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| Sunday, 8 December 2002 |
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Virtual Private Networks launched Customers require a telephone solution that is competitive, simple to use, expandable and less costly, catering to present needs and future security. To meet all these needs and more, Cisco Systems, a world leader in overall networking and telecom solutions, has developed advanced IP Virtual Private Networks (VPN) enabled by Multiprotocol Label switching, the 'Gateway to the new world' in its own words. VPNs can deliver intranet and extranet services at a much lower cost than a private network extending beyond physical boundaries, said Kumaran Singaram, Director Service Provider Business South Asia, Cisco Systems. He said that among the benefits of VPN are enabling several customers to use the same network for data, voice and video conferencing without disturbing each other at all. It is also efficient than circuit switching. A VPN can be built using the Internet, a service provider's frame relay or ATM infrastructure. The unifying characteristic is that it enables businesses to experience the same security, priority, reliability and manageability as they do in their private networks, said Singaram. VPN, based on IP technology, can extend intranets to remote offices, mobile users and telecommuters while extranets can be enabled to link business partners, suppliers and important customers. Hugo Cederschoild, Managing Director Suntel, a customer of VPN, said: "This has enabled Suntel to deliver state-of-the-art technology to our customers. This has allowed our customers to concentrate on their core business, be productive, compete globally, provide a better customer service and become a part of the global supply chain." Five customers in Sri Lanka presently use this technology through Millennium Information Technologies, Cisco's local partner, said Singaram. According to a market analysis on VPN and Firewalls worldwide, VPN and firewall hardware and software revenue reached US$ 667 million in the third quarter of 2002 while it is forecast to reach US$ 873 million by the third quarter of 2003. It is expected to reach US$ 4.9 billion by 2005. It says the current carrier disaster is stimulating VPN sales as VPNs can be used to create resilient, cost effective, carrier independent Wide Area Networks and extranets. As more large carriers experience financial trouble, users will see VPNs as a good way to get around their dependence on any individual carrier. Cisco has been active in the SAARC region since 1995. It started operations in Sri Lanka in April by opening an office in Colombo. Among the Cisco customers in Sri Lanka are Sri Lanka Telecom, Suntel, John Keells Holdings, Hayleys, Sampath Bank, Hatton National Bank, Seylan Bank, Commercial Bank, Royal Ceramics and SriLankan Airlines. As a part of Cisco Networking Academy Program (CNAP), it has set up Sri Lanka's first networking academy, the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology. The first CNAP showcase in Colombo was held recently. Cisco plans to set up at least five more networking academies next year and train at least 2,000 Cisco Certified Networking professionals by 2005. At present there are 154 Cisco Certified networking professionals in Sri Lanka. |
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| Editorial | Security Produced by Lake House |
