Aventail Simplifies VPN Use By Multiple Clients

VPNs are the most common way businesses send information securely over the Internet. But they can be difficult to implement and manage. Aventail Corp. last week unveiled a version of its VPN platform that's designed to make it easier to deploy and use a VPN.

Version 8.5 of the appliance and software includes Aventail Smart Tunneling, a feature that's integrated with a centralized-policy approach to help users reach multiple applications and enforce security rules. Adaptive Access helps to resolve IP addressing or routing conflicts in near real time. The software also includes Aventail Bidirectional Tunnel Control, which secures access between an end device and an application, and a reverse connection that helps prevent unauthorized users or some viruses from corrupting remote devices. Cross-platform End Point Control lets administrators set more detailed access policies for Mac, Linux, and Windows users.

Due by month's end, the appliance is priced between $6,995 and $9,995.

"Other vendors make the way to access the VPN platform different depending on the client platform, like requiring a car mechanic to have three different sets of tools," says Jim Slaby, an analyst at the Yankee Group. "With Aventail, customers get one set of tools, one set of procedures."