MCI, AT&T Expand VPN Offerings

MCI WorldCom and AT&T both expanded their virtual privatenetwork offerings yesterday.

MCI WorldCom added to its line of VPN services with thelaunch of SafeReach NT VPN, the company's first Internet-based service for NT-based networks. The serviceincorporates the Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol intoMCI WorldCom's client dialer, for providing remote access tointranets.

Meanwhile, AT&T enhanced its existing VPN offering in apackage customizable for customers with specific businessrequirements or who need to incorporate the Internet, anextranet, or frame relay into existing data networks.AT&T has added IP-enabled frame relay technology that usesMulti-Protocol Label Switching, which lets networkadministrators set traffic priorities for users. The companyhas also added secure IP dial and Internet connectivityusing encrypted tunneling called IPSec to its existing VPNsystem.