Juniper Adds Security Standard To VPN Gear

Juniper Networks is integrating a new security standard into its SSL VPN products, allowing people to use a single sign-on to access business networks.

The Security Assertion Markup Language standard uses an XML framework to exchange security authorization between different systems and applications. Usually, when users access a network using an SSL VPN, they must log on independently to each application they open. SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer, a protocol to encrypt Internet communications. Meanwhile, the increasingly popular IP VPN service already allows for secure single sign-on.

SAML is already in use on some commercial Web sites, where it allows shoppers to log on once and purchase items from partnering Web sites without logging on a second time. Juniper's products will be the first SSL VPN appliances to incorporate the technology, the company said Monday.

Juniper also said it's working with access-management and security vendors such as Entrust, IBM, Netegrity, Oblix, OpenNetwork Technologies, and RSA Security to make sure that the new SAML products will integrate seamlessly with their products.

An upgraded 4.1 version of Juniper's Instant Virtual Extranet platform for NetScreen Secure Access SSL VPN appliances is available now.