The Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol provides flexible and secure remote access over the internet, enabling mobile users, business partners and customers to easily access network resources from anywhere in the world. So it is not surprising that SSL-based VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) are expected to be "the dominant method for remote access, with 80% of users utilizing SSL," according to the advisory firm, META Group. San Jose research firm Infonetics predicts that the SSL VPN market will grow to almost $1 billion USD BY 2005.