VPN technologies and solutions from Cisco Systems usually require just a software upgrade to existing installed hardware. VPNs transform a service provider network into a seamless extension of a private one. Yet the VPN mystique should not overshadow its purpose. Like any technology investment, VPNs should help businesses excel by enhancing communication, enabling applications, or lowering capital and operational costs. Therefore, enterprises must begin with understanding why they need VPNs, then tailor solutions accordingly.
Issues vary as much as businesses do.
Enterprise IT managers and service providers must work closely together to understand business needs and provision services that meet them. Business requirements dictate the best VPN solution. As business enablers, VPNs hold tremendous promise for making resources available to interested parties in a secure way, giving employees, customers, partners, and suppliers the ability to interact directly with mission-critical systems to expedite business processes and enhance customer service. While both need VPNs, each situation calls for a different solution. VPNs today are built using tunnels and security.