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Managing secure Internet access for the mobile workforce made simpler and less costly

Network Utilities today launched PlanetRoam, a new service for companies concerned about how their mobile workforce accesses the Internet, connects to the corporate network, or collects email whilst out of the office.

April 6, 2004--PlanetRoam provides Internet access for mobile users from small, medium and large enterprises, worldwide with one single point of invoice. This new service was launched by Network Utilities on their Stand (no 804) at the Wireless LAN Event in Olympia, London.

Based on the award winning iPassConnect™ network, the PlanetRoam managed service allows users a mode of access and a point of connection to some 24,000 access points in over 150 countries.

“Security, cost-savings and a single point of invoice are all key features of the new service.” said Michele Lewington, managing director of Network Utilities “This is a highly competitive service based solely on usage charges, with no subscription or initial connection fees. As a managed service it offers companies secure access but without the burden of managing the service themselves.”

Organisations that have signed up for the new service include Bestobell Aviation, a subsidiary of Meggitt Plc, which is a world leader in manufacturing polymeric components for the Aerospace, Marine and Oil & Gas industry. David Sparkes, who is responsible for network support at Bestobell Aviation and Avica UK, said “Before the official launch of the service, a number of our executives evaluated it on a number of business trips within North America and Europe and they found that it made dialling up the internet and accessing our network a lot easier and far cheaper. By calling the freephone number, they were able to avoid paying an expensive telephone fee and 24-hour Broadband Internet connection at each hotel along the route. We simply paid for the time that we used and got a single bill at the end of the month.”

PlanetRoam’s 24,000 access points allow users to connect from the home, office, airport, hotel, convention centre or a wide range of other locations. Various methods of connection are available, including wireless broadband, wired broadband, home broadband, modem, and ISDN.

The PlanetRoam service has been specifically designed to integrate with all major security infrastructures, and to be compatible with a wide range of server platforms.
With the security of corporate networks in mind, the PlanetRoam service utilises the benefits of strategic alliances formed with ISP’s worldwide to ensure that rigorous security standards are enforced for the mobile workforce of its customers. PlanetRoam uses a 128-bit SSL encryption of the username and password authentication, again adding a further level of integrated security.

“IT managers can gain peace of mind, knowing that centrally managed policies for access, security and usage let them control exactly how their end users connect. If their users are not running the appropriate anti-virus, personal firewall or intrusion detection software then their connection is denied.” said Michele Lewington.

PlanetRoam’s simple, easy to use client interface allows all mobile personnel to use the service with practically no training. In addition, PlanetRoam provides a secure, intuitive on-line administration program that may be accessed by all users of the service. This area provides user and company profiles, raw data logs and any previously billed data. If appropriate, priority rights can be given to pre-assigned administrators or IT Managers, who then have the authority to create new users on-line. This is a simple, speedy way to allow new users to use the service without unnecessary delay.

“With today’s workforce becoming increasingly mobile, the need for a secure remote access solution becomes ever more apparent. A growing number of organisations are having to address this problem and the PlanetRoam global Internet roaming service offers a solution to this requirement at a very competitive rate.”