TMCnews Featured Article
October 29, 2012
DISA Exploring Options for Mobile Device Management Security
By Susan J. Campbell, TMCnet Contributing Editor
Consumers are increasingly becoming more mobile, whether at work or play. Employers are finding the phenomenon beneficial when extending communications and information to professionals on-the-go. The challenge is to ensure security when mobile devices are accessing the corporate network. MobileIron may be the secure answer for anyone seeking safer mobile device management systems, perhaps even making the grade with the Department of Defense.
The Defense Information Systems Agency (News - Alert) (DISA) is exploring options and opening up bids for proposals from companies offering software packages for mobile device management, according to a recent AOL (News 
- Alert) Government article. To that end, MobileIron’s announcement of their latest software development could not come at a better time.
DISA is searching for opportunities to enhance mobile devices for the U.S. military and any other personnel associated with the Department of Defense. Given the level of security necessary to support mobile communications for this organization, the selected vendor will have to demonstrate a robust mobile device management solution.
In reality, any organization would have a myriad of concerns regarding privacy and security issues involving mobile device management. Mobile users are more efficient when they have unlimited access to network resources and applications while on-the-go. Whether the organization is in the commercial sector or is charged with protecting a nation, it’s easy to assume security is number one on its list of issues to address when exploring any type of communication device.
MobileIron is one of the companies that may be one step ahead of its competitors in addressing this very issue. Its software utilizes the cloud for saving vital information. This could be a breath of fresh air for those in the IT or security departments of any business. By utilizing this new resource it could eliminate many issues when it comes to where to store company information and how to keep it separate from employee’s personal data, not to mention its safe keeping.
These same questions would be anticipated as the Defense Department explores its options for military and civilian employees. The mobile device management system would enable smartphones as well as other handheld mobile devices to be accessible to all Department of Defense workers and the information that is housed on those devices will not and cannot be compromised.
A couple of areas that could be potentially problematic for the Defense Department would be not only security, but costs associated with using a mobile device internationally. MobileIron’s latest software addresses both issues, positioning itself to be a worthy technology company to be introduced to those seeking bids for the department.
Safety and security in technology has always been an issue at some level, but the more advanced we become opens up the door to even greater problems. Many software companies have spent years enhancing and improving their security options. Understanding what is available with these systems and how we can utilize what they have to offer, not to mention realizing how great our need is to have a system that is safe and secure is imperative.
As the Department of Defense explores any and all options for their employees, whatever software they determine fits their need will require constant research to make sure they stay ahead of any and all other technology that may become available to insure their security of information.
Edited by Jamie Epstein
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