Convenient 3G Connectivity Via iPass Corporate Access Service

Europe : Companies Work Together to Enable Convenient 3G Connectivity Via iPass Corporate Access Service

iPass and Sierra Wireless today announced the certification and availability of the Sierra Wireless AirCard(R) 580 wireless PC card for use with the iPass Mobile Data Service. The companies also announced that Sierra Wireless has become an iPass Alliance(TM) Technology Partner. The two companies will continue to work together to provide enterprise customers the latest technology for accessing the iPass 3G/EV-DO network via the iPassConnect(TM) universal client.

The iPass Mobile Data Service quickly, easily and securely connects users with corporate resources through cellular network technologies. Remote and mobile workers use the iPassConnect universal client to access a wide range of wireless wide area networks that provide high-speed data connections.

For access to its EV-DO service, iPass has certified the Sierra Wireless AirCard 580 wireless wide area PC card. The AirCard 580 offers reliable high-speed connectivity with average user speeds of 500-700 kilobits per second (kbps) and peak data speeds of up to 2.4 Megabits per second (Mbps), one of the fastest wireless data transmission speeds available today. The AirCard 580 PC card was built for mobile users that require fast access to mission-critical enterprise applications such as email sales force automation and customer relationship management tools, as well as streaming audio, video and the Internet. The product enables mobile professionals to extend their corporate experience outside the office with "always on" access in a Type II PC card format, improving field productivity and giving enterprise users a vital competitive advantage while traveling or meeting with customers.

"The ability to connect from nearly anywhere is becoming increasingly important to our enterprise customers," said Jon Russo, Vice President of marketing and mobility for iPass. "Near instantaneous access to network data and applications can prove to be a critical competitive advantage, and our Mobile Data Service can give our customers that advantage. iPass Mobile Data Service, accessed with iPassConnect and the Sierra Wireless AirCard 580, is designed as the 'gap-fill' connectivity that permits people do important work as they move between broadband hotspots."

"With the AirCard 580, iPass Mobile Data Service offers customers a superior connection that allows them to work from virtually anywhere," said Dan Schieler, Senior Vice President of sales for Sierra Wireless. "Information customers need to close a sale, serve their clients, or file required reports is always accessible, giving them the freedom to organize their work and their time more effectively."

In the United States, iPass has integrated nationwide 1xRTT and EV-DO service into its virtual network, which also includes the world's largest Wi-Fi network of over 21,000 hotspots, and dial-up access in 150 countries, all accessible through a single user interface. With iPass used as the sole provider for all remote connectivity, including mobile data services, IT departments can get one bill and gain the advantage of being able to track expenses and control costs more easily.

iPass Mobile Data Service, using the Sierra Wireless AirCard 580 wireless PC card:

- Gives users a consistent experience across mobile access technologies,

- Provides customers a single invoice for mobile data services on the iPass network included with the bill for all other access types,

- Enforces the use of endpoint security products over mobile data connections,

- Monitors actual connection experiences to lower help desk and troubleshooting costs.