The secure iPass Portal allows IT staff to set access rights, view real-time usage quality statistics, submit trouble tickets and view detailed billing records. Those customers who choose to have iPass host authentication services also perform user provisioning and de-provisioning via the iPass Portal.
User Administration
iPass uses a federated AAA model allowing most customers to utilize iPass connectivity services, such as Mobile Office and Virtual Office, through their local corporate authentication database. In this case, user administration of iPass connectivity services occurs using the customer's existing administrative tools. The iPass solution uses each customer's authentication database to verify user credentials. As soon as IT staff make a modification in the authentication database—any user adds, moves or changes—it's immediately effective for all users connecting worldwide.
Customers taking advantage of the iPass Hosted Authentication option have iPass host the AAA for connectivity services. IT staff perform all user administration tasks via a secure Web interface in the iPass Portal.
Setting Device and Connection Policies
IT staff can enforce the use of personal firewalls, intrusion detection systems and VPN tunnels by remote and mobile devices. For Wi-Fi hotspot connections, administrators can ensure iPass Encrypted Login technology is running to minimize the risks of sniffing or replay attacks. IT managers can even create profile-based policies to limit which hotspots users access, control session durations and even block groups of users from accessing Wi-Fi hotspots. The iPass Portal is also the console through which customers of iPass hosted Device Management services manage their devices.
Integrated Billing
Customers maintain a single vendor relationship with iPass across all providers. iPass supplies detailed billing records for all fixed broadband, dial-up, Wi-Fi and 3G mobile broadband and iPass Device Management services. A sophisticated transaction clearing engine consolidates billing data to deliver a single invoice and unified call detail records (CDRs) across the numerous carriers that comprise the iPass global virtual network. These are available online through the iPass Portal, in a common format to allow for timely cost analyses and simplified internal charge-back.
Advanced Reporting (iOQ™)
iPass iOQ provides feedback on connection usage and performance to accelerate troubleshooting and usage-trend analysis via the iPass Portal. Modules within the iPassConnect™ client automatically capture detailed status and usage information during every connection attempt—both successful and unsuccessful. The system records access points used, client configurations, error codes, connection speeds, time to authenticate and other critical data. With the next available Internet connection, iPassConnect automatically uploads the information to the iPass service. This information is then processed and made available to customers via iOQ.
