MCI WorldCom Introduces Global VPN Service

MCI WorldCom Tuesday unveiled a new service designed to allow corporations to run applications over IP-based virtual private networks.

Called UUsecure and run by subsidiary UUNET, the service will offer comprehensive service level agreements, built-in encryption, bandwidth prioritization and around-the-clock centralized network management and monitoring services on a global scale. It will include dial and dedicated services and will support multi-protocol local area networks, the company said.

“UUsecure VPN will help meet customer needs for IP-based solutions that leverage the scalability and global reach of our network,” said Ralph Montfort, UUNET director of product marketing for dedicated services.

“This solution will address the key elements customers are looking for in an enterprise VPN solution including international reach, global SLAs, standards-based security and bandwidth
prioritization.”

The service is scheduled to be introduced on a country-by-country basis starting in the United States in June. Service to Canada, U.K., Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, Japan and Hong Kong are scheduled to be available in the third quarter and in the fourth quarter,
services in Belgium, Australia and New Zealand are scheduled to be available.

Pricing ranges from $595 per month for a 56K solution to $1,895 per month for a fractional T-1 (256 –
384 Kbps) and $35,500 per month for a full T-3 (45 Mbps) plus installation charges.
Pricing for European and Asia Pacific services will be made available during the
roll-out.