These VPN suggestions, courtesy of consultant Ann Westerheim of Ekaru (eka-ru.com), based in Westford, Mass., provide companywide Internet access, firewall protection and secure remote access. Expect to budget in the $500-a-month range, although prices vary according to the vendor and number of licenses you require.
- CISCO PIX 501: Widely used but somewhat complicated to configure. cisco.com
- LINKSYS 10/100 16-PORT VPN ROUTER: Best known for home products but moving into the small-business market. linksys.com
- WATCHGUARD FIREBOX: Easy-to-configure Web interface; a good option for those without a full-time tech staff. watchguard.com
- ZONELABS CHECKPOINT SAFE@OFFICE: Allows customers to rent equipment on a monthly basis rather than purchase it. zonelabs.com
