BeYOnD Endpoints

Preparing your network for the mobile onslaught

Chris Pepin — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 12:21:26 +0000

IBM has published a new thought leadership whitepaper, “Preparing your network for the mobile onslaught – How networks can overcome the security, delivery challenges posed by mobile devices.” While Mobile Device Management (MDM) is important, the network is often overlooked. Today’s mobile devices are dependent on access to the network and solutions such as wi-fi and Virtual Private Network (VPN) are critical.

“Only by providing a consistent, high quality end user experience can the organization fulfill mobility’s potential to bring value to the business by improving productivity and competitiveness. The network has a critical role to play in meeting this goal. Networks will need to deliver new levels of security while easing onboarding and access for legitimate users. They will have to deliver a higher level of performance. They will need specialized tools to improve device manageability and control management costs. ”

I’ll be traveling to San Diego next week to participate in MobileCON conference. IBM will have a large presence at the conference and I’ll be presenting and working at the IBM booth at the product showcase.

IBM Endpoint Manager MDM adds new mobile features

Chris Pepin — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 23:18:10 +0000

IBM has released a new version of IBM Endpoint Manager for Mobile Device Management (MDM) with the following new features:

1. Nitrodesk Touchdown support
The TEM Agent now integrates with Nitrodesk Touchdown. This allows TEM to control a richer set of configurations on Android devices, such as selective wipe, and security polices like password length, encryption etc.

2. Google Cloud Messaging
The Android agent can now use Google Cloud Messaging to provide much quicker response times to action commands.

3. Proxy Agent enhancements
The Proxy Agent now supports almost all ‘Take Action Dialog’ constraints, action locking as well as custom site subscription.

4. Data Usage Reporting
The iOS app can now report a device’s data usage information for the past 3 months.

5. Expanded Configuration Options for Authenticated Enrollment AuthenticatedEnrollment and the Self Service Portal can now be configured to filter access according to group membership, and now supports additional advanced LDAP configurations (such as anonymous binding).

The “Data Usage Reporting” feature requires an update to the native iOS application (version 8.2.30001) available from the Apple App Store

Source: DeveloperWorks

BYOD in primary education

Chris Pepin — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 17:12:35 +0000

My kids started school today and one of the many forms that they brought home today was a “Bring Your Own Device Student Agreement” that needed to be signed and returned. ”BYOD” as it is abbreviated, it a growing trend not only in schools and universities but enterprises as well. The fact is that more and more consumers own smartphone, tablets and PCs and desire to use them for schoolwork or business. Gone are the days when schools and businesses provide all the technology.

A BYOD policy is critical as it lays out acceptable use policy and the consequences of non-compliance. In the case of my son’s school, there are rules around use of the internet, viruses, personal information, printing and even power outlets (students are asked to charge their devices at home).

In my role as global mobile offering manager for IBM, I speak with clients daily and assist them with developing BYOD policies and implementing successful programs through the use of technology such as Mobile Device Management (MDM). More information on the mobile enterprise can be found on IBM.com