REDMOND, Wash., March 4, 1996 — Microsoft Corp., along with 3Com Corp., Ascend Communications, ECI Telematics and U.S. Robotics, today announced point-to-point tunneling protocol (PPTP), a new networking technology that supports multiprotocol virtual private networks (VPNs), enabling remote users to access corporate networks securely across the Internet.
Using PPTP, remote users can employ the Microsoft® Windows®
95 and Windows NT
™
Workstation operating systems and other point-to-point protocol (PPP)-enabled systems to dial into a local Internet service to connect to their corporate network via the Internet. To use PPTP, changes to client software are not required; a minimal software upgrade is needed for Internet service providers. Businesses using PPTP can ensure secure communications by taking advantage of the proven authentication and encryption built into Windows NT Remote Access Service. The PPTP specification is available today and can be downloaded from the Internet at ftp://ftp.microsoft.com/developr/drg/pptp.
“Point-to-point tunneling protocol gives users an easy, low-cost and secure way to extend a private network across the Internet,”
said Rich Tong, division marketing manager of the business systems division at Microsoft.
“PPTP is another example of the tight integration of Windows NT Server with the Internet.”
Microsoft currently offers several built-in Internet capabilities in Windows NT Server, including Microsoft Internet Information Server, a TCP/IP protocol stack and the point-to-point protocol for dial-in access.
The PPTP specification will be submitted to the Internet Engineering Task Force, and vendors will work together to implement interoperability testing between Windows NT Server and remote access servers. 3Com, Ascend, ECL Telematics and U.S. Robotics will implement PPTP technology in their remote access servers. Under an agreement with Microsoft, U.S. Robotics is developing the driver software that Microsoft will ship in Windows NT Server version 4.0. Sample code of PPTP will be distributed with the Windows NT Server 4.0 Driver Development Kit to enable a broader range of solutions for customers.
“We are excited by the announcement of the point-to-point tunneling protocol,”
said David Foster, vice president of business development for UUNET Technologies.
“This technology lets end users take advantage of the Internet to access their corporate networks remotely, eliminating the need to maintain their own remote access infrastructure.”
UUNET Technologies, a leading provider of Internet service for businesses and the official Internet access provider for MSN
™
, The Microsoft Network, will be working with Microsoft and Ascend to pilot and evaluate the PPTP protocol.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT and MSN are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
The Microsoft Network is operated by Microsoft Corp. on behalf of Microsoft Network LLC.
Comments on Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol
“Supporting point-to-point tunneling protocol (PPTP) capability in NetServer products is key to U.S. Robotics’ continuing expansion of remote access systems,”
said Ross Manire, executive vice president and general manager of U.S. Robotics’ corporate/systems division.
“Our development of the PPTP driver software for Microsoft takes advantage of U.S. Robotics’ expertise in enterprisewide remote access solutions.”
“Ascend has been working closely with Microsoft to integrate the features and capabilities of Ascend MAX with Microsoft®
Windows NT
™Server, providing a seamless solution,”
said Bernie Schneider, vice president of marketing at Ascend Communications.
“Ascend has the installed base to make this technology immediately pervasive, since several major Internet service providers use MAX as their access servers.”
“The point-to-point tunneling protocol is an integral part of 3Com’s virtual private network strategy,”
said Lionel Gibbons, director of product marketing for Primary Access at 3Com Corp.
“This enables 3Com to bring the power of its remote access products to the Windows NT Server environment.”
“PPTP is a key element of ECI Telematics’ dial-in access strategy,”
said Terry Rihel, vice president and general manager of the Access Business Group at ECI Telematics.
“We are firmly committed to its early availability on the ACP remote access product line.”
Microsoft and Windows NT are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
