End of Software, The: Finding Security, Flexibility, and Profit in the On Demand Future

Virtually Private

Fortunately, virtual private networks (VPNs) can be extremely secure, even though they use physically insecure networks or even public networks. VPNs have proven popular because they offer operational savings while maintaining the security associated with private network infrastructure. Using a VPN, a traveling worker or branch office can be connected to the corporate network with a local phone call, providing significant savings over using long distance, 800 numbers, or leased lines. Security is maintained because the VPN uses a secure tunneled connection, allowing only authenticated users access to the corporate intranet. VPN solutions offer 128-bit encryption within the United States, with 40-bit encryption supported overseas ...