iPass

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For the electronic toll collection system see I-Pass.

iPass is a commercial company that unifies the management of remote and mobile devices and connectivity. It provides Internet services to business users working remotely (out of their country or region) by integrating Internet connectivity with management of VPN and other third party security applications. The typical end user is a mobile worker with a laptop computer, Windows Mobile or other handheld device.

iPass end users can connect to more than 100,000 Wi-Fi hotspots and Ethernet venues in more than 150 countries throughout the world^[1]^[2]. The client software can also be used to connect to mobile data network services such as HSUPA, EVDO, 1X RTT, GPRS and UMTS. In countries where wireless and wired broadband access points are not available, iPass' legacy dialup service can be used, in which one calls a nearby phone number that connects to the internet. In May 2008 iPass started to offer in-flight Wifi on certain flights. ^[3]

The iPass Mobile Office service allows IT managers to monitor and manage end users' Internet connections, which would be otherwise invisible if end users use the native wireless connection manager embedded within the operating system. iPass end users have a single account, paid monthly, that can be used to connect to the Internet anywhere in the world^[1]. End users could connect to the Internet by signing up for local services, but this can be a lot of bother for short-term usage, requires local knowledge, and may even be impossible in the time available.

Outside of the US, iPass' largely enterprise customer base ^[4] is typically reached through channel partners such as Orange Business Services, Deutsche Telekom and Cable & Wireless, or through value added resellers. Within the US, iPass sells directly to enterprise customers as well as making use of channel partners such as Sayers and iRoam. End-users based in the US can sign up for the consumer offering directly from the iPass web site ^[5].

In practice, iPass performs their function through a massive organization of billing agreements with local providers, together with ongoing updates to the client software application.