MCI WorldCom Advanced Networks is still trying to get its VPN story straight

Integrating multiple service providers into one is not an easy task, just ask the folks over at MCI WorldCom Advanced Networks.

Advanced Networks was formed after WorldCom acquired CompuServe Network Services and ANS Communications and merged these two organizations with its existing GridNet subsidiary and UUNET's Web hosting group. While Advanced Networks has made strives in integrating the various services that all of these companies brought to the table, work still needs to be done.

Today, MCI WorldCom Advanced Networks boasts about having 7 virtual private network (VPN) services. Now how can this be positive to any business user shopping around for a VPN service?

While only 3 of the 7 offerings are standard IP-based services, it is still very confusing to potential customers. The 3 dial-up IP VPN services are called Safe Reach IP, Safe Reach NT and WorldVPN.

Of the remaining 4 VPN services 3 are based on CompuServe Network Services' value added network or what most people call their proprietary network. The last service stems from ANS' VPDN service. Advanced Networks is in the process of migrating its VPDN customers to a dedicated VPN service that's fully compliant with the IETF's IPSec specification. IPSec will provide users with 128-bit key encryption and digital certificates support for user and network authentication. This new service will also fall under the Safe Reach family name and will be the only dedicated VPN service available to Advanced Network's customers.

While 7 VPN services from a single provider is more than enough, the MCI WorldCom family actually has two other VPN offerings. UUNET is also offering customers its ExtraLink and ExtraLink Remote VPN services. While these services clearly have overlapping features, such as encryption and remote user authentication, Advanced Networks portends that the two groups sell to different types of users.

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Denise Pappalardo is a senior editor for Network World, covering ISPs, VPNs and related topics. Reach her at denisep@nww.com.