Tips for securing mobile apps

27.10.2008
The proliferation of third-generation cellular networks and Wi-Fi hotspots is helping mobile workers work on the road but one analyst notes administrators must provide virtual private networks for security.

About 200 Export Development Canada workers use HP 2710 tablets with wireless cards that allow them to use both the telcos's 3G networks and Wi-Fi wireless local-area networks at coffee shops and hotels.

EDC is a state-owned firm that provides financing, insurance, and other financial services for companies exporting to or operating in foreign countries. The organization has a contract with Montreal-based Bell Mobility to provide both wireless modems and Cisco Systems Inc.'s VPN Client, said David McNulty, EDC's manager of telecommunications and desktop services.

The air card from Bell Mobility costs less than C$100 (US$78.32) per month, and McNulty estimates "potential savings" of $17 million over three years because EDC's financial sales, risk management and insurance workers can be productive while outside of the office. The total cost of EDC's mobility project was about $2 million.

EDC is also using Policy Manager and Mobility Client software from Montreal-based Trellia Inc., which is designed to connect over 802.11 networks, instead of carrier 3G networks, when an access point is available.

Although Bell Mobility gives EDC a flat rate for wireless in Canada, many EDC workers travel to places with roaming agreements. Outside of Canada, McNulty said, EDC is "discouraging the use of the air card and we're encouraging the use of the Wi-Fi hot spots or hotels and so forth because of the roaming fees. A legal person that's travelling could easily have a 50 MB file and if you're familiar with roaming charges, that could get quite substantial."