How to support your case for a VPN to higher-ups

One of the first steps to setting up a VPN is selling the idea to higher-ups.

Here is a quick list of key things to consider as you develop your case:

- Does it save money? Consider the cost of current circuits vs. IP net connections, the cost of new hardware and software, the cost of maintaining old hardware and the cost of support.

- Point out that fluctuating dialup costs become flat fees.

- VPNs can be phased in, no forklift required. For instance, set up new remote access users on an Internet VPN and leave current users on the old remote-access dialup server they have already been using. As the VPN proves its value, you can add more and expand use.

- More users will have better access to corporate resources because the network will be fully meshed. They will no longer be constrained by the limitations of the existing network configuration.

- More users will be able to access resources from home, increasing productivity by encouraging after-hours work.

- You are not bound by a single-access transport. As long as your service provider supports it, you can use any access method you want: dialup, digital subscriber line, cable modem, dedicated circuit, frame relay or ATM. That gives you flexibility as to how to connect sites without having to develop expertise in all those areas. You also don't have to worry about melding those technologies into a coherent network. That is taken care of for you.

- Service providers can pick up some of the load. They install, manage and maintain hardware, distribute software, even handle the help desk. That can result in simpler management for you, as well as something corporate bean counters like: predictable bills.

- Point out possible new uses, such as setting up extranets to let business partners share resources or e-commerce sites to generate more business.

- Remember the bottom line: Once you have made your compelling argument and won approval, you have to make the VPN work, so make sure your proposal is realistic.

Tim Greene is a senior editor at Network World, covering virtual private networking gear, remote access, core switching and local phone companies. You can reach him at tgreene@nww.com.

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