Orange Business Services Launches Cloud-Based Remote Access Platform

Communications solutions specialist Orange Business Services, the France Telecom Orange branch dedicated to B2B services, announced it would continue to enhance its cloud computing portfolio with a secure remote access service.

Called Flexible SSL, it uses a security-as-a-service model that is based on Juniper Networks Junos Pulse. Flexible SSL provides business customers secure remote access to corporate resources and sensitive data from desktops, laptops, smartphones and tablets.

The platform complements Orange Business Services Business VPN, a fully managed IP-based VPN service that facilitates secure connectivity for businesses. Flexible SSL is enabled by Juniper Networks Junos Pulse, an intuitive client that provides secure, authenticated access for remote and mobile users, and by Juniper Networks SSL VPN Virtual Appliance that enables a scalable cloud offering architecture.

"Enabling the mobile workforce is a top priority for CIOs and CSOs given the inherent productivity gains -- however, doing it in a way that gives employees flexibility in areas like personal smartphone or laptop choice while maintaining strong corporate security controls is the key," said Sanjay Beri, vice president and general manager of Junos Pulse Business Unit for business networking specialist Juniper Networks. "Flexible SSL from Orange Business Services based on Junos Pulse solves this problem by enabling secure corporate access from any device at any time for applications of any type."

Flexible SSL enables secure remote access to a company's internal IT system from any device via different network connections, such as WiFi, 3G and DSL. This service, which can be opened to different user profiles such as employees or third parties, also features automatic provisioning and the scalable on-demand service allows for automated real-time changes via an administration interface. Subscriptions to the service can be modified on a monthly basis, the company noted in a release.

"Attacks to corporate security are becoming increasingly more sophisticated and often target the presumed weakest link--remote locations and mobile users," said Nicolas Furge, head of security services for Orange Business Services. "With the consumerization of IT, a best-of-class, scalable security solution like Flexible SSL is essential for companies to find an effective compromise between corporate security, an increasingly mobile workforce and employee work-life balance. Flexible SSL is the perfect solution for an enterprise willing to replace its existing remote access solution with a new solution providing both simplicity and flexibility."