VPNet to premiere VPNywhere hardware, software
By Tim Greene and Denise Pappalardo
Network
World, 4/27/98
VPNet Technologies Inc. next week will introduce hardware and software that
extends Internet virtual private networks (VPN) and global remote access support to small and mid-size
corporate offices.
The product line, dubbed VPNywhere, includes: VPN-remote, remote client software for Windows NT PCs;
VSU-10, a hardware device that handles authentication and encryption; and VPNmanager MultiSite
management software.
When using VPNywhere, the VPNremote client dials an Internet service provider and attempts to establish an
encrypted IP session.
The customer-site VSU-10 authenticates the user. VSU-10 can be used in conjunction with a Remote
Authentication Dial-In User Service security server. Once authenticated, the remote client establishes a
secure, encrypted session with the VSU-10.
While corporate users could set up their own VPNs with VPNet gear, VPNywhere can also be sold as part of
an ISP service.
For example, VPNet has teamed with iPass Inc. to offer VPNywhere users access to the Internet and their
corporate networks. RoamServer software from iPass will be included in the VPNywhere package.
The RoamServer software from iPass lets VPNremote clients connect to their company's VPN from over
2,500 iPass dial-up points of presence around the world.
Combining iPass global roaming support into a VPNedge device is much easier for users to manage, said
Dan Taylor, director of global telecom research at Aberdeen Group Inc., a Boston consulting firm.
Some business users are striking deals with larger service providers, such as Equant International Corp.,
CompuServe Network Services and IBM Global Services, to support global Internet access, Taylor said. Other
companies that don't need to establish long-term, high-volume contracts will benefit from using VPNet's
package, he said.
The RoamServer software from iPass has also been integrated into Secure Computing Corp.'s BoardWare
Firewall Server 5.0 and I-Planet Inc.'s IPS 168 firewall/router.
In two weeks, Ascend Communications Inc. is also expected to announce that iPass' RoamServer software will
be integrated into Ascend's Max-TNT Access Control management platform.
VSU-10 costs $2,495 with software that uses Simple Key management technology. A software upgrade to
ISAKMP/Oakley key management and network address translation costs $995 more.
Packaged with each VSU-10 is VPNmanager SOHO, for use at a single site. This technology can be used to
manage up to 100 simultaneous sessions. VPNmanager MultiSite can be used to manage up to four sites and
unlimited remote users. It costs $1,195. VPNremote client software for Windows NT costs $99 per license. All
the products will be available by mid-year.
VPNet will showcase its VPN product line next week at NetWorld+Interop 98 in Las Vegas.
VPNet: (408) 445-6600.
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