SonicWALL, a leading provider of integrated security, productivity and mobility solutions, introduced its new Pocket Global VPN Client (Pocket GVC) software, which provides an easy-to-use security solution for handheld devices running Microsoft’s Pocket PC 2003 operating system. Pocket GVC addresses the needs of vertical markets such healthcare, hospitality, government, manufacturing, warehousing and retail, where the growing use of handheld 802.11 devices is matched by an increased need to secure the wireless network.
Pocket GVC, the first SonicWALL software product for handheld devices, provides users running Microsoft Pocket PC 2003 with secure, encrypted wireless access to corporate networks or the Internet. Pocket GVC is a sister product to SonicWALL’s Global VPN Client for PCs and laptops, launched earlier this year. Pocket GVC supports WAN, PPP and GPRS adapters, and is fully compatible with SonicWALL’s full line of wired and wireless security appliances, including SonicPoint access points and the SOHO TZW.
Users already running the Pocket GVC solution include Florida’s number one private members’ club, the five-star Boca West Country Club, in Boca Raton, where SonicWALL silver medallion partner Systems Design & Support, Inc. of Delray Beach has installed a secure wired and wireless network. The deployment comprises a PRO 4060 security gateway, several SonicPoint wireless access points and 50 HP iPAQ handheld devices running Pocket GVC. The system allows servers to take food and beverage orders and instantly transmit them to the kitchens and billing systems.
“As wireless data communication becomes more widespread, mobile devices are increasingly seen as potential security threats,” said Keith Nissen, senior analyst at In-Stat/MDR. “Mobile security solutions like SonicWALL’s Pocket GVC enable organizations to protect internal assets by extending the corporate network security to mobile users, all while taking advantage of the productivity, cost and customer service gains that mobility offers.”
“Using the wireless devices to transmit data helps us to reduce errors, improve customer service and contain our costs,” says Laura Dwyer, MIS director of Boca West Country Club. “The Pocket GVC is easy to install, configure and use, and gives our staff instant access to essential systems.” “This deployment required Pocket PC processing of financial transactions in multiple independent facilities, all while traversing overlapping physical spaces where public hot spots are maintained,” says Norm Landerman of Systems Design & Support. “Boca West’s environment demanded a Pocket PC VPN client that could integrate into SonicWALL’s Distributed Wireless Solution, which provides centralized VPN and guest management, as well as roaming capabilities among wireless access points encompassing separate security zones. Protecting customer data is a major concern for our clients and, until now, the handheld devices were a potential source of vulnerability on the network. We are delighted to offer this product as part of our portfolio.”
SonicWALL’s Pocket GVC is a standalone application for Microsoft Pocket PC 2003. Features include a customized user interface with log viewer, pop-up notification of VPN tunnel status, support for NAT-03, and virtual adapter support for controlled access to internal network resources. “Pocket GVC is an important addition to our product offerings,” commented Douglas Brockett, vice president of worldwide marketing at SonicWALL. “Customers are eager for the advances mobility can afford their businesses, and wireless devices are increasingly used in a wide range of applications from healthcare to hospitality to field service. Pocket GVC opens opportunities for all kinds of businesses to take advantages of the productivity gains available from new wireless technologies.”
Pricing and availability:
Pocket GVC licenses are available ranging from 1 to 1,000 user versions. Prices start at $50 for one user and range up to $3995 for a 1,000 user license. Pocket GVC is available immediately.
About SonicWALL, Inc.
SonicWALL, Inc. is a leading provider of integrated network security, mobility, and productivity solutions for the SMB, enterprise, e-commerce, education, healthcare, retail/point-of-sale, and government markets. Core technologies include firewall, VPN, wireless, intrusion detection and prevention, SSL, anti-virus, and content filtering, along with award-winning security management solutions. Together, these products and technologies provide the most comprehensive distributed enforcement architecture available. SonicWALL, Inc. is headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA. SonicWALL trades on the NASDAQ exchange under the symbol SNWL. For more information, contact SonicWALL at 408-745-9600 or visit the company web site at http://www.sonicwall.com/ .