New Edge Networks is introducing a VPN service that relieves customers from having to buy infrastructure to set up secure remote access connections to their corporate networks.

Called ReadyOffice, the service supports either Web access to corporate networks using no client software on remote machines (called ReadyOffice Webtop) or full network access if a client is downloaded to the remote machines (called ReadyAccess Client).

Customers can use a Web interface to set VPN security policies for end users within their companies. The service also offers firewall, antispyware and antivirus screening. The service also generates reports on security events and offers the option of storing documents remotely as backup.

The service is similar to the Earthlink VPN service announced last year. That should come as no surprise since both rely on Positive Networks' network-based VPN platform to power their services.

Since announcing its service, Earthlink has bought New Edge, but Positive Networks says it was working on its deal with New Edge beforehand.

Earthlink courts small and midsized businesses with its VPN services, and New Edge does as well, although it tends toward slightly larger ones. Positive Networks says New Edge will be offering more of the features available via the Positive VPN platform. Earthlink's history has primarily been business-grade Internet access.

Despite the acquisition, Earthlink and New Edge run as separate entities with different offerings. Technically, New Edge is a subsidiary of Earthlink.

With their unique offerings, customers interested in managed VPN services should consider both.

Tim Greene is senior editor at Network World.