RIM BlackBerry Mobile Fusion Tackles iOS, Android Security

Research In Motion (RIMM) has officially launched BlackBerry Mobile Fusion, its next-generation mobile device management (MDM) solution for enterprise customers that extends support to other mobile operating systems such as iOS and Android. RIM says the new technology delivers a cost-efficient, secure, reliable and scalable solution with a unified web-based console for easily managing devices.

Managing a variety of devices for businesses and government can be a challenging task for any IT department, however, RIM seeks to relieve the majority of the stress with its BlackBerry Mobile Fusion. By providing advanced IT management and controls, a single outbound security connection, enforceable IT policies, support for BlackBerry Balance technology and software installation capabilities for the management of both BlackBerry smartphones and Playbook tablets, RIM’s BlackBerry Mobile Fusion integrates the features and security architecture of BlackBerry Enterprise Server.

BlackBerry Mobile Fusion also provides comprehensive mobile device management capabilities for iOS and Android devices including:

Despite what many may think, 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies are currently using BlackBerry smartphones, as well as the majority of government workers around the world. BlackBerry Mobile Fusion is available to download for free, but is priced by the number of devices being managed.

Client access licenses (CALs) start at $99 per user or $4 per user per month (billed annually); volume discounts are also available. In addition, RIM is offering a 60 day free trial, so customers can deploy a pilot before purchasing a single CAL.

RIM has lost market share in the enterprise mobility market as iPhone and Android have infiltrated what was once a BlackBerry stronghold. Last week RIM’s CEO, announcing disappointing earnings, said that it would review its options including joint ventures and licensing agreements. He did not rule out a possible sale of the company.

Can RIM’s reputation for a solid back end solution to secure these devices put the company back on top? We’ll be following the story.