F5 Networks Inc, the global leader in Application Delivery Networking, recently announced that its BIG-IP Edge Client is the industry's first SSL VPN solution that provides comprehensive security and mobile access for all devices running Android 4.x (codenamed Ice Cream Sandwich). F5's free, downloadable client enhances mobile user productivity by providing accelerated client access to corporate resources via a full SSL VPN connection.

In parallel, F5 has also developed a version of its BIG-IP Edge Client for "rooted" devices, which can be used by IT professionals to extend client support for devices running previous versions of the Android OS, or for testing and demonstration purposes. Additionally, F5 is introducing enhanced support for its BIG-IP Edge Portal, which provides managed application access to enterprise web applications such as SharePoint, wikis, and Intranet sites.

"As a recognised leader in the SSL VPN market, customers continually look to us for solutions to address their evolving IT needs," said Mark Vondemkamp, director of Product Management at F5. "User requests to support the latest smartphones and tablets are a great example. Our Edge Client and Edge Portal applications give users secure, convenient, and fast access to company resources from the corporate and personal devices of their choice. With leading support for Android, Linux, and Apple iOS endpoints, F5 solutions provide flexible, optimized access to empower mobile users without sacrificing IT's ability to manage applications and infrastructures."

With F5's new remote access solutions and mobile applications, organisations can:

• Securely extend IT support capabilities and maintain infrastructure safeguards
• Tailor IT policies to meet specific compliance requirements and business needs
• Improve user experience and accelerate client access with BIG-IP Edge Gateway

F5's BIG-IP Edge Client, BIG-IP Edge Client for rooted devices, and BIG-IP Edge Portal can be downloaded from the Google Android Market. All other F5 solutions mentioned in this announcement are available today with BIG-IP version 11.1 software.