Virtual private network (VPN) vendor Aventail has announced a mobile access tool that offers a common user experience across laptops, mobile devices and teleworkers' own home PCs. This simplifies administration, as remote access can be enabled via a single URL and authentication method, according to the company.

Aventail Mobile will be available from the fourth quarter of 2005, and is an add-on service that runs on the firm's EX-1500 and EX-750 series network appliances. It offers secure access to apps from virtually any mobile device, the firm said.

"Most people think that mobile access needs a vertical solution. For the first time we have combined it into a mainstream product," said Aventail European vice-president Tony Caine.

Until now, apps gateways applied different security policies for internal and external connections, but Aventail's new tool instead applies policies appropriate to the type of device, Caine added.

While Aventail Mobile offers a common user interface across all client systems, staff will see slightly different content depending on their device. For example, a Windows Smartphone user might see a link to Outlook Mobile Access while a user with a PC or laptop would see Outlook Web Access.

There are two access choices for Aventail Mobile: WorkPlace Mobile is a custom web portal with links to web-based apps, and is the first entry point for all users; and Connect Mobile is an optional VPN client that can be downloaded and run only on Windows Mobile devices. "Windows Mobile is used more often than other platforms for corporate client-server applications," said Caine.

WorkPlace Mobile is to be integrated into Aventail's Smart SSL VPN platform, the firm said, while Connect Mobile is an add-on feature costing $995 (£550).