TMCnews Featured Article
October 06, 2011
VMware Develops Dual-Persona Phone to Support Enterprise Mobility
By Susan J. Campbell, TMCnet Contributing Editor
The fact that we have a mobile lifestyle is something demonstrated by a quick glance at the population. Individuals rely on their mobile devices to stay connected, access information, communicate with friends and focus on business processes. This isn’t a challenge for the consumer as we have easily adapted. The challenge instead lies with the enterprise struggling to manage this trend, driving the increased need for focused enterprise mobility.
This ZDNet blog explores the constant discussion surrounding the concept that we are – or are not – in the post-PC era. I would challenge this assumption with a further exploration whether the individual is a content consumer or a content creator. I rely on my laptop all day, every day as I produce written content for my readers. On the other hand, I know many of my readers access my content through mobile devices.
When these mobile devices become a part of the corporate culture, enterprise mobility must be in place to ensure the proper management of these devices, as well as support for those who need to stay connected in the field.
The trend toward the mobile lifestyle can easily be blamed on smartphones coupled with advancing virtualization. A number of solutions are readily available that can take your smartphone or tablet to a virtualized device. You can also use virtual desktops on multiple devices to capture the necessary software through your mobile gadget.
This approach to enterprise mobility ensures sales professionals or technicians always have access to the information they need, updating captured data in real-time.
VMware has made its mark in this industry, offering a number of different apps for the enterprise. Many of these apps are built on a hybrid solution that will split data and features between the back-end and front-end layers. The difference is seamless for the user, promoting efficiency and productivity regardless of location.
The current robust virtual offering from VMware is based on the Windows operating system. While iOS is not impossible, VMware is focused on first establishing itself as a leader in enterprise mobility in this space, moving next to support the Android (News - Alert) platform. And, the company is focused on starting with the device first instead of attempting to conquer an entire platform all at once.
VMware has announced a deal with LG and Samsung (News - Alert) that will host the company’s enterprise mobility platform, which includes security, the virtual desktop and data integrity features that are pre-loaded on the system. The devices, otherwise known as smartphones with dual-personas will allow the users to break down the features down to separate ring tones for personal and work calls and even separate data plans.
This movement is important for enterprise mobility as the trend in the corporate environment is for employees to bring their own devices to use while “on the clock”. If these users can separate their work use from their personal use, they’re more likely to be properly reimbursed for their cost and managers can be assured the time spent in the field is promoting the company and not surfing for cute puppy pictures.
Susan J. Campbell is a contributing editor for TMCnet and has also written for eastbiz.com. To read more of Susan’s articles, please visit her columnist page.
Edited by Stefanie Mosca
Internet Telephony Magazine
Click here to read latest issue
CUSTOMER 
Cloud Computing Magazine
Click here to read latest issue
IoT EVOLUTION MAGAZINE
