Bay Network`s Remote Access VPN solution, based on the Contivity Extranet Switch 4000, received the editor`s top choice in Network Computing`s July 1 Request for Proposal (RFP) entitled "VPN - Across Multiple Sites."
For purposes of the RFP, Network Computing created a "fictitious electronics component company named Acme.com. "Vendors submitting proposals were asked to address the company`s desire to reduce WAN connectivity costs, while securing communications among departments and for remote users.
Vendors responding to the RFP were evaluated and scrutinised on the areas of price, performance, and the strength of their respective solutions to provide a "VPN-enabled backbone over the Internet that would help Acme.com replace the high costs of dedicated connections with lower charges for access to local ISPs."
Network Computing forwarded the RFP to 33 vendors and only 10 responded. Ultimately, the "top bid" for the VPN installation was awarded to Bay and documented in the most recent issue of the publication.
"Bay`s remote access VPN solution represents a combination of products and services that help increase productivity and reduce operating costs -- without compromising the security or performance of the network," said Bay Access Division`s vice-president of product management, Michael Feinstein.
"As demonstrated in this RFP, a secure, high-performance Extranet expands the opportunity for collaboration and commerce between a business and its customers, suppliers, and partners."
Bay`s proposal also included superior levels of project management like consulting and support services. Network Computing stressed that Bay`s VPN strategy covered "all the requirements of Acme.com`s RFP," and offered provisions for scaling as Acme.com grew. Areas of service and support within Bay`s plan were emphasised for providing a high degree of security for Acme.com`s investment.
Bay`s VPN for the RFP combined two product lines. Remote users connected to the Contivity Extranet Switch 4000, a network appliance that supports up to 2000 simultaneous sessions. It is capable of terminating IPSec (IP Security), L2F and PPTP tunnels in a single device.
Acme.com`s departments and remote sites were secured with BaySecure VPN 500n and VPN 550n. The VPN 550n is utilised for larger office and departmental sites with 10-Mbps Ethernet on each interface, while the VPN 500n replaced the CPE at smaller offices.
Bay`s proposed VPN solution integrated seamlessly with Acme.com`s existing network infrastructure, meeting one of the customer`s key requirements.
Both the BaySecure VPN 500 and the Contivity Extranet Switch 4000 are designed to complement existing router, firewall and NAT (network address translator) functionality. Standard user authentication methods including RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) and SecurID are also supported.
Network Computing`s evaluation of Bay`s submission said: "Bay`s experience in network solutions is reflected in the depth of its response. Bay identifies numerous pitfalls in network architecture and furnishes a detailed project-management process and a three-pronged systems analysis that includes a protocol inventory, security audit, and network and systems analysis.
"Bay`s solution fulfills the RFP`s security requirement with hardware that complements or replaces existing Acme.com infrastructure with BaySecure VPN 500 series platforms. Remote users and supply-chain partners are supported with Extranet Client coupled with the Contivity Extranet Switch 4000."
Bay`s project management plan also received considerable mention that included constant oversight between Bay engineers and Acme.com, and a long-term commitment and strategy to Acme.com`s VPN roll-out.
Acme.com`s RFP and the unabridged proposals from all vendors can be viewed online at http://www.NetworkComputing.com/912/912f1.html
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