IDG News Service - Nokia Corp. and iPass Inc. said they are developing client software for Nokia dual-mode phones that will let users connect to public Wi-Fi hot pots worldwide.
Through partnerships with hot spot operators, iPass offers access to about 50,000 hot spots around the world through a single account, the Redwood Shores, Calif., company said Wednesday. Client software for using the iPass service is already available for Microsoft Corp. Windows and Windows Mobile operating systems, as well as for Apple Computer Inc.'s Mac OS.
The companies initially will develop a client for a set of handsets with cellular and wireless LAN capability that are based on the Nokia Series 80 and Series 60 software platforms. They expect to deliver software for the Nokia 9300i and 9500 by the summer.
By the end of this year, they plan to make clients available for Nokia Eseries devices, a line of business phones announced last October.
In addition to hot spots in airports, hotels and other locations, iPass provides Internet connectivity via dial-up, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) and wired broadband connections. The service includes security enforcement and centralized policy-based management.
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