Cupertino, CA — Concentric Network Corp., a provider of value-added IP network services, today announced it has developed a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service for The Vanguard Group, the nation’s second largest mutual fund organization. The “Introductory Web Access Service” provides PC-based Web access to the fund family’s Web site and other valuable Internet resources through Concentric’s private, nationwide network.

The Introductory Web Access Service enables Vanguard shareholders to obtain fund performance and other data, review account balances and recent transactions, download fund prospectuses and reports, and visit other relevant Web sites. The service is available now on CD, which contains an integrated, tailored access kit for Windows and Macintosh PCs. The software kit contains a 128 bit strong-encryption Netscape Communicator 4.04 browser and Adobe Acrobat Reader software.

After installing and registering for network access through a co-branded registration system, clients receive an initial amount of free access time to visit Web sites and send and receive e-mail. An option to upgrade to full Internet access through a convenient and easy to use Web-based upgrade system is available. The service also includes premier-level, 24×7 technical support from Concentric’s customer support center.

The Introductory Web Access Service is an example of a Concentric CustomLink VPN — a flexible, private-labeled dial VPN that enables businesses to rapidly develop and deploy customized, targeted, online services to their customers. Concentric Network defines VPNs as business-critical, wide-area networking solutions that enable organizations to securely and reliably communicate with their offices, employees, business partners and customers.

“Client-focused and technologically savvy organizations like Vanguard can benefit enormously from a VPN application. CustomLink allows online services to be tailored to match the needs of different levels of customers. It enables companies to bring their Web content to customers who did not previously have online access, and also serves as an effective way to acquire new customers and build loyalty with existing clients,” said Henry R. Nothhaft, chairman, president and CEO of Concentric Network. “Using our secure, private IP network as the foundation, Concentric is building VPN solutions for companies in vertical market segments besides financial, such as retail, medical and the Internet.”