The Internet has forever changed the way that we do business. An outgrowth of Internet technology and thinking, Virtual Private Networks are transforming the daily method of doing business faster than any other technology. A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, typically uses the Internet as the transport backbone to establish secure links with business partners, extend communications to regional and isolated offices, and significantly decrease the cost of communications for an increasingly mobile workforce. VPNs serve as private network overlays on public IP network infrastructures such as the Internet.  The effects a VPN can have on an organization are dramatic: sales can be increased, product development can be accelerated, and strategic partnerships can be strengthened in a way never before possible. Prior to the advent of VPNs, the only other options for creating this type of communication were expensive leased lines or frame relay circuits. Internet access is generally local and much less expensive than dedicated Remote Access Server connections.