Virtual Private Networks connect staff to the office from any locationApril 2007
Virtual Private Networks connect staff to the office from any location
Do you have employees who need access to your internal computer network from anywhere at anytime? Does your organization have branch offices that needed to be securely and affordably connected to your online network?
If you answered yes, then you may want to find out more about Virtual Private Networks, a cost-effective security service offered by the Washington State Department of Information Services.
VPN enables organizations to communicate securely using advanced encryption technology over a public network such as the Internet, or an extranet -- a private network over the Internet. With VPN, data is sent confidentially across secured and encrypted private channels. Data can include voice data, documents, video, or a combination of these media.
Traveling and telecommuting employees can use VPN to access data on your organization's network whenever and wherever needed through a local Internet connection. VPN technology ensures that this data is not vulnerable to public observation, tampering, or capturing. Also, the DIS VPN service uses a two-factor authentication method to identity end users. Customers can feel confident in the fact that the data being transmitted is secure. The DIS VPN service can also set limits upon what data the user is allowed to access, and when, based upon a number of factors.
Furthermore, remote branch offices can use a VPN connection as a cost-effective alternative to a dedicated private line.
"Private network solutions rely on point-to-point connections and frame relay. As sites are added due to expanding business, the network becomes more complex and costly," says David Morris, Remote Access Manager. "Customer agencies can recognize major cost savings by using the public Internet to transmit their agency data."
"The DIS VPN Service is one of the most affordable, safest, and easiest ways to conduct business over the Internet," adds Morris. "Agencies pay only for their connection to the Internet and the DIS VPN Service monthly fee."
For more information about Virtual Private Networks, contact David Morris by phone at (360) 725-5218, or by e-mail at davidm@dis.wa.gov.