Abstract: An apparatus for real-time management of a plurality of security components (SCs) connected to a network. The apparatus comprises a network interface for communication with the plurality of SCs connected to the network; a permanent storage unit for storing at least logon information to each of the plurality of SCs; a security component management unit (SCMU) having a plurality of integration point components (IPCs) enabled to identify the plurality of SCs connected to the network; a temporal storage unit for storing at least data collected from the plurality of SCs in the form of information units, each of the information units has a predefined limited lifetime after which such information unit is voided, thereby rendering the apparatus stateless; and a processing unit for carrying out at least one process designated to perform a specific generic task irrespective of a physical manifestation of each of the plurality of SCs.

Abstract: An apparatus for real-time management of a plurality of security components (SCs) connected to a network. The apparatus comprises a network interface for communication with the plurality of SCs connected to the network; a permanent storage unit for storing at least logon information to each of the plurality of SCs; a security component management unit (SCMU) having a plurality of integration point components (IPCs) enabled to identify the plurality of SCs connected to the network; a temporal storage unit for storing at least data collected from the plurality of SCs in the form of information units, each of the information units has a predefined limited lifetime after which such information unit is voided, thereby rendering the apparatus stateless; and a processing unit for carrying out at least one process designated to perform a specific generic task irrespective of a physical manifestation of each of the plurality of SCs.