* What impact does AEP's SSL VPN gateway patent have on the industry?
AEP Networks has won a patent for the technology that is underlying its SSL VPN gateways, but it is unclear whether the issue of a patent will have an impact on others making SSL gateways.
The patent has been awarded for SSL VPNs based on a very general description that seems to incorporate what other vendors are doing.
The patent was granted for “apparatus and accompanying methods for providing, through a centralized server site, an integrated virtual office environment, remotely accessible via a network-connected Web browser, with remote network monitoring and management capabilities,” AEP says.
Typically in cases where a company wins a patent on a technology already in wide use it sets up licensing arrangements with other vendors that are already using it. It is unclear what AEP plans to do.
A spokesman for the company says it’s too soon to decide whether the patent applies to other products: “This patent was just recently (July) awarded to us, and at this point we’re just announcing that we have it. We’re currently exploring all of our options and opportunities, which may include licensing relevant aspects of the technology covered by the patent.”
That’s certainly vague enough to leave open the possibility that it will try to license its technology but doesn’t address whether it thinks others are infringing the patent.
The downside for customers is that it may increase the cost of these devices slightly – or more likely reduce the decline of prices as the prices of this gear have been dropping over time.
If licensing does come about, it will of course be good for AEP, which has been buying up other companies in an effort to boost revenue and work its way into selling security gear to the government.
