Updates enable faster Wi-Fi connectivity for mobile workers, plus better manageability and control for IT departments
iPass, provider of Wi-Fi and enterprise mobility services, today announced updates to its range of Open Mobile clients for smartphones, tablets and laptops as well as the Open Mobile Portal.
The updates bring improvements to iPass' client user interface, which is used to connect to its Open Mobile network of over one million global hotspots, and also the web portal through which subscriptions to the network are managed.
Alongside a new online and offline Hotspot Finder, the updates will enable smarter and quicker Wi-Fi connectivity for mobile workers, as well as providing IT departments with increased manageability and control.
'We're excited to be announcing these updates to our Open Mobile clients. Access to the iPass network of over 1.4 million hotspots has never been easier and more informative,' said Rene Hendrikse, VP EMEA, iPass. 'The new range of features deliver a more efficient experience, enhancing productivity for business travellers while on the go.
'According to the Mobile Workforce Report from Q2 2013, 71% of business travellers research their potential connectivity options ahead of time,' added Hendrikse. 'Given this, we understand how critical it is for this group to be prepared. Our updates to the Open Mobile client and Hotspot Finder address issues such as how to find internet access when you aren't able to access the Internet, and how to be sure that you have the bandwidth at a hotspot to carry out the tasks that you need. As a result, business travellers are enabled with the tools to work more effectively and productively, wherever they are in the world.'
The client update for smarter connections features new signal and speed tests to provide a detailed diagnostic of actual current latency and download speeds available at any hotspot. Bandwidth is clearly displayed in megabits per second, and the test will also advise which applications will be supported by that particular connection, allowing users to evaluate whether their connection is suitable for reading email, web browsing, voice or audio and video streaming. There is also a new signal strength indicator displayed clearly in the user interface of the client itself.
In terms of achieving smarter deployments, with improved manageability and control, the updated client provides session limits and notifications to curb runaway sessions. Subscription management also allows group level policies to be set around the type of hotspot people can connect to, based on geographic region and cost.
The new Hotspot Finder can be used on and offline, with GPS being used to direct users to their nearest hotspot.
