IP-VPN (Internet Protocol Virtual Private Network) Internet is a private networking solution that offers global connectivity through the use of the public Internet and facilitates the transmission of data between a company's regional or global locations.

In essence, IP-VPN Internet provides all the connectivity benefits of the Internet with the security of a dedicated private network.

Using only one dedicated connection to the Internet, IP-VPN Internet facilitates branch-to-branch connectivity, and allows remote user connectivity to a company's corporate network from any location with Internet access. It offers the performance and quality of service that global enterprises and large corporations desire as they move towards integrating data, IP and voice communications over a converged network infrastructure.

IP-VPN Internet is the most recent addition to Cable & Wireless' portfolio of connectivity solutions. The product is also available in Antigua, and will very shortly be launched in Anguilla, Barbados, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, Cayman, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts, St. Lucia, St Vincent and Turk & Caicos. In the meantime, however, VPN connections from Jamaica and Antigua are currently available to all the countries listed.

Compared to traditional connectivity services, the monthly rental cost for IP-VPN Internet is significantly less expensive as the Internet provides lower cost connections. However despite the use of the public Internet, the security of data transfer is assured, as Cable & Wireless uses a leading virtual private network appliance which employs state-of-the-art encryption and which offers customers a virtual private network "tunnel firewall" designed to protect their private networks from any unwanted entrants.

According to Patrick King, C&W's Vice President Sales and Service, "This Service will compliment Cable & Wireless' existing suite of high quality Data and Internet solutions and has been eagerly anticipated by many business customers. It will definitely satisfy the need for affordable data transfer, which is also quick and secure".

He added: "This is another example of Cable & Wireless continuing to develop and offer new data transfer solutions to meet the growing demands of its customers, and they can anticipate other value added services within the next few months. We will continue to invest in our network to ensure our customers have the best service available to suit their needs", commented Mr. King.

Typical applications facilitated by IP-VPN Internet service include:

- Remote Access - Secure connectivity for remote and mobile users from any location that has Internet access.

- Intranets - Secure connectivity for multiple corporate sites to enable geographically dispersed teams to share information and collaborate on projects using branch-to-branch connections to link sites across the Caribbean and the rest of the world.

- Network Redundancy - In the event of failure to the primary network.

- Extranets - Secure connectivity for customers, suppliers and key business partners.

Cable & Wireless, a major global telecommunications provider within the Caribbean, currently operates in 15 Caribbean islands. The company is rated number two Internet service provider in the world and owns and operates one of the industry's largest and fastest Internet backbones.