With a remote maintenance solution from Weidmüller, system manufacturers can offer their customers customized services that cover the entire life cycle of a machine. This includes fast support for troubleshooting, questions about operation, process optimization and maintenance of machines or systems. The system solutions consist of network components such as industrial security routers and Ethernet switches, the remote I/O system 'u-remote' including an integrated web server for detailed system diagnostics, additional communication-capable automation components and the web-based remote maintenance solution 'u-link'. According to the manufacturer, the features of the 'u-link' portal include secure remote access, a flexible system structure, fast remote diagnostics and accelerated system service. Secure remote access is provided by a web portal with an integrated VPN rendezvous server in Germany, a router with an integrated SPI firewall (stateful inspection), authentication via x.509-based certificates (OpenVPN with SSL encryption) and manual access approval at the machine.