ATLANTA and OVERLAND PARK, Kan., March 21, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- EarthLink (ELNK), the nation's next generation Internet service provider (ISP), has introduced EarthLink VPN, a new Virtual Private Network (VPN) for its business high-speed customers. The new VPN service can be quickly installed at a fraction of the cost of traditional hardware-based VPNs and will enable businesses to manage secure connectivity for traveling workforces, teleworkers and remote offices.

EarthLink offers both client-based and Web-based VPN solutions to meet the varying needs of its business customers. The EarthLink VPNLink client gives any designated, remote computer full network access, allowing the user to seamlessly share files and applications with co-workers. It is also interchangeable with EarthLink's VPN WebLink, which enables employees to get secure remote network access while offsite from any computer with an Internet connection. Service plans start as low as $100 per month billed on a subscription basis. EarthLink VPN is powered by Positive Networks ( www.positivenetworks.com ), a leading provider of managed remote access services.

"EarthLink VPN provides small- and medium-sized companies a secure, remote access solution that keeps employees connected at home or on the road," said Kevin Brand, EarthLink vice president of product management. "The new service also provides valuable end point security features and protection tools so IT managers can ensure that their company's network is protected, and mission critical systems are not compromised."

With EarthLink VPN mobile workers can securely access corporate network resources such as file shares, servers, and network and client based applications, along with utilizing other corporate tools such as email and the company's Intranet.

Positive Network's technology makes EarthLink VPN easy for IT managers to maintain by empowering them to:

- Scale from a few, to a few thousand, users
- Centrally manage all policies relating to security, resource controls
and end-user experience
- Constantly monitor PCs and laptops to ensure complete end-point
security
- Detect, in real time, virus infections, firewall changes, spyware
applications or other vulnerabilities, and provide automated support to
restore policy compliance
- Automatically deploy or make available new updates such as anti-virus
or critical Microsoft Windows(R) patches to maximize end-point security


"As one of the nation's premier Internet Service Providers, EarthLink understands the high demand for secure remote access and the obstacles businesses face to provide it," said Positive Networks CEO Timothy Sutton. "We look forward to working with EarthLink as we develop and expand the EarthLink VPN service to usher in a new standard of easy and affordable remote access services."

For more information on EarthLink VPN visit www.earthlink.net/biz/vpn or call 1-888-855-7908.

About EarthLink

"EarthLink. We revolve around you(TM)." As the nation's next generation Internet service provider, Atlanta-based EarthLink has earned an award-winning reputation for outstanding customer service and its suite of online products and services. According to the J.D. Power and Associates 2004 Internet Service Provider Residential Customer Satisfaction Study(SM), EarthLink is ranked highest in customer satisfaction among high-speed and dial-up Internet Service Providers. Serving over five million subscribers, EarthLink offers what every user should expect from their Internet experience: high-quality connectivity, minimal online intrusions, and customizable features. Whether it's dial-up, high-speed, web hosting, wireless voice and data services, or "EarthLink Extras" like home networking, security or voice over IP, EarthLink provides the tools that best let individuals use and enjoy the Internet on their own terms. Learn more about EarthLink by calling (800) EARTHLINK or visiting EarthLink's Web site at www.EarthLink.net

About Positive Networks

Positive Networks, is the leading provider of hosted VPN and end-point security services. Its flagship service, PositivePRO combines both a client- based VPN and a clientless, Web-based SSL VPN into a single remote access service that scales to support thousands of users. With no hardware to install, PositivePRO is simple to implement and can provide complete remote access end-point security control in 24 hours or less. PositivePRO's easy-to- manage subscription model includes critical end-point security features like anti-virus protection, anti-spyware protection, personal firewall protection, patch management and authentication to secure remote desktops and laptops. For more information, please call toll-free 877-932-8671 or visit www.positivenetworks.net .

SOURCE EarthLink

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