October 2, 2006

Plug and Play Remote Computing. Literally.

BlueRidge's Remote Link is one of those devices that you wonder if it's as easy as they say it is.

Although the word, "VPN" is hardly used on their product page, Remote Link looks like, talks talk and walks like a VPN appliance. So I guess it is one.

What differentiates Remote Link is that it requires no end user configuration. According to Blue Ridge's web site, to establish a secure tunnel, a user inserts an administrator-generated USB smart card into the device. RemoteLink automatically acquires an IP address from the local network, sparing your local administrators from the need to allocate network resources. The RemoteLink then tunnels back to a BorderGuard at your organization¬?s headquarters and acts as an Ethernet switch to allow user access to approved resources.

Another high-light of RemoteLink is that it's very secure. All the vital information the appliance needs is stored on the USB smart card. If that's lost you just suspend the user¬?s digital certificate.

BlueRidge's web site gives a nice overview of "who needs to use a RemoteLink device":

- I'm paying too much for expensive networking services like private line, Frame Relay, or satellite. A cheaper one with comparable security would do.

- I don't have enough IT staff to configure equipment at all of my remote locations.

- I pay for an expensive satellite service and I need to ensure highly secure transmissions that work when I need them to.

- I must employ a variety of carriers to connect all of my locations, so I need something with the flexibility to accommodate what¬?s available.

- I'?ve been using a VPN to connect my remote locations, but my equipment and/or service isn¬?t compliant with existing or upcoming security regulations that affect my industry.

- I need to run secure VoIP and video (or any latency sensitive applications) at my remote locations. I need something that meets my bandwidth and latency requirements.

- I need to harden the network security my remote locations, but I can¬?t afford the corresponding increased costs.

- I need to rapidly deploy field offices, and I¬?m on a limited budget. I'?d like to use a managed service.

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