The alliance allows America Online's global network members to connect to GRIC's high-speed access points around the world for secure and remote access to the Internet.

By tapping into GRIC's alliance network, AOL members have access to more than 4,000 local points-of-presence in more than 120 countries.

Dr. Hong Chen, GRIC president and chief executive officer, said the alliance allows AOL to offer extensive global roaming services to its members.

"By utilizing our GRICtraveler technology in their AOLGlobalnet Plus Network, AOL is maximizing the high value that GRIC offers to top-tier service providers," Chen said. "We are excited about the synergies expected from AOL utilizing the world's most extensive international Internet roaming network."

The GRIC alliance extends AOLGlobalnet Plus Network's reach into 10 additional countries and enhances its remote access programs in 33 countries, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe.

Pete Miller, AOL director of international operations, said the partnership with GRIC permits AOL members to stay connected no matter where they roam.

"Working with GRIC helps enable us to offer our members expanded global coverage, building on our extensive global availability with greater flexibility and faster remote access," Miller said. "In more than 120 countries, AOL now offers members Internet access via a local phone call."

Only Windows 95 and up AOL 5.0 users can utilize the AOLGlobalnet Plus Network. Members simply find local access numbers on the connection setup screen when they log-on as they roam the world.

LATEST NEWS

Google Chrome Playing Catch-Up on Extensions
Hitachi Jumping into SSD with Intel
Nokia Targets High-End Smartphones With N97
Palm's Forecast Shrinks Even More
VMware, VDIworks Focus on Virtual Desktops

California-based GRIC Communications is a worldwide service provider offering multiple IP-based services on a global scale to more than 350 Internet service providers and telecom companies.

Its managed global GRIC Alliance Network delivers access and termination for IP telephony services, global Internet access, and corporate secure remote access. GRIC's network serves an estimated 40 million corporate users and 30 million dial-up users worldwide.

Service providers may join the GRIC Alliance Network to gain instant access to its global infrastructure by linking their networks to the IP aggregator.