VPN Client Support

The last I heard about a month ago from a Juniper person, they are working with Microsoft on a VPN solution for RT.  This still might make the 8.1 cut as MS is still tweaking that for the OEM release in August.

Per James' issue with WiFi, I had issues too until a firmware update fixed the issue.  I also moved to the 8.1 preview and have had no WiFi issues.  Could also be an actually hardware issue as all devices sometimes have those.

I have been monitoring all the news I can find on it.  I don't use VPN myself but do try to keep up with it.  Microsoft was making an investment into the VPN realm of developers but Cisco was not mentioned but that does not mean that they won't.

I think what the biggest problem with Cisco is that they want full control of the firewall and Microsoft says "NO"!  Linux/UNIX systems basically have it built into them.  Apples' iOS and OS/X are both from the UNIX world and they will definitely have that support capability.

Having another company (to include anti-virus software makers) to have control of the firewall is a very dark grey area and I don't really blame Microsoft in being hesitant about that.  You lose control of the security of the system you are trying to keep secure

• especially when Windows (all flavors) are a prime target for hackers.

For connectivity though, I myself have moved on to an iPad 4 to take the RT's place because of connection issues with WiFi.  It connects when it feels like it and to me, that is unreliable.  That iPad will connect with anything instantly.  Even though the productivity software for it sucks, it will have to do.

If I hear more, keep an eye on this thread because myself and others are posting what we find and will try to get it out as fast as possible.  I do know that both Juniper Pulse and Cisco both are key systems that corporations are using to ensure the security of their systems and the employees have to follow that rule.  You guys have no choice.

There is no guarantee that the 8.1 final will have either the client VPN program or the setup modules to support the setup of Cisco.  Microsoft will not say anything until the release comes out.

Has anyone heard anything new since the last post of this thread?  It's been almost a month, the new iPads will most likely be announced in September and they might be a tempting option as they can even connect through Cisco VPN.

By the looks of the plugin you found, but the VPN client wasn't included for it, I wonder if it is in the Store?  If not then it looks like everybody will have to wait until the final release and I think that won't be until around October.

They sure do know how to pull people's chains and leave them hanging for sure.  I can probably guess that the plugins for the other VPN client apps are in the system as well.  I never looked myself.

For any help or documentation, you could probably check with TechRepublic.com.  They seem to have information on anything and everything.

 There is a "CheckPointVpnPluginApp.exe" in C:\Windows\vpnplugins, but it won't run from the desktop (requires an appcontainer that isn't available yet? odd?)

Windows RT in the workplace requires VPN as the "killer app" to be viable, in my opinion.  I hope Microsoft is listening and invests properly in getting as many VPN vendors up-and-running by the time 8.1 ships.

Interesting.  I just checked this folder, and there are three folders inside:  checkpoint, sonicwall, and f5.  I think it's pretty clear that Juniper did not make it into this release.

I agree with your other paragraph.  RT needs robust VPN to be viable in the enterprise.  Otherwise, it's just another content consumption device with fewer apps and less differentiation from competiting products.