F5 Networks Goes BIG-IP to Secure Android Ice Cream Sandwich

F5 Networks isn’t putting a lock on your freezer, but the company is looking to lock up Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and maybe put the freeze on a would-be hacker. Thanks to F5’s BIG-IP Edge Client for Android, F5 says it’s the first to put a feature-complete SSL VPN client solution on a mobile device. Interested?

If you’re already leveraging F5 Network’s BIG-IP Edge Gateway, VPN or other BIG-IP products, you’re already half in the bag. So if you’re about to be dabbling in mobile device management, F5 has just made it a whole lot easier for you to secure your devices. BIG-IP Edge Client for Android leverages an SSL VPN connection to your F5 infrastructure, streamlining secure access on a granular basis for every individual without requiring complicated connection settings. IT admins can customize the app and its connectivity features, opting for limited network access for some users, or unrestricted access to the web and more for power users. BIG-IP Edge Client also can maintain a connection if a user switches between 3G and Wi-Fi. The icing on the top is its IPv6 compatibility.

Bonus? In addition to the BIG-IP Edge client for Android, F5 has developed a special version for rooted Android devices, meaning IT pros who want to dabble in a little extra networking wizardry with either Android or F5 (or both) are free to do so.

Ready to try it out? Both the regular and rooted version of the software are available for download on the Google Android Marketplace right now.