Contivity switches on: Nortel provides VPN solution to Global One

Global One started fleshing out the details behind its Global Managed Internet virtual private network service, selecting Nortel Networks' Contivity solution for the initial phase of its rollout. Global One's new service lets customers transfer data more efficiently and securely over a VPN using standards-based IPSec tunneling and encryption.

"We selected Nortel as our phase one deployment because of the number of tunnels it supports and the tunneling protocols it supports," said Sybil Newman, IP technology management director at Global One.

Contivity switches will be supplied to customers as part of Global One's VPN service. Global One also will supply the necessary router equipment, IP connectivity and backbone.

"Global Internet VPN is a bundled service. We own the [customer premises equipment] so the customer does not have to risk the technology up front," Newman said.

With several beta test sites under way, Global One will provide higher levels of security for data transmitted over its VPN. "We can now provide encryption services over the Internet," Newman said. "We can provide certificate services for customers that like to have stronger authentication and easy extranet implementations."

Initially, Global One will use a third-party vendor to manage Nortel's CPE. "We manage all the connectivity and the transport, and for the purpose of time to market, we currently outsource management of the VPN devices and the [public key infrastructure] servers to a third party," Newman said.

With more than 20 carriers using Contivity products, Nortel is positioned among the leaders in CPE-based VPN products.

"This is a big deal for Nortel. The global coverage they have is important to Nortel and particularly [this] product line," said Scott Ferguson, director of product management for Contivity products at Nortel. "We expect some great things out of this relationship for the next couple of years."

Nortel can expect some competition.

"We know the Internet is ubiquitous so we can't use just one vendor. Down the road we may also use other vendor equipment depending on customer demand," Newman said.

Phase two is expected to begin within six months.