Cloud-based approaches to network security are the way of the future. Allstream is leading the market with SECURE CONNECT^®, our network-integrated suite of security services. By implementing Secure Connect, our Business IP-VPN customers can extend their virtual private networks through the public Internet – and add Internet-based services to their VPNs – all on a single access circuit. You avoid the time and costs associated with maintaining separate VPN and Internet infrastructures. And you benefit from scalable, network-integrated protection of all your valuable data and business applications.

Secure Connect unifies private and public IP networks, enabling you to integrate your VPN, Internet services and Internet-based access for remote offices and mobile workers on one secure network. There’s no need for multiple Internet access circuits, nor for capital expenditures on additional routers and security appliances. Secure Connect is a simple extension of your existing Allstream network.

What’s more, Secure Connect’s advanced features are integrated right into Allstream’s national IP backbone, which means you can apply security policies globally across the entire infrastructure rather than configuring each site individually. Cyber attacks, spam and other online threats are filtered out long before they reach your network. Secure Connect can also be complemented by Allstream’s comprehensive Managed Security Services – it all depends on what your business requires.

Simplify security and network management:
Secure Connect’s network-wide security features can be applied at your main office and all satellite locations and portals through a single IP connectivity port.

• No additional on-site equipment is required, saving your IT team the hassle of monitoring and upgrading expensive security appliances.
• Secure Connect connects your Internet services to your corporate private network without the need for separate Internet access architecture or additional routers and other on-premises equipment.

Boost productivity across your organization:
By extending the scope and reach of your network to include Internet-based access, you can keep people safely and reliably connected around the clock, enabling them to work more productively wherever business takes them. Secure Connect enhances security and efficiency across your organization by:

• cleaning incoming traffic in advance, preventing bottlenecks and improving overall performance
• reducing security-related disruptions and network downtime
• freeing up IT resources so your technical staff can focus on core functions and business enhancement strategies
• protecting your employees from annoying, offensive and distracting spam, allowing them to focus on their jobs.

Reduce IT infrastructure and staffing costs.
You need to secure, monitor and manage your Internet connections to protect your network from cyber threats and to keep your business applications running smoothly. That means 24/7 security support, specialized IT resources and the latest technology upgrades. Secure Connect helps reduce those infrastructure and staffing costs by:

• minimizing your security expenditure with deployment of in-the-cloud security capabilities
• minimizing specialized IT training and recruitment of high-priced expertise
• reducing or eliminating the need for multiple endpoint security solutions
• reducing or eliminating the costs of security appliances, software updates and patches
• enhancing network performance by reducing security incidents and network downtime
• eliminating the costs of building and maintaining a separate Internet access architecture.

Increase your network ROI.
Secure Connect enhances the efficiencies of your existing Business IP-VPN investment and improves network performance by filtering out cyber threats. It also optimizes and seamlessly integrates with many other Allstream IP Connectivity services.