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GAWDA Webinar: Virtual Private Networks. Presented By INFONETICS, Inc.
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GAWDA Webinar:Virtual Private Networks Presented By INFONETICS, Inc. David J. Frea is President of INFONETICS, Inc., a software supplier to Welding Supply and Industrial Gas distributors. INFONETICS has been an NWSA/GAWDA associate member since 1988, and holds a seat on the GAWDA Management Information committee. Mr. Frea can be reached by phone at 614-875-2006 or email djf@infonetx.com.
RITA+VPN: INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS • Internet is predominately a communications tool. • TCP/IP: Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol • Developed in ’73 by Vint Cerf. • Used widely by D.O.D. in the 80’s. • Defacto networking standard for UNIX systems. • Finally implemented by Microsoft in Windows’95. • Became Microsoft standard networking protocol with “Windows98”. • Packetizes data, transmits through a series of routes. • Many to many topology, redundant.
The Old Way:LEASED DATA LINES • Traditional approach to data communications to distributors branches. • Very reliable, low in bandwidth, expensive. • 9600 baud (9.6Kbaud) analog, point-to-point, 2 or 4-wire leased lines. • 56,000 baud (56Kbaud) digital circuits. • Frame Relay -- geographically diverse areas. (proprietary version of the Internet developed by telcos) • Simple dial-up phone lines (non-toll) • Costs range: $50/mo for simple dial-up, to nearly $1000/mo for higher speed data circuits • Expensive when crossing telco borders. • Held high due to local telco tariffs and fees. • Usually “leased” by the customer.
Dumb Terminals vs.IP-based Devices • Dumb terminals/printers “serial communications”: • Requires one-to-one connection between host and terminal. • Multiplexors enable multiple serial devices over single circuit. • Moderately expensive communications gear (modems, DSU's, multiplexors). • Terminal equipment; affordable, simple, easily maintained. • “IP” based devices: • Communications traffic carried over common link. • Inexpensive communications gear (routers, hubs). • Terminal equipment (PC’s/Print Servers); expensive, complex, software maintenance. • Personal productivity software; word processing, spreadsheets, internet access, email and multimedia.
RITA - Remote Internet Terminal Access (telnet) • Communications is carried over Local Area Network (LAN) or Internet • Uses low-cost, local connection to Internet. • No long distance toll charges or expensive leased line. • Ideal for a telecommuter or mobile sales force. • Can provide “Extranet” access B2B – UASI/Westgate
RITA - Remote Internet Terminal Access • TELNET: Widely used method of communicating between computers. • End-users computer is simple display device. • Terminal Emulator/TELNET program used to connect to host/server. • Host computer processes all keystrokes, controls access to software & data. • Very prevalent in today's mainframe/legacy systems.
RITA - Remote Internet Terminal Access • Security issues; • Communications is un-encrypted. • Can be eavesdropped on (theoretically) by unscrupulous individuals on the Internet. • Hardware based firewalls must be deployed. • Login/passwording must be well managed on servers. • All Window’s PC’s have some form of “telnet” built-in. • Software change so only “root” can change passwords.
VPN – Virtual Private Network • Encrypted communications between devices. • Both ends use a common encryption key, also known as a "private key". • VPN router devices uses private key to encrypt all packets. • Secure/reliable, even on public networks.
VPN TUNNELING - Wide Area Network • Encrypted “tunnel” through the Internet. • Local Area Networks (LANs) connected as a Wide Area Network (WAN) • Enables secure exchange of all types of networked based services: • RITA - Terminal Emulator/TELNET program used to connect to host/server. • File and Print Sharing, Network File System(NFS), I: drive. • All services typically associated with a Local Area Network (LAN) • Security Issues Dramatically Reduced
Other Internet Services • Internet access means much more than just communication route. • Web Browsing: Enable PC users to visit manufacturers web sites for product information and the ability to place and check on the status of orders. • Email: Perhaps the most ubiquitous tool for the 20th century. • Replaces phone calls to branches (and long distance tolls). • Send email to multiple parties at the same time, reduces duplicate efforts. • Instant Messaging: • Newest, instant, non-verbal, communications. • Rivals telephone in ability to interrupt. • VoIP: Voice-Over-Internet-Protocol. • VoIP phones allows connect telephone handsets in the branch to the main phone system in your central office.
