An XO communications office to office connection can connect far flung offices or those employees who frequently work from home or on the road, to the company network. A virtual private network or VPN uses a larger communications network, such as the Internet, to connect company computers rather than the physical construction of a wired network. Because of this, a VPN can also save your company money on construction and technology labor and costs.

With telecommuting becoming more popular, the XO VPN is almost a necessity for any growing company. After you understand the purpose and benefits of an XO Comunications IP VPN, the next step is to determine if the XO VPN is a good fit for your company's technology infrastructure. However, before you begin the deliberation, there are a few items you need to consider, such as:

1. Understand the basic purpose and structure of an XO Communications site to site connection or VPN.

2. Review the details of XO Comunications office to office connection.

3. Contact an XO Communications SSL VPN representative and examine the security information.

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

Use tutorials and terminology to become familiar with a XO comunications VPN client

Before you purchase a technology, it's important to know the basic workings and terminology. That way, you can ask the salesperson questions from a business perspective. If it's left up to the technology department alone, they may not cover some pertinent details that could affect your company's bottom line or efficiency.

I recommend: Review the VPN tutorial from the International Engineering Consortium for a proper understanding of the technology. Examine the VPN terms from the Virtual Private Network Consortium, so you can converse fluent with the XO communications representative.

Utilize independent and XO VPN network reviews to evaluate the product

Examine at least one independent review of the VPN network prior to speaking with a sales representative from XO communications. That way, you'll know what XO Communications says the product does and what some other IT professionals thought of the product. These reviews are also a good source for XO VPN related questions to ask the salesperson.

I recommend: Evaluate the XO IP-VPN review from TMC Net and RedOrbit. Then, compare those reviews to the XO Communications' IP-VPN benefits information.

Speak to an XO Communications site to site connectivity representative

In addition to contacting the salesperson, you should also review the security details of the XO VPN client. Because these XO VPNs will allow remote access to your company computers, it's imperative to understand the security of this connection. If, at this point, you feel comfortable with the application, it's time to speak to a salesperson.

I recommend: Evaluate the XO Telecommunications VPN security information details. Fill out a XO Telecommunications sales form and submit it to a salesperson.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  While an XO office to office connection is convenient for your employees, it's important that they don't abuse the technology. For instance, if they're using it from home you have no control over who's viewing company sensitive information. In most cases, it would be harmless, but it can be a problem with confidential information.