policy enforcement capabilities. This article delves into the numerous features, technologies, and characteristics that define SGOS 4.x, making it an essential tool for organizations looking to fortify their web traffic management and security.

One of the standout features of SGOS 4.x is its advanced web filtering capabilities. The system employs a comprehensive URL categorization database that allows organizations to enforce content policies effectively. By categorizing millions of web pages, SGOS enables users to block or allow access to specific sites based on their content category, ensuring a safe browsing experience for employees and preventing access to harmful or non-work-related content.

Another notable technological characteristic of SGOS 4.x is its accelerated SSL decryption. As encrypted traffic continues to dominate the web, it becomes increasingly important for organizations to inspect this traffic for potential threats. SGOS 4.x offers robust SSL decryption capabilities that allow organizations to analyze encrypted traffic while maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of the data being transmitted. This attribute not only strengthens security but also aids in compliance with regulatory requirements.

SGOS 4.x is also equipped with exceptional caching and content delivery features. By caching frequently accessed content, the system reduces load times and optimizes bandwidth usage. This caching mechanism is enhanced by predefined policies that dictate how content is stored and retrieved, significantly improving user experience while reducing operational costs.

Furthermore, SGOS 4.x supports advanced reporting and analytics features. The integrated reporting tools provide administrators with insights into web usage patterns, bandwidth consumption, and security incidents. These insights facilitate informed decision-making and allow organizations to refine their web usage policies based on actual user behavior and threat landscape analysis.

In terms of scalability, SGOS 4.x is engineered to support a wide range of deployment scenarios, from small businesses to large enterprises. The architecture is designed to efficiently handle varying volumes of traffic without compromising performance or security, making it a flexible solution for diverse organizational needs.

Overall, Blue Coat Systems SGOS 4.x presents a powerful platform for web security and traffic management. With its advanced filtering, SSL decryption, caching, and analytics capabilities, SGOS 4.x remains a vital solution for organizations aiming to enhance their security posture and improve operational efficiency in an increasingly complex web environment.