UUNET Namibia offers two types of virtual private network (VPN) services to the local market, IP, which is router-based, and security, which includes added encryption on the circuits. These additional services are in response to increased demand for a fully managed service around the entire network infrastructure.
The benefit of a VPN solution is that is allows secure data transmission for Third-parties over a shared infrastructure, while adding further value to the infrastructure owned by the telecommunications provider.
While many African governments have opted to own this type of service offering, Namibia Telecommunications has recognised the benefit of allowing a service provider to own and manage the service, as it receives one set of billing from one company on a regular basis.
"Namibian Telecommunication`s foresight has been instrumental in the success of VPN up-take and installation in Namibia," says Barney Harmse, managing director of UUNET Namibia.
"Over 40% of UUNET Namibia`s leased-line customers run off a VPN, which indicates that organisations want to be able to focus on their core competency and not IT infrastructure maintenance, hence the growth of outsourced services like VPNs."
UUNET Namibia recently implemented a virtual private network (VPN) solution within the Windhoek City Council, which enables the council to connect various partners to its network.
"The benefit of this type of solution for the council, is that is will allow both dial-up subscribers and mobile workers access to a secure network," says Harmse. "Additionally, since UUNET Namibia takes responsibility of the infrastructure, the council will not have to worry about firewalls, information privacy and availability of bandwidth."
UUNET Namibia has almost three years experience around VPN services, based on its expertise around this type of solution, and will look to map these services throughout the rest of Africa when the time is right, as part of its Pan-African strategy.
UUNET Namibia, a WorldCom company, is Southern Africa`s only pan-African provider of Internet-based network services and the largest global carrier of Internet traffic in Africa. The company provides Internet connectivity and corporate network services to major corporations as well as access services to Internet service providers.
Part of the WorldCom group, UUNET, the international parent company, is the global leader in Internet communication solutions offering a comprehensive range of Internet services to business customers worldwide.
For more information, please visit the UUNET Namibia Web site on www.uunet.com.na
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