Cloud VPN is a type of VPN that operates on a cloud-based network infrastructure, which is also sometimes referred to as hosted VPN or VPN as a Service (VPNaaS). Cloud VPN provides a global VPN access to endusers, including subscribers and third-party users, over the public internet. A VPN is mostly meant to permit a user, an internet connection, over a server, run by an enterprise. As most of the data or information on the server is encrypted for privacy, a cloud VPN software can provide a secure access over the internet for using the private network through the virtual environment.

The vendors have been placed into 4 categories based on their performance in each criterion: visionary leaders, innovators, emerging companies, and dynamic differentiators. Each category carries various criteria based on which the vendors have been evaluated. The evaluation criteria considered under the strength of product portfolio include breadth and depth of product offering, product feature and functionality, product quality and reliability, and product differentiation and impact on customer value. The evaluation criteria considered under business strategy excellence include effectiveness of organic growth strategy, breadth of application/vertical served, geographic footprint, and mergers and acquisitions strategy. We have evaluated the top 25 vendors, including Aerohive, ALTEN Calsoft Labs, Array Networks, AVOXI, BT, CipherGraph, Cisco Systems, Cohesive Networks, Contemporary Controls, Deutsche Telekom, Ericssion, Google, Huawei, MegaPath, Microsoft, Mirantis, NCP engineering, Nuage Networks, Oracle, Robustel, Singtel, Tencent, Virtela, Vodafone, and VTkom.

The visionary leaders receive high scores for most of the evaluation criteria. They have an established product portfolio and a very strong market presence. They provide mature and reputable cloud VPN software and services. They also have strong business strategies. Cisco Systems, Microsoft, Google, and Huawei fall into this category.

The dynamic differentiators are established vendors with very strong business strategies. However, they have a low product portfolio. They focus on a specific type of technology related to the product. Oracle, Singtel, BT, Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, and Ericsson fall into this category.

The innovators demonstrate substantial product innovations as compared to their competitors. They have a much focused product portfolio. However, they do not have very strong growth strategies for their overall business. NCP engineering, Array Networks, and Robustel fall into this category.

The emerging companies have niche product offerings and are starting to gain their positions in the market. They do not have much strong business strategies as compared to the other established vendors. They might be new entrants in the market and require some more time before getting significant traction. Aerohive, ALTEN Calsoft Labs, AVOXI, CipherGraph, Cohesive Networks, Contemporary Controls, MegaPath, Mirantis, Nuage Networks, Tencent, and Virtela fall into this category.