Citrix Online (News - Alert) has reached Australia, where they have "launched a local version of its Web conferencing service," according to industry observer Beverley Head, who described it as "aimed at individuals and small business owners."

It's offering access to unlimited Web conferences for up to 15 people for $65 a month. Pretty much in the SMB - self-employed sweet spot.

Yes, Citrix web conferencing has been available locally Down Under, Head says, "but only via the U.S. Web site, with fees charged in American dollars."

She reports that according to Citrix officials, "demand for Web conferencing in Australia has more than doubled in recent months, leading to the decision to offer local service and pricing."

Earlier this month Citrix announced two new iPad apps, Citrix Receiver and Citrix GoToMeeting, now available on the App Store. The Citrix Receiver App for iPad "makes it easy 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," company officials say.

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," company officials say.

'The iPad is ideal for mobile business use as a complement to the corporate desktop,' said Mark Templeton, president and CEO, Citrix Systems (News - Alert).

Citrix Online's presence in Australia has been rather crimped by the pricey entry level contracts, which started at around $700 in U.S. dollars, per year for Web conferences for up to 25 people. Obviously the deal they're offering now, $65 a month service is available for up to 15 people, with an annual option available for $624, is much more congenial to Aussies.

Managing director HR Shiever told Head that users would also get access to VoiP and local toll free numbers when using the service: "He believed that the flat fee, and security associated with the Citrix brand would encourage users - particularly small and micro-businesses - to try the service," she reported.

Citrix officials say this is the first time the company has offered the service in local currency in this part of the world - "although India, Singapore and China are expected to get similar treatment shortly," according to Head.