Virgin eyes businesses with flat fee VPN

 

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By Nicole Kobie

Posted on 6 Dec 2011 at 11:19

Virgin Media has unveiled a new virtual private network (VPN) package that offers set bandwidth for a flat fee.

The Big Red VPN comes in 10Mbits/sec, 100Mbits/sec and 1Gbit/sec packages, for a one-off annual fee for the symmetrical, uncontended connections.

That will allow businesses to pick a package above their current needs to grow into, according to head of VPN Alison Adams,making it easier for companies to make the most of their network without worrying about capacity, and to make budgeting easier.

Most VPN packages charge for the lines first and then the specific bandwidth used, she said, but Virgin Media is instead wrapping it up into a single package. "We're one of only two players in the UK who can do this," she said. "We're trying to shake things up a bit."

She said many companies have to change their VPN system early in their contracts to meet the growing needs of their business. She cited a Virgin-sponsored survey that found 40% of companies upgrade annually, at an average cost of £30,000.

There are no pricing details available for the Big Red VPN, as that will be individually priced for each company, depending on the number of sites being connected, line speed and more, she said. "We'll work with customers to develop a price," she said.