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Why your organisation needs to invest in a mobile VPN
Handheld computing technology is evolving rapidly, network speeds have improved, mobile phones have become Smartphones and PDAs are now powerful near-laptop functioning devices. Mobile workers are quickly realising the benefits of all-in-one devices that let them make calls, check e-mail and gain real-time access to enterprise applications all from a small handheld.
Issues such as device limitations and wireless coverage remain, but in many other respects IT managers can now suddenly leap many hurdles that previously slowed wireless deployments to meet the new demands for more applications and more access to information whenever and wherever their users want.
Enterprises are quickly adopting Windows Mobile 5.0 powered devices that converge voice with high-speed data access for mobile workers. But Microsoft has always been dogged by security concerns and Windows Mobile is already flagged with many.
So what is the best option for IT managers? Hold off until those security concerns have been dealt with? Based on experiences with other Microsoft operating systems, waiting will probably not help that much. Instead, when it comes to mobile computing you should determine your “mobile security strategy,” just as you had to with your wired one. As technology continues to evolve (with future release of Windows Mobile expected), make sure that it is a solid foundation that will continue to support your needs and the needs of your mobile workers.
Where to begin your research? Best to start with your VPN. In a recent White Paper entitled, “Optimize Enterprise Productivity Through Mobility: Choosing the Right VPN Solution” Yankee Group suggest that, “With a variety of access technologies, device options and remote applications available, VPN solutions are no longer one-size-fits-all. Mobile VPNs offer solid performance over wireless networks, especially across slower wireless WAN links.”
For those enterprises where mobile workers need access to information while they are on the go, Mobile VPNs, like NetMotion Mobility XE offer a secure connection that is optimized for low bandwidth, high latency, and unreliable wireless links. Analysts recommend that highly mobile companies and organisations such as those in healthcare, government, retail, and transportation, should invest in a mobile VPN now.
For more information
To learn more about the differences between legacy SSL/IPSec VPNs and the new breed of Mobile VPNs, and to assess which one is better suited for the needs of your mobile workers, download the Yankee Group White Paper from www.netmotionwireless.co.uk 
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