Product Showcase: Mobility Management

Synchronica MobileManager Supports More Devices

Synchronica Plc recently launched version 1.3 of its MobileManager software, which now supports Windows Mobile and Pocket PC devices, as well as Series 60, 80 and 90 Symbian Smartphones. The platform allows administrators to configure and manage employees wireless devices over the air. For example, administrators now can set 802.11 WLAN settings remotely; remove specified e-mail accounts or Web favorites from a device or group of devices; retrieve contact lists; and extend the list of emergency numbers that can be called if the device is locked, to include a corporate help desk number. IT personnel also can check remotely whether a device has received a software update file and schedule over-the-air software updates, which minimizes disruption for the user. Additionally, a new, key security feature lets administrators create settings that protect corporate data if a mobile device is stolen or lost. www.synchronica.com

IPass Applications Address Different Needs

Device Lockdown and Virtual Office from remote access provider iPass Inc. each address different aspects of protection for companies mobile and remote equipment. Device Lockdown automatically scans and updates devices before allowing full Internet access, guarding against device infection and data theft. It also installs any needed software or operating system patches. Administrators set policies and generate reports using the iPass Web portal.

Virtual Office targets enterprises with employees who work at home, on the road and in the office. The package integrates iPass remote access technology with GoRemotes broadband services (iPass acquired GoRemote in 2005). iPass says Virtual Office unifies remote and mobile working by adding managed home connectivity and support for corporate Wi-Fi networks. The platform lets IT workers enforce finance and security policies. It also streamlines billing administration, according to iPass. www.ipass.com

Oreon Points the Way With nCompass

Oreon Inc.s nCompass Wireless Management Edition Web-based application provides monthly rate plan optimizations, unit management, usage tracking and reporting, accounts payable reporting and contract and user management. Users can request and track adds, moves, changes and deletions. Plus, nCompass accommodates new activations, upgrades, replacements, accessories and service requests.

Telecom managers and accounts payable personnel also can obtain electronic monthly management reports, including usage trends, carrier cost breakdowns, individual usage information, equipment costs, access charges and overages. The software complies with internal corporate audit and accounting requirements, such as Sarbanes-Oxley. www.oreoninc.com

Vercuity Does Double Duty

TEM provider Vercuity Solutions Inc. offers Mobile Manager and Wireless Management services. The former stores information on devices, usage and expenditures in one central application. It also offers rate optimization, which helps companies select the right rates based on trends, analytics and business practices. Procurement and negotiation services whittle down wireless agreements into simpler pricing structures and lower price points, for example. The latter consolidates accounts according to carrier and market, provides visibility into expenses and improves service delivery to device owners. Vercuitys products are designed for companies that spend $1 million to $7 million annually on telecom. www.vercuity.com

TeleBright Integrates Wireless Management Functionality

TeleBright Corp.s ManageRight combines the functionality of TEM software with workflow automation and reporting capabilities, making for an integrated system that provides a companywide view of telecom assets and expenses. The Web-based platform further helps organizations manage those devices and costs. TeleBright offers ManageRight as a hosted service, or users can place the application on their own servers. The firm lets agents buy super-user licenses, which allows channel partners to manage multiple enterprise accounts. Agents also can buy sub-user licenses for their end users at a discount and mark them up. This is in contrast to most TEM services, which are priced on a percentage of an end users spend. www.telebright.com

CREDANT Gives Credence to Mobile Security

Vowing to provide security for all things mobile, CREDANT Technologies Inc. helps organizations of varying sizes protect mobile devices and even external media such as USB storage devices. CREDANT Mobile Guardian Group Edition (CMG) is for small and mid-sized firms that need to safeguard pocket PCs, handhelds, smartphones and USB storage devices. It comes with a Policy Editor that lets administrators view all devices, and create policies across multiple platforms from one screen. The enterprise edition supports automatic device detection, works with smart cards and biometrics, and has multiple levels of access, device and end-user controls. It also does over-the-air deployment and policy updates. www.credant.com

CommonTime Goes Futuristic

CommonTime Ltd.s mControl device management platform does asset tracking, over-the-air software updates and remote kill notification services for enterprises. It also removes unauthorized applications and has disaster recovery functions. CommonTime also developed the mSecure PDA application, which enforces security policies on Windows Mobile, Palm OS and Symbian devices. And the software performs remote data destruction if a device is lost, stolen or misused. http://web.commontime.com