N + I: SBC introduces new class of managed IP VPN services

LAS VEGAS--

SBC Communications announced yesterday at Networld + Interop it would provide customers with a new class of managed IP virtual private network services designed to meet the increasing need for secure and scalable data transport.

Mark Fishler, SBC vice president of data/IP services, said the carrier decided to increase its VPN offering for a variety of reasons. "We understand that companies want to know that their road warriors or employees working from home can get into their networks securely," Fischer said. "Also, if they’re going to outsource those services, they want to do it with a stable partner who will be in it for the long haul. SBC is that kind of partner."

SBC will offer software based, premises-based and network-based VPN solutions. The first offering to be introduced will be the software-based VPN, a solution that uses a management platform in the SBC network to connect remote users and branch locations with secure VPN tunnels. Remote employees would use VPN client software, while branch offices would be set up with server software connected to the customer's local area network.

The hardware-based solution will use the Cisco 3000 series platform and routers and would be housed at the customer's location or at one of SBC's Internet data centers. It would enable medium- to large-sized businesses to have VPN access to their LANs. It would be managed on an end-to-end basis, while providing remote access, site-to-site and extranet services for the enterprise network. The hardware based VPN comes bundled with dedicated Internet access, digital subscriber line service and full enterprise network management, according to SBC.

--Glenn Bischoff, Senior Writer