Cox Communications, Atlanta, launched the telecommunication industry's first managed VPN cable data service this summer, and at least one healthcare system is already making maximum use of the alternative to dedicated T-1 lines and DSL technology.
Nebraska Methodist Health Systems (NMHS), Omaha, is using the Cox network work of high-speed hybrid fiber coaxial cable lines to provide remote, secure Internet connectivity for employees from its two hospitals, a psychiatric facility, a university and medical offices. More than 100 transcription and billing department employees are set up with PCs and the VPN connection at home. This convenience helps the health system retain employees and hire staff outside of Omaha, reports Doug Petry, NMHS network services manager.
The Cox managed VPN service, available in 23 cities where Cox is the incumbent cable supplier, provides 'always on' broadband connection at speeds up to 3.2 Mbps downstream and 256Kbps upstream. The system is scalable up to 1000 tunnels and 100 Mb of throughput, the company adds. Service is available for less than $200 per month, per site--shaving as much as $700 to $800 off the rates typically paid for T-1 or DSL service.
Beyond speed and affordability, NMHS' Petry says that the VPN service provides the high bandwidth and security they need to work with large data and audio files, something they could not accomplish with dial-up service.
One drawback has been that the new service is not yet available nationwide, which limits its use. Petry says they supplement the managed VPN network with local DSL service providers in cities Cox doesn't serve.
