The Application of Internet Technologies to Information Management

Conclusion The above examples illustrate the immense benefits available in all industries by the use of Virtual Private Networks. As is usual with most types of technology and in particular IT, the United States has embraced VPNs quite readily. The reliability of service and the loss of control of network administration, may for many UK organisations, be two areas that prevent them from considering VPNs as a viable alternative to their current distributed network architectures. The low capital expenditure required in implementing VPNs will appeal to those organisations following an agile manufacturing strategy within the extended enterprise. With the links between consumer and manufacturer becoming ever closer, VPNs offer the user shorter times to market and more efficient methods of operating. The market for VPNs is expected to grow from $120m in 1997 to $6bn by 2001 in the US alone. This technology represents an opportunity for all organisations to reduce their operating costs and improve their productivity. The likelihood of UK organisations implementing VPNs is minimal if their track record of utilising new technologies is indicative of their commitment to VPNs. It is more likely that US organisations currently implementing VPNswill transport the technology to their UK subsidiaries and thrust the technology upon them.