5.6 Secure access SSL based extranet appliances ^[5]

The ability to provide remote access to corporate applications has always been a challenge. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have addressed this challenge, but not without a cost. VPNs require the installation of software on a client PC, ultimately resulting in increased calls to an already overburdened Help Desk. VPNs are also time consuming to deploy, so the lead-time to deliver access to a corporate application from the Internet can be quite long. Historically, VPNs have been adopted by employees and corporate partners for remote access. VPNs have not addressed access for kiosk users, retiree access, disaster recovery or access from locations where VPN connectivity is disabled.

An emerging market has developed for products that provide secure access for all client "profiles," meaning employees, retirees, corporate partners, kiosk access, and disaster recovery usage regardless of client location. Essentially, this market provides "anywhere, anytime, any-client" access to corporate applications. This market leverages existing desktop functionality to provide remote access to all applications, including Web, Client/Server, Terminal Services, Messaging, File Services, and Terminal Emulation Applications. These remote access technologies take advantage of the onboard security (SSL) built into a web browser, as well as the ease of use that a browser provides. By using a browser for connectivity, companies will avoid the cost of maintaining and deploying client software and provide a familiar interface for the end-user. These technologies are therefore referred to as clientless, as client VPN software is not required (see Figure 5.4).

Figure...