SafeNet and Microsoft seal VPN deal
 
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VPN software and hardware maker SafeNet has signed a deal with Microsoft to supply its VPN client to owners of early-model Windows operating systems. This means that if you have one of these older systems, you can download the client and use the PC to make IP Security VPN connections.
This might come in handy if your corporation already has a VPN gateway and you have telecommuters or occasional day-extenders who want to use their home PCs. Without a lot of expense or trouble you can have the user download the SafeNet client, configure it and then tap into the corporate VPN.
The SafeNet client is IPSec compliant and is actually used as the client for at least some of the VPN gear made by 3Com, Cisco, NetScreen and Sonic Wall. It won't work if you have a Check Point VPN or any of the appliances made by other vendors who use Check Point VPN-1/Firewall-1 software. The client is available for Microsoft's Windows 95, 98, NT and ME.
The SafeNet client that Microsoft is distributing is a slimmed down version of SafeNet's full client. It lacks a configuration wizard, certain icons that would otherwise appear in the task bar and SafeNet's policy management. It also performs only in IPSec transport mode, not tunnel mode. This means the original IP headers are exposed, unlike in tunnel mode where the entire original IP packet, including the header, is encapsulated inside a second packet.
Microsoft's Windows 2000 and XP operating systems have their own version of IPSec VPN support included, so this supplemental client is unnecessary.
From a management standpoint, it can be convenient to have the client included with the operating system so you don't have to distribute and maintain a separate client.
RELATED LINKS
Cisco VPN service makes move to nets
Network World, 07/01/02
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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