Testing the VPN link is alive

[dooie1uk]

Hi,

I'm new to VPN but not new to networking, operating systems development, & software engineering. I was hoping that someone could answer a simple question I have...let me start with some background.

I am setting up a VPN between two companies so that they can safely transfer some XML wrapped files via HTTP. An automated process transfers the files and if there is no data then files will not be transferred.

Now both companies are paranoid that if files are not transferred then some kind of verification that the VPN link is still working is required via an automated logging process.

Therefore, my question is can I write an application that sits on only one of the companies sites that automatically pings the VPN and based on the results records an entry in a log file?

All help is much appreciated

Thanks

Anand.