Lotus Mobile Connect

IBM Lotus Mobile Connect software allows enterprises to provide a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to efficiently extend applications to mobile workers over many different wireless and wireline networks. The software supports a broad range of servers, clients and use cases. A security-rich connection can be established with client-less (i.e. through a Web browser) or client based access over a wired or wireless network connection. The software allows users to select the best network for their situation and to seamlessly roam between different networks.

Lotus Mobile Connect software is a distributed, scalable, multipurpose communications platform designed to optimize bandwidth, help reduce costs, and help ensure security. It creates a mobile VPN that encrypts data over vulnerable wireless LAN and wireless WAN connections. It integrates many standard IP and non-IP wireless bearer networks, server hardware, device operating systems, and mobile security protocols. Device support includes Microsoft Windows® Mobile 5, 6 and 6.1 clients, Microsoft Windows Vista® workstations, Apple Macintosh desktops and Nokia E50, E51, E60, E61, E62, E70, E71 and E90 devices.

Lotus Mobile Connect software (the follow-on release to IBM WebSphere® Everyplace® Connection Manager) can be used with IBM WebSphere® Portal, IBM Lotus Expeditor, IBM Lotus Sametime®, IBM Lotus Notes®, and IBM Lotus Forms to encrypt and extend business applications to mobile users. The Lotus Mobile Connect 6.1.3 software release is now available.

• Connects enterprise resources via a wide selection of Internet Protocol (IP) and non-IP network communication protocols and wireless and wired network connectivity options.

• Enables client-less access, so users can access HTTP-based applications (for example, IBM Lotus iNotes) via browser-based login and authentication.

• Helps protect sensitive information transmitted over either wired or wireless networks.

• Allows mobile users to maintain session persistence through seamless network roaming.

• Helps reduce mobile transmission costs and lower connection fees through data optimization functionality.

• Provides greater choice by supporting multiple client platforms and devices, including Linux, Symbian, a variety of Microsoft Windows clients (Windows Mobile 5, Windows Mobile 6 and 6.1, and Windows Vista) and Apple Macintosh desktops.

• Helps boost productivity by synergizing with other powerful collaboration products such as IBM Lotus Sametime®, IBM Lotus Notes®, IBM Lotus® Expeditor, and IBM WebSphere® Portal software. Tight integration with IBM Lotus Notes Traveler and IBM Lotus Sametime software provides single sign-on and a simplified user experience.

• Security features help protect data security in mobile applications. The software incorporates SSL connectivity, WTLS and Point-to-point Protocol (PPP) remote access standards from PPP clients. A symmetric encryption key is used to encode or decode data with varying key lengths - the strongest of which is the 256-key used in the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). Lotus Mobile Connect is certified for FIPS 140-2, 197, 186-2, and 1801-1 standards. The cryptographic libraries used by IBM have been tested and verified for U.S. and Canadian federal agencies.

• Client-less access allows access of HTTP-based applications (for example, IBM Lotus iNotes) via browser-based login and authentication. Lotus Mobile Connect 6.1.3 software provides enhanced security with HTTP session termination with automatic destruction of session security tokens upon application logout. In addition, application single sign-on configuration improves the ease of using client-less access.

• Dynamic Session Profiles allow recognition of the type of network over which you are connecting and automatic application of tuning parameters to help achieve optimal performance. This can simplify configuration and enhance the seamless roaming capability by automatically switching network-specific performance settings when roaming occurs.

• The ability to export/import client configuration files can facilitate deployment of client configuration changes over the air.

• An administrator has the ability to set or change client parameter options and then distribute the new configuration to the client. The client can import the new configuration and accept the changes.

• Application Check/Autostart allows the Mobility Client to be configured to check whether certain programs are running, such as antivirus or personal firewall software, before allowing the connection to start.

• Installation with Quickstart Mobile VPN is improved with the use of the VPN Wizard. The VPN wizard can configure Lotus Mobile Connect with common parameters that can help you get up and running quicker.

• A new connection option may allow implementation without any firewall changes. The software can be configured to use commonly open firewall ports used for Internet browsing.

• Expanded support for wireless networks includes UMTS, HSDPA, Motorola Astro and WCDMA.

• Broad client support, including Nokia 9500, 9300, 9330i, E50, E51, E60, E61, E62, E70, E71 and E90 devices and Windows™ Mobile devices and Windows Vista workstations in portrait and landscape modes. Lotus Mobile Connect 6.1.3 expands desktop support to include Apple Macintosh OS X version 10.4 and 10.5 on Intel and Power PC (32 bit and 64 bit).

• Ease of use enhancements for Symbian devices. Lotus Mobile Connect 6.1.3 software includes ease of use enhancements in two areas. The Mobility Client for Symbian devices has been updated to provide an integrated configuration, login, and session logging on select Nokia E-Series devices including these: Nokia E50, E51, E60, E61, E61i, E62, E66, E70, E71, E75, and E90. The software also extends support for an integrated mobility client (with single sign-on) with IBM Lotus Notes Traveler and IBM Lotus Sametime mobile client for supported devices.

• Broad server support. The software’s Connection Manager and Gatekeeper support Red Hat Enterprise Linux™ V4 AS, V5, and ES for Intel™ processors; SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 9,10; IBM AIX® 6.1 software and Windows 2008.

• Support for Windows - Windows 2003 Server (in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions) added as a platform deployment option in Lotus Mobile Connect 6.1.1 software. Lotus Mobile Connect 6.1.1.1 software supports Windows Mobile 5 and Windows Mobile 6 clients. Compatibility with selected third party VPN solutions is expanded.

• Compatibility with selected third party VPN solutions is expanded.

• Simplified Mobility Client APIs for ISVs to use. These APIs have been created to reduce the effort for application integration, easing the effort needed for establishing integrated configuration, starting, and stopping of basic IP-LAN connections.