Virtual private networking (VPN) is a technology that allows a
public data network such as the Internet to be used to transmit information in a secure manner.
A user can enlist a third-party service bureau that provides e-mail; use a
public data network, such as CompuServe, Prodigy or America Online; or purchase an email software package that runs on large or personal computer systems.
The frame relay revolution has propelled frame relay to become the most successful, most widely deployed
public data network service in history.
Data services include circuit switched asynchronous from 300 to 9600 bps, with the public switched telephone network and the integrated services digital network interworking; circuit switched synchronous from 1200 to 9600 bps, with the public switched telephone network, the integrated services digital network and the circuit switched
public data network interworking; asynchronous packet assembler/disassembler access from 300 to 9600 bps, with the packet switched
public data network interworking; and teletex and videotex services accessed over a bearer network.
"Web tone," the network equivalent of dial tone, means that any device would have to attach to the
public data network. In order for that to work, says Scheerder, "We have to supply computing power through the 'Net, or information power through the 'Net, very analogous to the way utilities provide you power.