At stake are gateways allowing secure access to corporate networks based on a browser security technology known as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption. Analysts and makers of SSL-based networking equipment say that large numbers of corporate users are starting to implement virtual private networks (VPNs) using SSL technology.

Network managers point to SSL as a significant step forward in VPN ease-of-use that is quickly gaining market share as an alternative to the popular but less flexible Internet Protocol security (IPSec)--a trend that in turn is fueling new demand among companies and employees for remote network access.

According to a report last year sponsored by AT&T, better access to networks from remote locations was cited as the number one factor driving increased demand in remote working.

By Marguerite Reardon at ZDNet.

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