iPass to offer intra-LAN management for companies: iPass's iPassConnect client currently allows a firm to provide company-wide access to remote dial-up, wired, and wireless networks using the firm's own directory. The new iPass Wireless LAN Roaming service will let that company's IT department configure the client to connect to the local wireless LAN, too.
In its first release, the software allows firm-wide support for a network name (SSID) and WEP key; this version is expected next quarter. WEP keys can be changed remotely by an IT manager. A later release will handle WPA and directly allow 802.1X authentication of users to iPass's system, which allows dynamic WEP or WPA keys to be assigned.
In a briefing, iPass said that this extension to their service is in direct response to customer requests that would allow a single package with a single graphical interface and login to manage the entire wireless experience. iPass will offer this service as with its current offerings, direct to large firms and through resellers to other companies.