Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) for remote access is based on a simple concept: use the encryption and authentication capabilities built into every Web browser to provide secure remote access to corporate applications. By combining SSL-enabled Web brow- sers with a secure gateway to terminate connections and provide policy enforcement and access control, so-called SSL VPNs provide access to Web-based, legacy client/server, and terminal applications from anywhere-home PCs, hotel business centers, Internet cafes, or a business partner's LAN-without an IPSec VPN client. It's one of those ideas that make you say "Why didn't I think of that?"

The companies that did think of it are now working very hard to turn that idea into market share. Regardless of which brand wins the biggest piece of the pie graph, here's why the idea is a good one:

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