2012: The Launch of Native Clients
2012 marked a transformative year for OrbVPN with the launch of our native clients. After years of using configuration tools and manual setups, we took the bold step of developing our own applications for multiple platforms. This decision came from our core belief: security tools must be accessible to be effective.
Native Client Launch
The launch of our Windows client was a major milestone. We focused on creating an interface that balanced simplicity with powerful security features. This wasn't just about making things easier – it was about making security accessible to everyone, from journalists to everyday users concerned about their privacy.
Expanding Platforms
Following the success of our Windows client, we expanded to:
- MacOS native application
- Initial iOS development
- Android app planning
- Support for multiple protocols
Infrastructure Evolution
Our infrastructure saw significant improvements:
- Expanded to new datacenter locations
- Implemented advanced load balancing
- Enhanced redundancy systems
- Improved network stability
Protocol Support
We broadened our protocol support to include:
- OpenConnect (SSL Protocol)
- OpenVPN with custom configurations
- L2TP/IPSec
- PPTP (for legacy support)
- SSTP
Security Advancements
The native clients allowed us to implement stronger security features:
- Advanced kill switch
- DNS leak prevention
- Custom encryption configurations
- Automatic protocol selection
Maintaining Our Principles
Despite rapid growth, we maintained our invitation-based system. The events of 2011 taught us the value of trusted networks, and we weren't willing to compromise security for rapid expansion.
Team Growth
Our development team grew to handle the increased complexity of maintaining native clients. Each new team member brought valuable expertise while embracing our core mission of protecting privacy and enabling free communication.
Looking Forward
Our plans for 2013 include:
- Mobile client development
- Enhanced protocol implementations
- Expanded server network
- Improved user interface