Sputnik rolls out additional hotspot management features: Sputnik is the little company that could, and I don't mean it patronizingly. The company from its founding has continued to chart the course of best answering the needs of the customers that they find are most in need of their product. Sure, that's the way that all companies should work, but Sputnik has stayed small and focused and their "niche" product has increasingly broad applications as a result.

Their latest addition to their managed access point software package are two important billing options that provide hotspot operators with a great deal of flexibility in accepting payment from their customers at the least ongoing cost.

A PayPal module ($299, 100 APs, no transaction fees) integrates Sputnik's Control Center software into the massive payment system to allow one-time payments for use. Hotspot operators set the price. Interestingly, operators can also opt to work with a third-party, OurWebPortals, that can handle PayPal payments for hotspot access through the Sputnik system for a $50 setup fee and transaction fees based on monthly volume.

A more elaborate module integrates Control Center with Aria Systems' billing and customer management system for handling accounts and fees. This lets hotspot operators set up billing plans while customer can pay by bank transfer or credit card. Aria manages the account infrastructure. This module is $499 for up to 100 APs, with additional fees charged by Aria for their part of the equation.