* Virtela Do-It-Yourself VPN Toolkit
Virtela, a network-based VPN service for companies that want to outsource their network is now offering services for those who want to build their own VPNs.
Called the Do-It-Yourself Toolkit, this collection of services allows users to set up their own VPNs with as much or as little assistance from Virtela as they want.
Virtela was set up to provide customers with bundles that include access to its network-based VPN service, performance monitoring and reporting, security auditing and design, and equipment purchase and installation.
With the tool kit customers can pick and choose which of these they want. For example, a customer who doesn’t want to deal with multiple service providers to get access to an IP backbone network can get Virtela to do it for them through the tool kit piece called Smart Internet Access. The customer contacts Virtela and Virtela arranges the connections with all the providers that are involved. The customer gets one bill from Virtela.
Similarly, a customer who wants to run their own VPN but outsource the monitoring of network performance, can buy the VirtelaView Reporter service to gather network and application performance statistics.
Virtela says it is doing this because the bulk of VPN users want to retain at least partial control. They may choose to connect all their sites to the Internet, buy VPN gateways and software clients for remote access PCs and install it all themselves. Despite the added burden of monitoring, managing and maintaining the VPN gear, as well as trouble shooting, many businesses think the extra cost and effort is worth it. They prefer control over convenience.
Other vendors offer phased outsourcing of VPNs and this is a good option to consider for businesses starting out with VPNs. Initially they may want to directly control all aspects, but over time may feel comfortable outsourcing more and more parts. With services like these, they can do progressive outsourcing without necessarily shopping around for a new service provider.
