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The distinction between security management software providers and mobile device management (MDM) vendors is starting to crumble. For an increasing number of companies, they are emerging as one and the same.
Trend Micro is the latest company to bake MDM capabilities into its enterprise security and services offerings. Due out this spring, Trend Micro’s new Enterprise Security and Data Protection suite is geared for organizations looking for a one-stop solution for protecting and managing both traditional endpoints and mobile devices like the iPad.
According to Trend Micro VP Ron Clarkson, his company subscribes to a user-first approach to data security. The devices that they use during the course of their workday are a secondary consideration.
“This is the only approach that can prepare organizations for the range of threats targeting end users and corporate data in today’s IT environment. Deploying Trend Micro Enterprise Security and Data Protection across endpoint, mobile, mail, and gateway enables organizations to reduce risk while still embracing consumerization,” said Clarkson in a statement.
It’s a strategy that resonates with IDC research VP Charles Kolodgy. “A user’s device has historically been the deciding factor in how to best protect data. However, with the explosion of endpoints, users are instantly and seamlessly using whatever device is most appropriate at the time,” he informed in press remarks.
“Security’s focus must be to protect users and their data irrespective of the endpoint device,” added Kolodgy.
Trend Micro Enterprise Security and Data Protection combines malware protection with encryption (endpoint and email), USB device control and data loss prevention capabilities. MDM features include reporting, monitoring and management of mobile devices, apps and data that reside on smartphones and tablets.
Supported mobile platforms include iOS, Android, Blackberry, Windows Mobile and Symbian. To keep those devices on the right side of corporate security policies, the software provides antivirus, encryption, password enforcement, remote lock and both remote and selective wipe services.
MDM is taking off in response to the struggles of technology managers trying to maintain secure IT operations as the bring your own device (BYOD) trend booms. Late last month, Atlanta-based AirWatch raised a hefty $200 million to help advance its fast-growing MDM platform.
Sensing an opportunity, an increasing number of security software makers have expanded into protecting mobile devices.
Sophos unveiled its MDM-friendly EndUser Protection product, which uses a similarly user-centric approach, in January. In a bid to become a one-stop shop for enterprise data security and MDM, Kaspersky followed suit weeks later with the announcement of Endpoint Security for Business: Select.
Pedro Hernandez is a contributing editor at InternetNews.com, the news service of the IT Business Edge Network, the network for technology professionals. Follow him on Twitter @ecoINSITE.
