Does your business need to give your iPad carrying employees access to your network, files, and applications? Don’t want to set up VPN hardware? iSimplyConnect could be the solution for you.
Overview
Whether it’s from home or the road, working remotely has become an important part of today’s business world. By setting up Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), the company is assured that their sensitive data is protected as it is transmitted to and from the company network.
Companies have started issuing iPads for their employees to use, or in some cases, the employees are using their personal iPads to access company data. With iSimplyConnect, administrators can set up a VPN for their iPad users, forcing them to use the VPN tunnel to access certain sites and data.
To get started, I downloaded the iPad client app from the App Store. I also needed to download the server software from the iSimplyConnect website. (At this time, the server software is Windows only.) I did need to sign up for a free trial, and setup an account on the website.
The trial is completely free, and you don’t need to enter any credit card or other billing information. You do need to install the server software on a computer you have admin privileges on. If you don’t have that, you can click a link to send instructions to your IT administrator. I had admin privileges on my PC, so I continued with the installation.
After installation, I clicked the “Admin Site” button in the server software screen and went to the admin website. There, I was able to add a user and send an email to myself telling me how to download the app for my iPad, I went to the App Store, downloaded the clients software to my iPad, ran it, and joined the network, entered my email address and the PIN, then a short period passed as my iPad was authenticated, and then I saw a little VPN appear in the upper left corner of the iPad screen. I was on.
Using the VPN, I was able to connect to my network to do file transfers, browse sites thru the VPN connection, and various other tasks. (The iSimplyConnect software doesn’t include utilities to do these tasks, they are all accomplished by using other iPad apps thru the VPN tunnel.)
One thing I was unable to do was use a remote desktop app to control my PC remotely. I don’t think that was the fault of iSimplyConnect, I believe it’s a settings problem between the RDP software and my PC, as I’ve experienced it before.
Speed of the VPN was never a problem. I connected via a 3G hotspot I have, and using a speed testing app, I accomplished a download speed of 1.91 Mbps over a non-VPN connection. When the VPN was enabled, the connection speed dropped only slightly with a download speed of 1.45 Mbps.
Verdict
iSimplyConnect is a great solution for a small business or individual wanting to setup a VPN for use by themselves and their employees without having to go to the expense of setting up dedicated hardware. The setup is easy, both on the server and the clients, and the app should definitely be considered when you’re looking at VPN solutions.
Price: Free (Available now in the App Store) – App Link
There is a monthly charge after the free trial is up. Prices vary according to the amount of users you wish to give access to. Prices range from $15 monthly for 1 to 3 users, up to $180 monthly for 26 to 50 users. Check the iSimplyConnect website for more information.
Rating:4.5/4[rating:4.5]
Pros:
- Easy setup.
- Fast connection, only a slight drop in VPN vs. Non-VPN connection.
- Ability to setup domains that require VPN only connection if you haven’t already set that up on your domain.
Cons:
- Understanding the app may be a little out of the average users bailiwick. IT admins may want to put together a short training document for new users.
