WorldCom unveils self-managed IP VPN solution

(Telephony) WorldCom broadened its IP VPN suite today, unveiling its Select Access Edition, which allows customers more flexibility in designing, managing and monitoring its site-to-site private network capabilities.

The company teamed with equipment giant Cisco Systems in a non-exclusive deal that will allow companies with in-house VPN expertise to self-manage its network rather than enlisting WorldCom’s management services. The new service offers a bundled-package solution, including dedicated links, network usage, monitoring capabilities, Cisco’s router hardware and security software.

In the VPN space for 18 months, WorldCom has offered both remote-access and site-to-site VPN. But up to this point, the company has only offered fully managed solutions: Installing and managing dedicated links and routers, and implementing security technology.

“Not everyone wants to fully outsource their networking capabilities to any given company – they want to maintain control of the service themselves,” said Janel Crabtree, director of global IP VPN services at WorldCom. “We look at this as a customer-managed solution versus a WorldCom-managed offering.”

The company has already partnered with Nortel Networks in the remote-access space and Lucent Technologies for its site-to-site needs, making the Cisco introduction to its VPN segment a welcome addition to customers who prefer Cisco equipment.

“A lot of people already have Cisco gear installed, so they’re looking for a Cisco solution,” Crabtree said. “We’re going to be announcing over the next three to six months additional services that will be based on the Cisco platform.”

A fully managed Total Access Edition is set to roll-out this fall, which brings a Cisco-based equipment platform to the table and offers customers a choice from the Lucent platform currently in use.

Though the Select Access solution requires more start-up cost because the customer is purchasing, rather than leasing, all equipment and software, the monthly management fee is avoided. Crabtree said at a time of tightened market conditions, companies short on available cash may find a VPN services choice valuable.

The system supports speeds from dial-up to OC-3 and uses IPSec-based security that can support firewall and gateway technologies. Select Access will initially be available to U.S.-based companies and can reach 28 countries throughout Europe and Asia Pacific.