I-VPN - Porting a corporate network to Internet

My company is a chemical company with plants and offices spread worldwide. Most of our IT-systems are run centrally from headquarters with a combination of online solutions and database replication for the branch offices. Prior to this project, we had several communication solutions implemented for the systems. The ERP system was carried over Frame Relay connections and other systems was set up with different dial-up solutions and - to some degree - leased lines. The variety of solutions was difficult to maintain, and the total cost was high and quite difficult to follow up. We also noticed emerging needs for general use of Internet by our users. On these bases, we initiated a project with the mandate of a total redesign and renewal of our communication solutions. The paper addresses the security aspects and other major elements that were focused on during the process of choosing the best solution. The situation before and after the project is described, as well as the basis and possible options that lead to the decisions we had to make along the way. Details about the implementation of the solution are also covered, and the lesson learned in the process is discussed. Finally, the cost-benefit aspect of the project is examined, and our conclusion that this was a successful project is substantiated.