VPN Alternatives

Virtual private networks (VPNs) have emerged as an easy, inexpensive way to securely transport data using existing networks, including the Internet and private IP backbones, as well as Frame Relay and ATM networks. The marketplace offers many VPN alternatives. The decision of which VPN approach to take is becoming even more difficult for customers as a new technology, Multiprotocol Layer Switching (MPLS), is eliciting enthusiastic support from some parties while drawing scathing criticism from others.