Nokia Internet Communications (NIC), under territory manager Julian Simpkins (ex-Compaq), announced its strategy for SA at a function in Johannesburg last night. The focus is on network security, virtual private networks (VPNs) and Internet traffic management solutions, as the company prepares to launch its Mobile VPN solution in the first quarter.
Already a force in the worldwide fixed infrastructure firewall/VPN and intrusion detection appliance market, with 30% of the market (IDC, November 2002), the company highlights its partnership with Check Point, a firewall vendor. NIC is one of the first vendors to offer a security appliance, according to IDC, and therefore remains well positioned to maintain this leadership.
Nokia`s Mobile VPN solution consists of a deployment solution, Nokia Security Service Manager (NSSM) and Nokia Mobile VPN Client for secure over-the-air provisioning of VPN client software and policies for handsets. The VPN client is a standards-based IPSec VPN client supporting both legacy and PKI authentication.
Another link Nokia is proud of is the one with IBM. Together the companies provide "secure business applications on mobile handsets, targeted at the enterprise market". IBM Global Services will act as system integrator of the mobile VPN solution for Symbian OS-based mobile handsets, such as its own.
The Nokia and IBM collaboration will accelerate business usage of advanced mobile handsets, increasing productivity in mobile work environments. The applications taking advantage of the secure mobile infrastructure include personal productivity (calendar, messaging, groupware solutions and intranet access), customer service (field service, workforce management and insurance claims processing), sales force automation (order management and configuration tools), and operational productivity (maintenance services, parts ordering, field reporting, material management and shipment tracking).
Nokia is using its mobile expertise, coupling this with experience in the wired Internet security market to offer mobile security solutions (which extend secure network infrastructure to mobile terminals), says Simpkins. "A key component of setting up and maintaining a mobile workforce is securing information transactions from employees` mobile terminals to their corporate networks. This means that enterprises can be more productive and competitive while their employees can work smarter and more efficiently."
In addition to Check Point, IBM and other partnerships, Nokia spearheads the Security Developers Alliance Programme. Other members are First Hop (mobility enhancement solutions), Micromuse (enterprise-wide management views) and Websense (Internet filtering), which joined to ensure interoperability between their offerings and Nokia`s. Receiving the "Nokia OK" go-ahead from the world`s top handset manufacturer has proven a boon for these companies, even if Nokia says it is only "holding up" as a company, and by all accounts wishes to shed its handsets-only image. Other members of the alliance are FishNet Security, Open, Permeo, SurfControl and Tripwire.
Nokia`s VPN solution will be available through selected system integrators and resellers. Delivery of the Nokia Mobile VPN Solution begins during the first quarter of 2003.
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