FiberLink readies SSL remote access service

Companies that want to outsource their remote access and have the option of using Secure Sockets Layer technology that requires only a browser on remote machines will soon have the choice of a new service.

FiberLink Communications says that within the next few weeks it will announce an SSL-based remote access service to augment its existing IPSec VPN service called Global Remote.

While the company wouldn’t release details yet, it did say that the service is being prompted by requests from existing Global Remote customers. They say that there are circumstances when SSL protection of resources is adequate and eliminates the need for installing IPSec software to remote machines.

This addition will add to FiberLink’s continual expansion of services from IPSec, to Wi-Fi, and now SSL, each of which can be supplemented with additional security. The provider partners with ISS and BlackICE for personal firewalls and with Symantec for antivirus software to protect users’ machines.

The company says it plans to add yet another partner to provide similar supplemental services. A spokesman described the partnership as being with a major security vendor, but would not say which one or what type of security options would be offered.

The company recently announced a $50 million round of funding, part of which FiberLink plans to spend on acquiring technology, either through buying other firms, establishing joint ventures, licensing agreements or a combination of these. Some of the money will be spent on buying back stock to consolidate ownership, the company says.

Pricing and availability of the new services should be announced within two weeks.

CORRECTION:

In the recent newsletter – “Metro Ethernet on the rise” – a recent market survey by research firm Infonetics actually said that spending on equipment to provide metro Ethernet services will reach $2.9 billion (not $5.9 billion) this year – up from $2.5 billion worldwide last year.