Corporate networks bolstered for pandemic

DENVER, May 10 (UPI) -- A U.S. company has developed software that allows companies to function remotely in the event a pandemic forces its workforce to stay home.

Virtela, a Denver network-solutions firm, Wednesday unveiled a product that will allow large numbers of employees to access their company's corporate networks for long periods of time in the event of an outbreak of avian flu.

While a global pandemic of avian flu is not considered imminent, analysts are concerned that such an outbreak could cripple businesses in the event large numbers of workers fall ill or stay home to avoid catching the disease.

The obvious answer has been telecommuting, and companies such as Virtela have been busy developing the architecture that will be needed to accommodate large numbers of remote users while also maintaining network security.

"Many organizations are realizing that their remote access planning is not sufficient for pandemics and other disasters or for compound disaster scenarios," Kathy Lynch, senior product manager at Virtela, said in a statement.

Lynch said Virtela handles technical issues such as security, remote access and global load balancing in a manner that is affordable for companies that would otherwise be forced to shoulder extensive computer design work and additional IT staffing.