Aventail is upgrading its SSL VPN gear so it supports PDAs and smartphones. This means that end users with these wireless devices can connect to business applications as long as the devices are fitted with a Web browser.

This can be a convenience for remote users stuck somewhere without their laptop but who could use the time to get some work done, or who need to get to centrally stored data when they are on the road, say at a sales call.

It's a good idea, but has limitations. The software won't allow access to applications that don't support a small-screen presentation or that require high bandwidth connections to work reasonably fast. It's good that it filters out applications that won't behave well on a small device, but it also restricts the kind of work you can do with it.

The new software comes in two flavors, WorkPlace Mobile and Connect Mobile. WorkPlace Mobile is a Web portal that supports access to Web applications from any wireless device. Connect Mobile is an agent that is downloaded to the remote device that supports client-server applications in addition to Web applications. The restriction is that the Connect Mobile agent works only with devices based on Windows Mobile PDA.

Some organizations may have no need for this, but the WorkPlace Mobile option comes packaged with Aventail SSL VPN gateways and is a free upgrade to current customers. So trying it out is harmless. Aventail is charging for Connect Mobile. It costs $1,000 for 25 concurrent users at the low end. Pricing has not been set for a higher number of users, but it will be linked to which model VPN gateway customers own.

The software is scheduled to be available sometime next quarter.

Tim Greene is senior editor at Network World.