Vpn server linux

Newlix brings in Linux VPN - Company Business and Marketing

Ottawa vendor introduces entry-level virtual private network product, rounding out security options for Linux-based Omega server

Small companies no longer have to be left behind when it comes to telecommuting and security. Ottawa-based Newlix Corp. has released a virtual private networking (VPN) product for its Linux-based Omega Server. The VPN is aimed at companies with five to 50 networked PCs.

"If you're a small business ... you ideally would like to have the ability to work at home or get to your office when you're away at a hotel," said John Hansen, Newlix president and co-founder. "You don't have all these expensive resources of a large IT department. So for that sort of environment this is exactly what the individual wants."

According to Hansen, Newlix's VPN offering differentiates itself from other Linux VPNs because it is relatively inexpensive (US$245) and simple to install. "We've provided it in a point-and-click environment... on a CD and within 20 minutes you're up and running with a VPN network."

Hansen also explained the VPN network is aimed specifically at the small company that wants the operability of Linux and VPNs but cannot employ the IT staff necessary to support them.

"Linux is a wonderful operating system ... and it's got every switch and feature under the sun in it, but it is not for the faint-hearted to enter into," added Hansen. "What we give in a complete package is the ability to use all the power of this technology without spending half a lifetime configuring it and worrying about it. You need to know nothing about Linux. You need to know nothing about VPN. Plug it in, get it up and running and off you go."

According to analyst Mark Quigley of Brockville, Ont.-based The Yankee Group, Newlix's VPN offering may be a good solution for small companies as well as larger ones.

"If there is a significant cost saving to it and if it does work as advertised, then certainly that target market grows to encompass some of those larger companies that have perhaps had VPN plans for awhile... (and are) looking to expand, or hoping to add, to their staff that are telecommuting," noted Quigley.

According to Hansen, Newlix's VPN can be used with any Internet connection and uses Microsoft's PTPP protocol as well as the Omega's security to protect the company's network server.

One reseller that wants to provide Newlix's VPN to customers is Integra Networks Corp., an Ottawa-based network integrator.

"It will give us a better solution for clients that have a limited budget that we, in other ways, cannot help them with (such) quality solutions," said Integra president Nagwa Koressa.

"Our clients, of all sizes, have requirements for it (VPN) because accessibility of information is a given," she said.

While not much profit from the actual sale of the VPN will be gained by the reseller, Hansen said VARs can benefit from the value-adds they provide.

"If he's a reseller who is also bundling in a lot of consulting services and his customers are saying, 'I would really like one of these Linux systems,' he can offer it with impunity because he knows it's not going to cost the customer tens of thousands or thousands of dollars a year in ongoing support," said Hansen.

* Linux-based VPN for a fraction of the cost of other VPNs

* Aimed at small companies with virtually no Linux IT infrastructure in place

* Plug-and-play installation

* Uses Microsoft's PTPP protocol