As the "Bring Your Own Device" trend becomes increasingly popular by the day, businesses around the world are searching for a mobile device management solution that will enable them to remain safe from cyber attacks while still allowing employees to use their personal devices to access the corporate network.

To enhance its security features, AT&T (News - Alert) is now powering MobileIron’s Connected Cloud, which can be seamlessly integrated with multiple operating systems. Some of the features of this MDM solution include: increased visibility and control for IT departments into their mobile device inventory along with real-time information on how applications and data are being used; the continuous monitoring of access, as well as a quick way to identify threats and ensure that policies are followed; and an Enterprise Application Storefront which enables corporations to leverage in house developed applications or third party applications for end users.

"MobileIron Connected Cloud from AT&T delivers enterprise-class management and security, and it does it fast – at what I like to call cloud speed," Bob Tinker, CEO, MobileIron said in a statement. "Users can choose the best devices and apps for themselves and IT can focus on delivering a great mobile user experience."

Through being able to easily manage a large number of employee owned devices with one solution, AT&T will be able to significantly raise the bar on the security it offers its users.

Two main factors that have led to BYOD are consumerization of IT and the introduction of mobile-centric enterprises. MDM plays a driving role in ensuring the security and enterprise data boundary of “BYOD” employee devices.

The consumerization of information technology essentially means that in previous years, new products initially became popular within the consumer industry rather than the enterprise. Today, with products like Android (News - Alert)-based phones and the iPad, more companies are using them for business-related practices than consumers are for day-to-day activities.

The majority of enterprises now utilizing mobile devices as the main form of communication are enabling this trend of bring your own device to the workplace to continue. A Fortune 100 that is already taking advantage of this cost-saving idea is Kraft Foods. Kraft is letting its 97,000 employees buy their own mobile devices or PCs, even providing them with a stipend; Carfax is offering its employees interest-free loans, while Citrix Systems (News - Alert) (CTXS) is giving workers a reported $2,100 to choose their own tablet or PC.

"Increasingly, companies are permitting employees to bring their mobile device of choice into the work environment, but are looking for assistance to do this in a highly protected and organized manner," Chris Hill, vice president, Advanced Mobility Solutions, AT&T Business and Home Solutions commented. "Our strategy to help businesses embrace mobility is to offer a range of managed security solutions to help protect customers' mobile ecosystems through a layered approach of cloud-based and endpoint-based capabilities."