Mobile workers, telecommuters get secure converged applications with Avaya`s new software for VPNs

Mobile workers and telecommuters can easily and securely connect to their corporate networks from any point on the Internet with a new version of virtual private network (VPN) software from Avaya Inc, a leading global provider of voice and data networks to businesses.

The Avaya VPNremote 4.0 Client software is a desktop application for Microsoft Windows operating systems. It was designed to give end-users and administrators simple, effective, secure remote access and is available worldwide.

The software is free to enterprises and service providers when they purchase Avaya`s Virtual Private Network Service Unit (VSU) security gateways.

The Avaya VPNremote 4.0 Client software supports voice over VPN (VoVPN) applications. Teleworkers can extend their communications networks by re-directing their office phone to their mobile laptop - using the Avaya IP Softphone, for example -- when working off site. As a result, organisations can eliminate toll costs for mobile workers by using the VPN client to secure traffic sent over widely available, low cost, shared Internet Protocol (IP) data networks.

"As worker mobility continues to drive the need for secure remote access, businesses are seeking greater value when investing in VPN solutions," said Graham Celine, vice president, solutions management, MultiService Networking Infrastructure group, Avaya. "For example, remote access must be easy to install and use, and almost invisible to workers. The Avaya VPNremote 4.0 Client software gives users and administrators a simple, effective way to securely access networks and application servers without unnecessary complexity."

When used in the Avaya Wireless LAN portfolio or on any 802.11 wireless LAN users` desktops, the Avaya VPNremote 4.0 Client software meets the stringent security standards of Avaya`s ICSA (International Computer Security Association)-certified IPsec VPN solutions. Using the Avaya VPNremote 4.0 Client software on the desktop of 802.11 wireless LAN users protects enterprise networks from unauthorised intrusion, and protects sensitive information from being compromised when transmitted over wireless networks.

Administrators can use the Avaya VPNremote 4.0 Client software and the Avaya VPNmanager to centrally manage security for mobile workers. As users are added - or access rights are modified - changes are automatically distributed throughout the entire network and are effective each time users log on to the network. As a result, administrators can manage security across the entire network in real-time. Enhanced diagnostics and report generation helps reduce the troubleshooting burden on administrators.

Users can install the software themselves, without the need to re-configure security and networking information on the desktops every time they want to work remotely. If users need help, they can simply send a file over a pre-configured "Customer Care" link to automatically report problems to an administrator or help desk.

Avaya`s VPN gateways received the "Best in Test" award from Miercom (November, 2001, www.mier.com) which was published in Business Communications Review (November 2001, www.bcr.com). Today Avaya announced two new gateways, the Avaya Virtual Private Network Service Unit (VSU)-5 and the Avaya VSU-10000. Both address the issues enterprises face in deploying VPN security over broadband DSL and cable connections to small and home offices.