Expanded IPSec VPN secure client for PCs and handhelds

NCP engineering GmbH announced the 9.1 version of the NCP Secure Enterprise Client. Available in North America on December 5th, this major upgrade to NCP’s universal IPSec VPN client will provide users a flexible, intuitive, bundled client for any Windows-based (Mobile, CE, XS/Vista/32/64-bit) or Symbian system (S60 3rd Edition). The client is seamlessly compatible with any IPSec gateway on the market.

The bundled solution is equipped with a dynamic personal firewall, intuitive and user-friendly GUI, data encryption, Friendly Net Detection, and one-time password token and certificate support through a public key infrastructure (PKI). It can also be integrated with a network access control (NAC) component to ensure highly secure access to central data networks.

New features include:

• Wireless Service Provider Roaming (WISPr) Support
  As a major North American hotspot login protocol, VPN support of WISPr allows any device to connect to a hotspot without having to logon through an internet browser. A device will simply have access for any application on that device through the VPN, making logon and network interaction faster for the user.
• Multiple Certificate Support
  Mobile workers often need to connect to several VPNs, requiring many certificates to authorise the device to the network. This function stores and automatically configures the single VPN client for any previously authorized certificates, increasing logon speed and simplifying VPN access.
• Streamlined Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Card Support
  3G wireless connection speed for laptops is on the rise in North America through major carriers such as AT&T. This function enables the client to maintain a VPN during idle and standby periods where typically the connection is lost. The ‘wake up’ time for a laptop is increased as well.
• Budget Manager for Wireless Minutes
  Enables network administrators or users to monitor the costs of all available VPN connection types, including UMTS, GPRS and WLAN, and enforce limits on device airtime or cost. Users can configure dollar or minute budgets according to basic provider rates. If these set limits are exceeded, users will receive warning notices, or their VPN connection attempts will be hindered. The new component of the software also allows for the restriction or disabling of roaming.