Types Of Connections • "IP" communications utilize a variety of types of Internet connections. • T-1 circuits provide the highest bandwidth available; 1500Kbaud. Highest price point too; $900-$1,500/month. • DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)/Cable modems offer fast speeds; 128Kbaud-768Kbaud. Less expensive; $30-$120/month. • Simple 56Kbaud dial-up circuits; $15-$25/month plus cost of phone line. 56Kbaud dial-up lines should be used only as a last resort for small branches. • Full-time access needed at main office. • “Static IP address” required.
CASE STUDY • Moderate sized, independent welding supply/industrial gas distributor in Southeast. • Four remote branches, 150mile radius, 2 crossed state lines (inter-lata). • Traditional 4-wire, 9600 baud, analog, leased lines = $1,200/mo for 3 branches. • Estimated cost of 4th branch prohibitive at $800/mo. Total = $2,000/mo.
CASE STUDY • 56K point-to-point digital circuits rejected. No savings. • 56K Frame Relay rejected. Small savings, large hardware investment. • DSL implemented at main office ($80/mo) and 2 branches ($60/mo) = $200/mo. • Cable modem at 2 branches = $75/mo. • Total Internet Connectivity = $350/mo. • Estimated savings = $1,650/mo. • 15 month Return On Investment
PITFALLS • DSL & CableTV ramp-up problems. • Installation schedules typically aren’t met. • DO NOT OPT FOR SELF-INSTALLATION. • DO NOT DISCONNECT LEGACY EQUIPMENT (leased lines) UNTIL NEW SERVICE IS FULLY FUNCTIONAL. • Do not sign long-term contracts. • PC’s require more software maintenance & configuration. • Employee training considerations. • Internet acceptable use policy needed.
INFONETICSProduct Offerings • VPN: Virtual Private Networking • VPN Routers – $249 • LAN & WAN Setup – $895 setup, plus hourly rate • INET: Internet Access – Provisioning & setup $295 1st PC, $149/additional PC’s plus hourly rate for on-site work • Web Hosting/Email – $680 setup $400/yr hosting fee, $100/yr secure server • Email: $60/mailbox/yr (Q10=$48/yr, Q20=$36/yr, Q30=$24/yr) • iCat: Internet Catalog – $400 setup, 3 content updates/yr at $100/update • INFOTERM - $1100, 1.8gHz Celeron, 15” monitor, TinyTERM (telnet) software included. • VOIP – Voice Over Internet Phones
INFONETICS forEXPERIENCE • Founded in late ’70s, specializing in software for Welding Supply & Industrial Gas distributors. • Over 200 major installations in 34 states & P.R. • Windows PC Network integration – Mid 90’s (WFW3.0) • INET (Internet Access) – 5+ years • Web & Email hosting – 4+ years • RITA (telnet) – 2+ years • VPN capabilities added Summer ’02
INFONETICS forSOFTWARE/HARDWARE • Classic software handles all facets of business needs; • Point-Of-Sale • Back-end accounting • Handhelds • Hardware; • Custom built UNIX servers • Custom built INFOTERM/PC’s • Handhelds – Symbol Symbol SPT-1800 for Point-Of-Delivery and Serial Number tracking
INFONETICS forLEADERSHIP • Research & Development at the forefront of many technological sectors • PC Network integration • Price Disks • Handhelds • Web Hosting • Internet Access • RITA+VPN • iCat – Internet Catalog • GAWDA – Management Information subcommittee member
INFONETICS forSUPPORT • Best Of Breed software yields low support requirements. • “RAVING Fans” throughout INFONETICS customer base attest to quality and responsiveness of our support personnel. • No monthly or yearly maintenance contracts. • Software enhancements FREE OF CHARGE – no need to “re-purchase” software. • Pay only Time & Materials for more substantial support and/or outsourcing projects.
INFONETICS forTRAINING • On-site installation/training standard for every customer. • Annual INFOGROUP Users Group sessions – this year “on the road” • 2-day seminars focus intense training on various modules.
INFONETICS forPEACE OF MIND 1729 Gateway CircleGrove City, OH 43123614-875-2006infonetx.comdjf@infonetx.com