It's considered one of the golden pots at the end of the broadband rainbow. Virtual Private Networks, the ability for enterprises to connect employees, salesmen and suppliers from far flung areas into one secure voice, data and even video network represents a potential goldmine for broadband providers.
Carriers are even more bullish.
A number of technological advancements are fueling interest in VPNs. Two basic VPN models exist for carriers and enterprises. The first is customer-based, where carriers install gateways, routers and other VPN equipment on the customer's premise. The other is network-based, where the carrier houses all necessary equipment at a point of presence near the customer's location. Each strategy carries different benefits, Goldberg says.