iPass delivering mobile business solutions

Providing internet and network access for roaming business travelers has driven the growth of iPass in the Middle East region.

iPass senior business development manager Dagmar Schneider said the company's service was traditionally providing international access to travellers' ‘home' networks, but enhanced security services were now being offered.

"Business travelers usually have the problem that today they might be in Dubai, tomorrow they might be in New York, and then they will be somewhere else the day after that," she said.

"Getting access back to their home networks is very, very difficult. What we are offering is a client that comprises the different network technologies from dial-up, to wi-fi, to Ethernet, 3G and WiMax. The piece of software that we put on your laptop enables you to connect via one of these networks from anywhere in the world, regardless of where in the world you are.

"The big advantages are firstly for the business traveler themselves, because they don't have to worry about charges to the room, because the invoice is sent directly to the company. And secondly, the IT department has the chance to implement their own security management over the access." iPass is also introducing new security service products - mobile device management - to prevent virus transfers from remote LAN access, and to facilitate software updates to remote access devices, she said.

Business development manager Pierre Vacher said iPass' business had increased in the Middle East region in the past two years, with deals signed with Etisalat in the UAE, Qatar Telecom, Kuwait Telecom and STC in Saudi Arabia.

"We are focusing on Dubai and Qatar, mostly for large oil and gas companies," he said.

"[Our product suits] big companies which have a lot of people moving around," Schneider explained.

"For example, Reuters need people from all over the world to send stories without worrying about local currencies and access, they just need to get connected and send the stories."

iPass would also look to introduce satellite services in the future, Schneider concluded.