Check Point Software Technologies Ltd., an Israeli company founded in 1993, is well known for developing computer network security software, servers and VPN routers for business. Their server and software products are available at Check Point VPN suppliers. VPN is an acronym for "Virtual Private Network," an interconnected network of computers linked virtually (as opposed to physically) via a larger network such as the Internet or smaller intranetwork. These products provide network protection services to venues that include:

1. Corporate headquarters communications connected via LAN (local area network)
2. Satellite offices communications connected via VPN
3. Remote location worker mobile network access connected via VPN

Types of Check Point VPN software products include:

1. Network security products with VPN integrated
2. Endpoint security products providing safeguards for computers at ends of a virtual network
3. User authenticated security management products compatible with Check Point VPN-1 products

Check Point VPN software works on open network servers and security appliances available at Check Point VPN suppliers. The servers and appliances include:

1. Check Point VPN-1 Power network security appliances
2. Check Point VPN Integrated Appliance Solutions (IAS), customized network security appliance products
3. Check Point VPN Unified Threat Management (UTM) appliances
4. Check Point VPN Connectra remote access gateway appliance products

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Before buying Check Point VPN software, understand what 'VPN' is

Learn how software like Check Point VPN can protect your business transactions via an encrypted Internet protocol 'tunnel' or by setting up an encrypted company intranet.

I recommend: Virtual Private Network Consortium (VPNC) is an international trade association for developers and suppliers of VPN software such as Check Point VPN. Learn about VPN from their newsletter and mailing lists. Microsoft TechNet offers a vast amount of information, both introductory and advanced, about VPN. Tom Dunigan, an information technology specialist at the US government's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, hosts an in-depth online resource for all things VPN.

Explore the features of Check Point VPN network security products

Check Point VPN is integrated with Connectra, a remote access gateway product available at Check Point VPN providers.

I recommend: Compare the features of Check Point VPN solutions network security products. Read about the features of Connectra appliances and software available at Check Point VPN vendors, and how VPN network security products act as a computer network gateway for remote access communications.

Explore the features of Check Point VPN Endpoint Security products

Check Point VPN Endpoint Security products provide network security for computers at the ends of computer network nodes.

I recommend: Visit the Check Point website to explore the features of Check Point VPN Endpoint Security software. Check Point Endpoint Security packages include secure access packages, full disk encryption, media encryption and total security packages. Compare the features of Check Point VPN Endpoint software packages.

Explore the features of Check Point VPN security management products

Check Point VPN solutions security management products require unified user authentication, and are particularly compatible with VPN-1 products line.

I recommend: Find out more about user authentication used in the Check Point VPN routing products and Check Point VPN servers. Read Check Point SMART Solutions company case studies for Check Point Power-1 and SmartCenter security management packages.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  A Check Point VPN solution for remote workers accesses an encrypted phone-line connection to a computer network via a third party service provider.
• •  A Check Point VPN provider may also offer training and support services.