Enterprises must address the need to maintain the security and integrity of networks, applications and data as the number of mobile workers, modes of enterprise connectivity and methods of external access grow rapidly. Delivering secure, "anywhere, anytime" access to remote workers requires enterprises to protect:
- Enterprise computing assets
- Data on external networks
- Mobile devices (data and connections)
It also requires secure, scalable methods to connect business partners to networked resources. Encryption is essential to protect the data carried on public networks. Virtual private network (VPN) technology is the primary encryption method. Traditional VPN technology provides strong encryption, but it does not offer the ideal solution for all modes of remote communication. A full-function VPN client consumes too many resources to be practical for all types of mobile devices — for example, the need for a separate login causes problems for mobile handheld users. It also requires a reliable connection to avoid repeated logins following network interruptions. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)-based VPNs offer a comparatively lightweight alternative to traditional VPNs. In many ways, they are more suitable for meeting the requirements of mobile users. Enterprises can evaluate SSL VPN vendors using: Secure remote access requires more than VPN software at both ends. Enterprises also must consider a bewildering array of network service providers and brokers to obtain the services that they need to connect, secure and support users outside of their traditional boundaries. Enterprises can evaluate remote-access vendors using: spotlight.feedback@gartner.com spotlight.feedback@gartner.com spotlight.feedback@gartner.com 
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