Barracuda set to open up SSL VPN market

Vendor claims integrated appliance offers SME users a route into VPN

Paul Thackeray: A large part of why SSL VPN has not been more widely adopted is its cost

Security vendor Barracuda Networks claims its acquisition of UK software developer 3SP can unlock the secure socket layer (SSL) virtual private network (VPN) market for SME resellers.

The vendor bought Nottingham-based 3SP back in August and has since integrated its software into an appliance.

Barracuda claims the move was a response to demand from resellers for an affordable and easy-to-deploy SSL VPN solution.

Paul Thackeray, vice president of EMEA for Barracuda, told CRN: “A large part of why SSL VPN has not been more widely adopted is its cost. This starts at £1,250 and partners have been asking us to get a product in that price range for the past 12 months.”

Thackeray added that Barracuda would approach 3SP’s 700 EMEA partners ­ which include Fujitsu Services ­ with its existing technology.

“We will bring them into the Barracuda fold and tell them there are nine products you can sell and not one,” he explained.

Mukesh Gupta, managing director at Barracuda distributor e92plus, said: “SSL VPN has previously been available predominantly to high-end customers.

“Barracuda’s approach is to bring it to a more affordable price point so SMEs can take advantage of the technology. If it is like its other products it will be easy to deploy,” he said.