Beyond the Laptop: iPass Adds Hotspot Support for Handhelds

Getting with the gestalt, hotspot aggregator iPass Inc. has widened its focus beyond providing Wi-Fi for laptops to include handheld devices. Specifically, Wi-Fi-enabled Windows Mobile 6 devices will now have access to the iPass treatment. Support for BlackBerries, the iPhone and the iPod Touch is planned for later this year.

“The popularity of consumer-driven handheld devices changes the paradigm for enterprise IT by allowing people to be productive using Web-based applications through their own smartphone,” said Joel Wachtler, vice president of marketing and strategy at iPass. “IT cannot ignore these devices, and instead must ensure that workers can be productive using them and that they don’t create an unreasonable burden for the business through expensive connectivity, poor security, or high support costs. iPass’ mission is to simplify the growing complexity of enterprise mobility, and expanding support to these platforms is a key element of our strategy.”

iPass has more than 100,000 hotspots worldwide, including airports, hotels such as Hyatt, Hilton and Marriott, and retail locations including Starbucks coffeehouses and McDonald’s. The client also has an auto-detector for sniffing out home, work and third-party networks. Access is priced as a flat monthly fee and comes in two flavors: iPass Mobile Office service for enterprises or the iPassConnect mobility service for individuals.

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