The chipmaking giant is diving further into the hot networking market by offering Internet-based security products.
In a move to further compete against the likes of Cisco Systems, Nortel Networks and other networking companies, Intel this week will ship a family of virtual private network (VPN) products aimed at service providers.
The technology will allow service providers to give businesses inexpensive and secure high-speed connections to their corporate networks over the Internet.
The VPN market is expected to take off as a new way of networking that can save businesses money. Previously, workers on the road had to dial into corporate networks with a special number or over an expensive leased line. With VPNs, those same workers can log onto a network by calling a local Internet service provider number, eliminating the need for expensive calls.
Intel previously sold VPN products aimed at businesses. The new Intel products--called NetStructure VPN Gateway Family--are aimed at service providers and Web hosting companies, Intel executives said. The products also are aimed at application service providers, companies that rent software over the Net. VPNs will allow the application service providers to give customers secure connections to the software.