The Internet Solution makes mobile access a reality with Microsoft

The Internet Solution (IS) has developed a virtual private network (VPN) solution, based on Microsoft Windows 2000 professional and Microsoft Windows 2000 Server, that saves its customers the cost and trouble of building their own infrastructure.

The VPN service allows IS customers to dial into its infrastructure. Once connected, the data is encrypted and secured across both the Telkom and IS network, enabling the user to securely access their own corporate network. The traffic is then decoded on the user`s side allowing them same access that they would have if they were sitting in the office.

According to David Rogers, general manager at IS, this solution creates secure customer connectivity over a shared public infrastructure, giving users equivalent access and security privileges they would enjoy on their own private networks. "The increased mobility of the modern workforce and the reliance on access to information from anywhere in the world, has resulted in the widespread use of e-mail, intranets and many other systems that enable access to company data over public networks."

He continues: "Microsoft Windows 2000 was the platform of choice as it was the only operating system that allowed us to combine our two vital technologies (IPSEC and L2TP) within the VPN service onto a single platform, effectively decreasing our time to market," says Rogers.

"Remote access has become a crucial part of the business evolution," says Cyril Belikoff, network solutions group manager at Microsoft South Africa. "Within a VPN environment, Microsoft Windows 2000 gives a company a full-featured gateway that encrypts communications, securely connecting remote users and satellite offices over the Internet."