iPass, Inc. has launched an enterprise-configurable Wi-Fi hotspot solution for the Apple iPhone (News - Alert) and iPod touch. The company also announced availability of new versions of its iPassConnect mobility manager software for devices running Apple Mac OS X and Nokia S60 operating systems.

 

With iPass (News - Alert) software and services, customers can create solutions for their mobile workers, home offices, and branch and retail locations, complete with device management, security validation and unified billing.

 

iPass’ installed base of over 2,000,000 active users can immediately download the new iPassConnect mobility manager software from its website and use the username and password they already have today to access the more than 100,000 Wi-Fi hotspots.

 

iPass will not charge enterprise customers additional fees for individuals who utilize two or more devices in a given month, a common occurrence for mobile workers using both a smartphone and laptop.

 

International business travelers can now access iPass’ global network by avoiding 3G roaming charges.

 

“Enterprise IT managers face challenges supporting the multitude of employee-owned mobile devices that are making their way into business settings,” said Eric Paulak, managing vice president, Gartner (News - Alert), Inc.

 

“This computerization trend will continue as Gen Y employees grow to dominate the workforce, and presents new cost control, support, and security risks for the enterprise. Wi-Fi hotspots provide a great opportunity for enterprises to offload 3G expense, especially the massive bills that can accrue from international roaming,” said Paulak.

Wi-Fi is popular on smartphones. A recent report from ABI Research (News - Alert) says that 74 percent of people who have Wi-Fi on their mobile phone use it, and 77 percent expect Wi-Fi in their next phone as well.

 

The benefits of using iPass’ world-leading global Wi-Fi hotspot network on smartphones are lower 3G charges, ease of use, an integrated enterprise solution, real-time and multimedia performance, and rural, indoors and in-flight coverage.

 

“iPass is dedicated to helping our customers harness the power of the mobile Internet in a simple, secure and cost-effective manner. Extending and improving our iPass Mobile Office service across consumer-driven enterprise platforms such as the iPhone, Nokia (News - Alert) S60 and Mac OS X is critical to this effort,” said Evan Kaplan, iPass president and CEO. “As web-friendly smartphones enter the business via employees’ pockets, they are driving increased IT complexity. iPass will continue to be the answer for enterprises who want to cost-effectively serve the evolving needs of their mobile workforce.”