Remote Access Solutions:
IPsec VPN for remote access Secure Sockets Layer virtual private networks are established as an alternative and a complementary technology to . Consolidation of vendors and competition on end-user security and usability make SSL
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) virtual private networks Solutions (VPNs) have become a standard fixture in many companies. SSL VPNs have superseded IPsec as the easiest choice for casual and ad hoc employee VPN access requests and also for business partners, external maintenance providers and retired associates. They are regularly viewed as a viable replacement, even for incumbent IPsec remote access.
Remote LAN access performance via SSL is approaching IPsec's performance, and latency-sensitive applications, such as voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), are becoming feasible or to put it bluntly, Gartner clients no longer ask about new IPsec remote-access installations or expanding legacy IPsec remote access.
Gartner ranks vendors in the Magic Quadrant based on performance for calendar year 2004 through the end of June 2005, and additional road map and client review during the third quarter of 2005. Our Magic Quadrant considers which vendors likely will dominate sales and influence technology directions through 2006, as well as which vendors are most visible among clients, generate the greatest number of requests for information and contract review, and account for the most new and ongoing installations in Gartner's client base.
By 2008, Secure Sockets Layer virtual private networks will be the primary remote-access method and solutions for more than two-thirds of business teleworking employees, more than three-quarters of contractors and more than 90 percent of casual employee access (0.7 probability).
SSL is both a market for new VPN remote access solution and a replacement market for legacy IPsec remote access. SSL is the most widely deployed virtual privacy system in the industry because it is integral to every browser and independent of platforms and operating systems (OSs). It is the ultimate VPN in terms of portability. It is also the best-known VPN method, because every user knows the browser and HTTP applications used throughout the Internet, on LANs, and within IPsec VPN tunnels.
Gartner clients ranging from small to large global enterprises generate a steady, daily stream of inquiries for advice. In 2005, SSL VPNs are primarily sold for desktop/laptop/workstation, remote access solutions. Vendors in this market increasingly support PDAs and smartphones, but revenue and sales will be limited until high-value horizontal applications drive demand for on-demand VPN access across smaller platforms.
SSL VPN is a small market, but growth has been significant, particularly in North America, where many large global purchase decisions are made. Gartner estimates that less than 3 million concurrent enterprise SSL VPN remote-access user seats were activated during the last three years, generating less than $400 million in revenue. These numbers represent only a small percentage of the market for business teleworking employees. By 2008, 41 million corporate employees globally will spend at least one day a week teleworking, and 100 million will work from home at least one day a month.
By 2008, SSL VPNs will be the primary remote-access solutions for more than two-thirds of business teleworking employees, more than three-quarters of contractors and more than 90 percent of casual employee access (0.7 probability). SSL VPNs also will eventually replace millions of simpler SSL sessions in business-to-consumer (B2C) portals. Growth potential is sufficient to attract every major network player as well as to sustain a sizable population of smaller incumbents, startups and investors.
SSL VPNs and IPsec VPNs can appeal to different access needs. SSL VPNs have long been able to emulate IPsec, and SSL VPN LAN connection speeds are improving. Some Gartner clients have ceased to provision new IPsec remote-access accounts, and others have replaced IPsec with SSL, citing the benefits of a simpler, roaming and morestable VPN session. SSL VPN vendors are preparing for high-performance applications, such as VoIP, but their abilities are unproved and require remote access solutions. IPsec served by a highquality WAN connection remains a good choice for users with managed workstations who need persistent, high-speed remote-access connections to a corporate LAN, and who need to run applications with high-performance, low latency demands.
