Juniper Networks today announced that Renault Ireland has selected its Secure Sockets Layer Virtual Private Network (SSL VPN) solution to provide staff with secure remote access to its corporate network. The solution, comprising of the Juniper Networks SA 1000 SSL VPN appliance, provides secure access to applications, such as email, databases and other critical network resources. "The automotive industry is highly competitive, so data security is a big concern for us. We regard remote user access to be particularly vulnerable to breaches, which can compromise the entire corporate network," said Aidan McIlduff, head of IT for Renault Ireland. "The SA 1000 SSL VPN product from Juniper Networks was recommended by our trusted security partner, the DCM Group, as an easy-to-use, highly effective solution." The Juniper Networks SA 1000 SSL VPN appliance provides browser-based encrypted access to any of Renault's applications or resources, whether they are Web-enabled, client/server based or require full network layer access. Access is further controlled by automatic pre-authorization integrity checks on each user, as well as the computer and network link being used to gain remote access, to ensure compliance with Renault's security policy. "The SA 1000 enables us to provide granular secure remote access to the various layers of information on our network, based on each employee's user profile and dynamic authorization rights. For example, the same user can automatically be given different authorization rights when working from home versus using an Internet cafe to gain access to the network, based on relative vulnerability," McIlduff concluded. Renault Ireland manages the distribution of new cars and replacement components to its network of 40 dealers and authorized repair centers throughout Ireland. A high proportion of Renault employees are road-based, but need regular and reliable access to the corporate network to check sensitive information, such as sales figures, technical specifications, prices and discounts. The existing secure remote access solution had become too slow and outdated for current needs, largely due to the increased network speeds resulting from broadband access, and the growing threat from hackers, worms, viruses and other security risks. Eddie Minshull, vice president of operations for Juniper Networks, EMEA, said, "Renault Ireland has solved the conundrum faced by every network manager today -- how to reconcile the need for increasingly vigilant network security measures with a need to "open up" the network to legitimate remote access in order to maximize productivity. As the recognized market leader in SSL technology, Juniper is happy to have facilitated this solution." The Juniper Networks Secure Access appliances, which have earned the most awards and industry accolades in the SSL VPN market since its first products shipped in 2001, represent the market's leading SSL VPN product line. Enterprises and service providers worldwide have selected the Juniper Networks SSL VPN to help them increase efficiency and productivity. Juniper Networks also continues to be the only SSL VPN provider to have completed multiple, independent security audits -- supporting its goal to deliver secure and assured networking solutions. The SSL VPN appliances have passed rigorous security audits by Information Security Partners, LLC (iSEC Partners) and Cybertrust, Inc.