New Network Computing Study Finds Third Party Remote Access Providers Lift Management Burdens, Save Money

In-Stat/MDR Predicts Remote Workforce Will Grow to 107 Million by 2006, Increasing Need for Reliable Remote Access Solutions

BLUE BELL, Pa., Sept. 25, 2002 -- Network Computing magazine found in a test of enterprise-class remote access solutions that turning to a third party provider for dial-up and virtual private network services saves enterprises money. Fiberlink Communications, which delivers both kinds of access in a single offering, "gets the bid" beating more established rivals including AT&T in the magazine's lab tests. Network Computing also tested the services of Aventail Corp. and Open Reach, and found Fiberlink's remote access solutions are offered for "an almost preternaturally low price."

Network Computing noted that unlike industry peers, Fiberlink offers dial-up and virtual private network services "as one package, so ... it reaps the benefits of very low costs" -- nearly one quarter the cost of the next provider. Network Computing's findings underscore growing recognition among IT managers and CIOs that the big enchilada of remote access management doesn't have to leave them with something akin to heartburn; worries about access and management, security and cost-effectiveness don't have to pile up in layers of increasing discomfort.

Research firm In-Stat/MDR reports 90 percent of companies it surveyed with 1,000 employees or more said they either had an IP VPN in place or planned to install one within the next two years. The survey results dovetail with the firm's predictions that the remote and mobile workforce will grow to 107 million by 2006, up from 78 million this year. With the remote access market growing so quickly, Network Computing invited managed VPN service providers to undergo testing at Network Computing Labs. To qualify, the service had to support 1,000 users and meet specific network requirements.

The Network Computing test examined each provider in five categories -- price, support and escalation, management and reporting, policy enforcement and remote client support. The magazine "gave its bid" to Fiberlink, for impressive features such as 24x7 support for hardware failure, support of multiple operating systems, and quick response to significant service outages -- less than six hours, which is four times faster than the nearest competitor.

"Supporting a remote workforce can be painful for IT managers and CIOs -- managing a dialer and VPN, finding and integrating security products, enforcing security policy, responding to problems and keeping track of that information, all on top of day-to-day duties," says Bill Wagner, chief marketing officer at Fiberlink. "Off-loading these responsibilities lets managers and executives be more involved in higher level projects and ensures that the most up-to-date products are available and ready to be integrated to an enterprise's remote access solution. This recognition from Network Computing reaffirms that Fiberlink's solutions are in line with enterprise needs."

About Fiberlink

Fiberlink is a leading provider of remote access and security solutions. Fiberlink offers a full range of solutions including: Fiberlink Global Remote for Mobile Professionals, a VPN solution delivering maximum security, high-availability and superior value; Fiberlink Secure Broadband for Telecommuters, a high speed solution for the home office with policy-based integration of firewall and VPN software; and Fiberlink Global Connect for Remote Offices, a managed VPN solution enabling secure, cost-effective connections between remote offices.

Fiberlink is named a "Hot 100" company by Upside Magazine and was ranked in the Innovation 100 series sponsored by InformationWeek and CapGemini/Ernst & Young that spotlights industry leaders who define and implement innovative customer-centric business and technology strategies. Fiberlink customers include: Barnes & Noble, BMC Software, Computer Sciences Corporation, Levi Strauss & Co., The Gillette Company, and Sun Healthcare.

Headquartered in Blue Bell, Pa., Fiberlink has sales offices throughout North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. For more information call Fiberlink at (800) LINK-NOW or visit www.fiberlink.com.

Note to Editors: Fiberlink and the Fiberlink logo are trademarks of Fiberlink and may be registered in certain jurisdictions. All other brand names are trademarks of their respective partners.

      --30--GM/sf*

      CONTACT: Fiberlink
               Kristen Muckleroy, 215/793-6541
               kmuckleroy@fiberlink.com
                    OR 
               A&R Partners (for Fiberlink)
               Kristina Osterling, 212/905-6155
               kristinao@arpartners.com