Application specific connection module

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention comprise an application-driven connection module that maintains network connectivity to at least one application server and enables only intended applications to operate between the client and the server.

1 . A connection module for use with a client device, the connection module comprising: 
 an amount of network connectivity;    a transport service module for enabling network connectivity to at least one server through one of a plurality of connection types; and    an access module that enables at least one application offered by the at least one server;    wherein the network connectivity is limited to access related to the at least one application.    
   
   
       2 . The connection module of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one application is a single application.  
   
   
       3 . The connection module of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one transceiver.  
   
   
       4 . The connection module of  claim 1 , wherein the connection module does not include a transceiver.  
   
   
       5 . The connection module of  claim 1 , wherein the network connectivity is pre-paid airtime.  
   
   
       6 . The connection module of  claim 5 , wherein the price of the prepaid airtime is based on requirements of the at least one application.  
   
   
       7 . The connection module of  claim 1 , wherein the access module further provides security for the provision of the at least one application.  
   
   
       8 . The connection module of  claim 7 , wherein the access module provides security using a firewall.  
   
   
       9 . The connection module of  claim 7 , wherein the access module provides security using port controls.  
   
   
       10 . The connection module of  claim 7 , wherein the access module provides security using a VPN.  
   
   
       11 . The connection module of  claim 1 , wherein the access module only enables network connectivity when a secured environment is confirmed.  
   
   
       12 . A system comprising a client device and at least one server wherein the client device is connected to a connection module comprising: 
 an amount of network connectivity;    a transport service module for enabling network connectivity to the at least one server through one of a plurality of connection types; and    an access module that enables at least one application offered by the at least one server,    wherein the network connectivity is limited to access related to the at least one application.    
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the at least one server is part of a corporate network and the client device is located outside of the corporate network.  
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the client device is virtually connected to a corporate network containing the at least one server.  
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein 
 the at least one application relates to a first entity; and    the at least one server is physically hosted by a second entity.    
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the first entity and second entity are connected by a dedicated line.  
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the at least one server reside at a data center.  
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the data center is operated by a connection module provider.  
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the data center is operated by a provider of the at least one application.  
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the at least one application is a single application.  
   
   
       21 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the access module optimizes performance of the application.  
   
   
       22 . A method of providing an application comprising: 
 providing a server offering an application for use by at least one client device, wherein the server is connected to an Intranet;    providing a client device located remote to the Intranet; and    providing a connection module at the client device, the connection module comprising an amount of network connectivity, a transport service module for enabling network connectivity to the server and an access module that allows access to only one application.    
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the application is document sharing software, wherein the application controls access to selected files.  
   
   
       24 . A method of selling an application comprising selling client software, server software, and at least one application-driven connection module under the same brand name.  
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the software, the server software, and the at least one application-driven connection modules are sold as a package.  
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the connection module includes prepaid airtime.  
   
   
       27 . The method of  claim 25 , further comprising selling additional airtime to recharge the connection module.