NuVox's Private Network delivers secure data communications for multi-location businesses.

Businesses that have multiple locations can benefit from having a fast, secure network that enables them to share data applications among those sites.

NuVox Communications, a facilities-based integrated communications provider, delivers just such a service through its NuVox Private Network offering.

Speed, security, and cost are primary factors for businesses to consider when implementing a data network to connect their various locations. Such a network enables a business to share data from one location to another quickly, securely, and efficiently. A business can benefit from sharing access to centralized software or hardware platforms rather than having to duplicate expensive applications and servers at each location. The NuVox Private Network service addresses these concerns by empowering business customers with a cost-effective way to share and manage data services among locations.

NuVox Private Network's secure and fast connection for transferring data is available within its 30 metropolitan service areas and across multiple NuVox cities. "Our NuVox Private Network is really a hybrid data service that features the reliability of private line service with a simplified pricing plan that is more flexible for business customers than frame relay service," said Rich Sikora, Executive Director of Product Marketing. NuVox Private Network enables a more efficient method of implementing individual data applications like e-mail, software updates, access to company servers, and shared access to the Internet at each site.

Unlike virtual private networks (VPNs) that typically use IP protocol via the public Internet, NuVox Private Network utilizes NuVox's own reliable and dedicated network with frame relay protocols, affording business customers an extra level of security. This type of service has proven extremely beneficial to a wide range of businesses: grocery stores send daily sales information to their main location; real estate offices share a centralized access gateway to the Internet; manufacturing branches communicate production schedules; and group medical offices share patient information and schedules.

Businesses utilizing NuVox Private Network also include car dealerships with multiple locations--such as Adams Automotive Group in the Kansas City metropolitan area. The Adams Group has found the NuVox Private Network useful for sending information in a secure, cost effective manner. According to president Scott Adams, his business uses a centralized server to manage the data for five car dealerships, making the business more efficient and productive. "We were using a point-to-point peer network," said Adams. "It just got so very expensive. NuVox's network plan was dramatically less and, as importantly, offered us a secure network over which to conduct our business."

In addition, businesses that need a router in their network can purchase a turn-key router service as part of their NuVox Private Network. With this optional service, NuVox installs, configures and maintains routers at each customer site.

According to J. P. Gownder, an analyst with the Yankee Group's Small and Medium Business Technologies research and consulting practice, site-to-site data connectivity has become a critical business tool for end users. "Today, more than half of small and medium businesses with multiple sites employ wide area data solutions, and demand continues to grow," he said. "These business customers seek secure, easy-to-manage, and affordable services. The NuVox Private Network service has the opportunity to address an important need in the marketplace."