GRIC Communications to Offer Microsoft's Remote Access Service Across Global ISP/Telco Network
Business Wire - January 26, 1998 08:36
MILPITAS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 26, 1998--Milpitas, Calif.-based GRIC Communications (formerly AimQuest Corporation) will be offering Microsoft's Internet Connection Services for Microsoft Remote Access Service (RAS), Commercial Edition, to the 20 million corporate subscribers within the GRIC network. Microsoft's new RAS software lets ISPs and telcos supply enhanced virtual private networking (VPN) services to their corporate customers, for secure Internet and intranet remote access. "As an acknowledged industry leader in global Internet telecommunications, including roaming, fax, telephony and remote access, we are delighted that GRIC Communications will work with Microsoft to deploy our VPN solution throughout the GRIC alliance of over 250 leading ISPs and telcos, unifying them into the world's largest managed TCP/IP network," said Tony Bawcutt, Microsoft's senior marketing manager, managed networks and VPN. "Together with Microsoft's RAS technology, this will allow the 20 million corporate subscribers within the GRIC network to have cost-effective, secure Internet and extranet telecommunications." Virtual private networks are becoming widespread because they can replace expensive dedicated corporate networks with less expensive, secure connections over IP-based networks such as the Internet or internal corporate intranets. Using Microsoft's Remote Access Service, GRIC members can offer their customers secure and seamless remote access to their networks virtually anywhere in the world. The RAS VPN and telecommuting technology provides the ease-of-use, security, authentication flexibility and centralized management that companies require for an effective VPN system. "As businesses begin to become increasingly comfortable with the Internet as a communication and marketing vehicle, the next logical step is to add the ability for a business to securely and privately connect to customers and trading partners," according to Allen Weiner, chief analyst at Dataquest, a market research firm based in San Jose, Calif. "Virtual Private Networks are the best solution to develop these one-to-one relationships. Creating easy-to-use products and services will help add momentum to this key market segment." The economic benefits of Internet VPN are unparalleled when compared to traditional dial-up corporate access. Instead of paying for expensive long distance or international calls directly back to the corporate Intranet, VPN over the Internet only requires a local call virtually anywhere in the world. Depending on the access location, users can save an average of 80% over traditional dial-up costs. As an example, at an average price of 80 cents per minute for an international call, an hour of intranet access would cost $48, while the same access using VPN over the GRIC network would cost an average of $5, resulting in a savings of $43. "Netcom recognizes the importance of providing integrated, comprehensive solutions needed by both our individual and small business customers," said Mike Kallet, senior vice president of products and services for NETCOM On-Line Communication Services, Inc.(TM), one of the largest ISPs in the U.S. "With Microsoft's RAS enhancement, combined with the GRIC network, our customers receive the access and security options they need, and can take advantage of reduced operational costs without the complexity of providing a global network." "Working with Microsoft enhances the leadership position of the GRIC network for the deployment of global Internet telecommunications," said Dr. Hong Chen, founder, president and CEO of GRIC Communications. "Microsoft's Internet Connection Services, combined with GRIC's industry-leading direct settlement and billing capabilities, will allow our members to provide a secure dial-up network over our extensive worldwide access points in the first quarter of 1998." Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day. For additional information visit their web page at microsoft.com . GRIC Communications is a rapidly growing clearinghouse for Internet telecommunications services. GRIC Communications provides routing, authentication, network management, billing and settlement services to ISPs and telcos worldwide, enabling global Internet roaming, corporate remote access/VPN, fax, and telephony. GRIC-member ISPs and telcos number more than 240 in more than 75 countries and have a combined subscriber base of more than 13 million dial-up users and 20 million corporate users, making the GRIC alliance the largest network of Internet-based telecommunications services in the world. The GRIC alliance is comprised of the world's largest ISPs and telcos, including SPRYNET/CompuServe, NETCOM, Prodigy, Singapore Telecom, NEC, Fujitsu, KDD, Malaysia Telecom, Telecom Finland, Korea PC Telecom, FranceNet, Cybernet AG, Hong Kong Telecom, Samsung, Hyundai, Chungwha Telecom, and Telstra. GRIC's technology partners include Ascend Communications, Bay Networks, Cisco Systems, Digital Equipment Corporation, Lucent Technologies, Microsoft, Oracle, and Siemens Business Communications. Founded in 1994 and privately held, GRIC Communications has offices in California, Asia and Europe. For additional information, please contact GRIC Communications at 1381 McCarthy Blvd., Milpitas, Calif., 95035. Phone: 408/955-1920. Fax: 408/955-1968. Email: info@gric.com . Worldwide web site: gric.com .
GRIC and the GRIC logo are trademarks of AimQuest Corporation. All third-party trademarks belong to their respective owners. |
