Targeting mostly Small to Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs), Business VPN represents a more affordable choice over traditional offerings such as Frame Relay and Leased Lines as SMBs with limited Information Technology (IT) budgets can establish an affordable private network to enhance their business operations and customer service. 

Additionally, the application enables branch offices to share information and have real-time access to business applications such as accounting software, customer information systems and inventory management.

The Business VPN solution uses C&WJ’s existing broadband network intelligence and island wide reach to interconnect remote branch offices using a variety of affordable access connections such as low cost “Internet-less” ADSL. The service is designed to offer “business grade” levels for service provisioning and restoration lead-times.

Unlike Internet VPNs that require complex and expensive software, hardware and technical skills to deploy and maintain, Business VPNs are more secure and affordable, as they do not utilize Internet systems.

For companies that do not require data encryption between locations, Business VPNs can be deployed using lower cost DSL modems instead of expensive routers, resulting in further cost savings.  Additionally, Business VPNs can also be designed to use managed customer premise devices to provide data traffic encryption and traffic prioritization.

The introduction of Business VPN represents a range of new opportunities to customers:

• Cost Savings - In-house network connectivity solutions can be expensive and unpredictable considering deployment and support challenges. With Business VPN, there is no need for the capital expenditure involved in purchasing your own VPN hardware. The monthly cost is also significantly less than traditional data connections.
                                                                      
• Secure Communications - Business VPN is more secure than Internet VPNs because the data is transported via a private C&WJ network and does not traverse the Internet.

• Scalability - With provider-managed solutions, the addition and changes to locations will be handled by C&WJ.

• Adaptability - C&WJ can expand the VPN network quickly and economically. Enterprises do not have to buy new equipment and re-configure their network to react to growth, mergers and acquisitions, organizational changes, etc.

• Extensive Coverage - The extensive reach offered by the C&WJ Broadband Network enables you to interconnect sites across the Island.

• IT Skills Focus on Core Business - Customers can allow their IT staff to concentrate on their core business and leave the technical challenges to C&WJ who possess the expertise to provide and maintain data solutions.

• Enhance Customer Relationships - With Business VPN, companies can easily create extranets that will allow their business partners, customers and suppliers restricted access to information that is relevant to their needs.

• Future Proof - As business needs change and new applications become available, the solution employs an IP model, which gives scope for change and growth in the future.

Cable & Wireless Vice President Business Solutions, Lloyd Distant, said: “The launch of our Business VPN product underscore Cable & Wireless Jamaica’s continued commitment to deliver affordable and modern business solutions for small and medium businesses. We believe that the advantages of lower costs, combined with safer network connectivity will enhance the productivity of several businesses by creating greater efficiency.”