The Challenge Of Secure Mobile Network Access Anywhere

• Simple, secure access to many types of networks
• Securing systems & information in a mobile environment
• Centralized corporate control & visiblity of network service
• Centralized corporate control & enforcement of user policies
• Unified management & billing of multiple communications transports
• Enabling application performance in a wireless environment

Mobile workers need network access that offers:

• Good coverage
• High data speeds
• Reasonable and predictable prices

Optimizing these three variables requires access to such different network services as cellular, Wi-Fi, dial-up, and LAN as well as the ability to change from one to another to get the best result in any environment. For example, a user should select such point solutions as Wi-Fi, DSL/cable modem or LAN whenever they are available because they are fast and low cost, but these backbones are only available in scattered locations. 2G cellular such as PHS provides extensive coverage and is affordable, but is also relatively slow. Finally, when data speed is more important than cost and point solutions are unavailable, the user should select 3G cellular. Utilizing multiple data networks, however, can be very complicated for the individual user and also for the IT department. Users need to keep track of when different networks are available, decide whether to choose one network or another, learn to operate the different network's user interfaces, and manage multiple passwords. This can be frustrating, and it distracts from their real work. For the IT department, managing the cost, performance, and varying security risks associated with each network is difficult, and working with multiple network vendors can be a real headache.