iPass improves security

Virtual network operator iPass has introduced iPass Policy Orchestration, an enhancement to its enterprise access software that allows iPass services to control and enforce use of solutions inherent to individual corporate security policies, such as personal firewalls, anti-virus, assessment and remediation, patch management and network compliance software.

"Before, we checked for firewalls and other things before the connection was made, but this is an intelligent software overlay that goes a step further in that it monitors the state of the connection," said Jon Russo, vice president of marketing at iPass.

iPass Policy Orchestration, part of the firm’s iPassConnect software, integrates the company’s virtual network architecture with policy-based security systems from vendors that are also iPass Alliance technology partners, such as Cisco Systems, Nortel Networks, Intel, Check Point, Microsoft, Symantec, Network Associates, Sygate and others. This means that iPass’ software can fit seamlessly into any enterprise’s corporate IT environment, Russo said.

"Integration is like the cement between the bricks for corporate security," he said. Advantages of iPass Policy Orchestration include endpoint protection throughout a user’s connection regardless of whether or not the corporate network is being used; simplified policy administration through integration with existing management and authentication functions; and direct technical integration that actually allows iPass’ platform to control and sequence the operation of third-party security systems.

IPass’ thorough endpoint security sets it apart from telcos and wireless carriers that generally don’t have the capability to check for endpoint security before a connection is made. However, as iPass’ software is continually augmented with new features, Russo believes iPass also can be a good partner to carriers.

"Some carriers want to do their own security software integration for enterprise customers, but it’s not their core competency," he said.

Policy Orchestration-enabled services will be available from iPass beginning in the fourth quarter this year.