Remote access needs are playing an increasingly vital role in today’s business environment. Virtual Private Networks (VPN) provide a scalable connectivity solution on a shared infrastructure with the same policies and performance as a private network with a total lower cost of ownership. Benefits of using VPNs include cost savings and extending connectivity to telecommuters, mobile users and remote offices as well as to customers, suppliers and partners. VPN technology provides end-users with a high performance, reliable, secure and scalable connectivity solution.

VPNs offer a lower cost of connectivity, increased flexibility and speed of deployment. By extending the private network through the public Internet, access to the network is available for the price of local Internet access. By employing a VPN, the cost of connectivity can be reduced by up to 80-90% in some cases. Remote users, suppliers and customers can be added to the network quickly and easily. A VPN solution can accommodate 20 users as easily as 2500. The network administration process is significantly simplified by allowing the system’s manager to implement changes from any desktop computer.

Protecting data integrity and confidentiality is paramount when implementing remote access connectivity. VPNs use encryption, tunneling, authentication and access control to protect confidential information as it travels over the Internet. This utilizes the same security, management and quality of service policies that are applied in a private network.