Truphone Trumpets VOIP for iPad

Truphone joins Citrix Systems and Cisco Systems in moving quickly to make voice applications for the iPad that allow users to take a virtual office with them anywhere they go by providing secure access to their corporate applications and documents.

Global mobile operator Truphone is adding voice over IP to the iPad applications that give users to the ability to make voice calls. Truphone's application turns Apple's tablet PC into "a mobile phone that offers free or low-cost international calls, as well as advanced instant messaging features that integrate a user's contacts from across multiple IM networks," the company said April 5.

The statement continued, "Truphone was the first to officially launch a mobile VOIP calling application for Apple's iPhone and iPod Touch platforms, and the company continues to lead the way with the launch of Truphone for iPad."

Meanwhile, Citrix Systems on April 2 announced that "two new iPad apps, Citrix Receiver and Citrix GoToMeeting, are now available on the App Store. The Citrix Receiver App for iPad makes it possible for iPad owners to take a virtual office with them anywhere they go by providing secure access to all of their corporate applications and documents. The Citrix GoToMeeting App for iPad brings the same level of simplicity to the world of business meetings, making it easy for iPad owners to collaborate from anywhere via online meetings that are both effortless and visually stunning."

"Analysts estimate that Apple presold more than 150,000 iPads on its first day, with 2010 sales on track to hit 4 million," Geraldine Wilson, CEO of Truphone, said in a statement. "Every device includes WiFi and, soon, 3G connectivity. That makes them a natural fit for Truphone, which has a long history of giving the iPod Touch and iPhone a broad range of new options for staying in touch."

Cisco Systems has already announced it is bringing its own WebEx collaboration offering for the iPad. Owners will be able to download Cisco's WebEx Meeting Center application, allowing them to participate in online meetings.