Two Vendors Tackle VPN Client Deployment Challenge

InternetWeek March 29,1999 Issue 758

Complexity of deployment is one of the biggest challenges to the success of a Virtual Private Network. Hidden costs related to getting client software out to users and assisting them with installation and support can really start to add up. Two companies, RedCreek Communications Inc. and Altiga Networks Inc., are stepping up to try to reduce those hidden costs.

This week, RedCreek Communications will introduce its Personal Ravlin, which is a pocket-sized, operating system-independent, single-user, hardware based IP Security (IPSec) client that can be used with a cable, ISDN, or DSL modem. This device simplifies deployment because the unit is configured by the RavlinNodeManager and shipped to the end user, who only has to plug Ethernet cables into the Personal Ravlin to gain access to the VPN. The Personal Ravlin supports data encryption at high data rates. Personal Ravlin will be available in mid-April at a cost of $750 per unit.

Altiga Networks Inc. announced last October its VPN Concentrator Series for VPN access, which will be available this week. Altiga will also disclose this week support for a variety of security and authentication features to each VPN administration. The concentrators are designed with the processing power to handle large numbers of simultaneous tunnels using high level encryption like Triple-DES. The VPN Concentrator Series ranges in price from $10,000 to $50,000 depending on configuration.

Danielle McMahon

March 29,1999