VPN Client Support

I manage technology within a large state University that utilizes Junos Pulse to access ALL enterprise systems (including SharePoint).  I maintain a dual mobile environment between Windows Phone and iOS.  I am losing support amongst my leadership for Windows Phone because of the inability to reach our enterprise systems.

Rather than suggest that we as clients pressure the vendors, Microsoft needs to reach out to vendors to help them transition to this platform as quickly as possible.  Microsoft has much more to benefit from this than the vendors.  We have other products to choose from that will allow us to use these 3rd party vendor VPNs.  Unfortunately, the excellently designed Surface and Windows Phone 8 devices are not currently among the product list.

I understand that we will have more options available when the Surface Pro becomes available.  However, price and size make this model a different application.  Furthermore, I cannot stress enough how enterprises have run out of time to move forward in this space.  We are sadly going to have to leave Microsoft behind very soon.

Microsoft -

While it wasn't the only reason I returned the Surface, the lack of VPN options was a major factor in my decision.

I do not want a thicker and heavier Windows 8 tablet, so I'm sticking with Android for now.

I have many clients that use Junos Pulse. Without an SSL VPN client, my surface stays at home.

too bad. the surface tablet is fantastic. but without a VPN client, I have to stay with the ipad.

I am returning my Surface RT tomorrow.

I am in the same position and I am seeing even bigger opportunities lost: about 300 users depend on my opinion on such devices, even for their own personal or BYOD purchases.

Those who have asked me (and have played with my RT, and have loved the keyboard and everything else...) now won't be buying it, simply because I told them they can't connect to anything work related... A lot of Christmas shopping opportunities lost.

I hope Microsoft realises that word-of-mouth is an important part of marketing for these new devices at launch and that they shouldn't fire their Windows 8 top exec over eliminating the start menu (which is no big deal, actuially), but may be over restriciting Cisco, Juniper from providing VPN apps on the RT variety?

And, if they intend to allow Cisco and Juniper to make VPN apps for the RT, they should announce it right away, even if we have to wait for the actual implementation.

What a shame. I wish Microsoft would at least let us know they are listening. When I return my surface, does anyone have any recommendations on a tablet that I can use for work?