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VMware eases mobile device management

Sibahle Malinga
By Sibahle Malinga, ITWeb senior news journalist.
Johannesburg, 05 Aug 2016
Managing organisations' mobile devices can be a time-consuming and complicated process, says VMware's Matthew Kibby.
Managing organisations' mobile devices can be a time-consuming and complicated process, says VMware's Matthew Kibby.

VMware has introduced AirWatch Express, a mobile device management (MDM) cloud solution designed to make it easy to configure devices for apps, e-mail and WiFi, while enabling data security.

According to the cloud infrastructure company, AirWatch Express delivers a consumer-friendly MDM built on the same platform as VMware AirWatch, the enterprise mobility management solution, while providing security through protecting employees' devices.

Matthew Kibby, regional director of VMware Sub-Saharan Africa, says managing organisations' mobile devices can be a time-consuming and complicated process.

"The transformative nature of mobility has caused the mobile endpoint to become the primary computing device for many businesses, and these same organisations are struggling to keep up with the device and app proliferation. Without the need for technical knowledge or additional IT staff, AirWatch Express empowers organisations to support an ever-increasing mobile workforce," he explains.

The cloud solution makes it easy to secure employees' devices against data leakage by encrypting data, enforcing passcode policies on the device and enabling restriction settings to prevent unwanted configuration changes.

"The solution allows businesses to protect corporate data by enforcing passcode policies on connected devices and makes sure users cannot change certain settings or install unwanted software. If a device is ever lost or stolen, businesses can protect corporate data through remote lock or wipe," he points out.

Express, Kibby continues, does not require additional software to install or new system to buy. It integrates with existing directories, e-mail systems and WiFi networks. Admins have access to on-demand support and self-service training.

"Employees get access to e-mail and the applications they need for iOS, Android, OS X and Windows devices. The solution doesn't require extensive set up or training to keep up with the fast pace of mobile technology. Employees can install apps and software to devices from the Apple App Store, Google Play and Microsoft Store."

According to the 2016 Data Breach Verizon report, the three most common mobile security breach incidents are a result of configuration or end-user issues.

VMware says it reduces these security risks through enabling organisations to control configurations by taking into account the security risks associated with employees using their smartphones, tablets and laptops for work purposes.

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