NetMotion claims its mobility XE provides advantages over IP Security (IPSec) or Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) VPNs.

Info-Tech's Tauschek recommends mobile users consider mobile VPNs because they allow roaming between networks while still on the corporate VPN.

"For a nomadic laptop user that needs access to certain applications, an SSL VPN is probably the ideal solution," Tauschek said. "It allows very granular management and access, it's quite simple to manage and allows you access only to applications and areas on the network that you need access to through a portal that's very easy to use for the end user."

He advises users not to rely on VPNs using Point to Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) because the encryption hash is "not considered to be secure anymore."

Although SRD started using Compaq iPaqs, they quickly changed to the Itronix GoBook because it had better processing power, Ivanc said. Although the staff operate in isolated areas, they can still access the Internet using Telus's network.