AEP releases SSL VPN gear for Microsoft Web access

AEP Networks is introducing the second in its string of one-application SSL VPN boxes, this one supporting only Microsoft Web access.

The first box, which supports only Citrix, might not come to mind because when it shipped last year, the company was called Netilla. AEP later bought Netilla.

Called AEP Netilla Secure Gateway Appliance-M (SGA-M) the latest device sits between Microsoft Outlook Web Access servers and the Internet, forcing remote users to authenticate to the appliance before gaining access to the OWA server with the appliance acting as a proxy.

There are other ways to do this that require some networking knowledge, but for small companies that don’t have an extensive IT staff, they may want to consider this option.

At $3,500, the gear may be a simple, affordable way to secure access to Outlook. But potential customers may also want to consider buying a low-end SSL VPN box that will handle access not only to an OWA server but also to most every other applications end users might want to reach. Some of these boxes with broader support for applications run as little as $1,000.

AEP itself seems to be aware that customers will be sensitive to the price of these one-trick appliances. When the company introduced its Citrix box last year, it charged $5,000, $1,500 more than it is asking for the SGA-M. Finding a price customers are willing to pay and at which AEP can still make a profit will likely become more difficult over time as the price of SSL appliances in general will inevitably come down.

Editor’s note: The URL for NTA Monitor, as mentioned in the previous issue of the VPN newsletter, is https://www.nta-monitor.com/  .