RIM Introduces Mobile Fusion for BlackBerry, Android, and iOS

Posted on Apr 23rd 2012

Blackberry OS, Android, or Apple's iOS and your network security have never been closer. Research in Motion recently introduced Mobile Fusion, software that allows companies to better manage corporate data on employees’ personal mobile devices without limiting the mobile user experience. This mobile device management solution can now be used on any phone or tablet running Blackberry OS, Android, or Apple's iOS.

This is good news for companies and employees, as company leaders can rest assured that corporate information will be secure on a range of devices and employees have access to work and personal data on one device, not necessarily a BlackBerry.

Companies have long been taking advantage of the security of BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) to manage employee devices. Mobile Fusion is the next step for BES, as it allows clients more flexibility in choosing compatible devices. For those already using BES, the systems can be combined for easy management.

Work information is kept completely separate from personal information on devices with the Mobile Fusion software. Users are immediately alerted and blocked from a particular action if what they are attempting would violate IT policy protecting corporate information.

Fusion’s BlackBerry Balance technology encrypts work applications and data on BlackBerry phones and tablets. System administrators can monitor user and device information, lock or wipe devices, manage apps, find missing devices, and create mobile user policies on all three operating systems – BlackBerry, Android, or Apple's iOS. This can all be done from one administrative interface that monitors every device registered in the software system.

There are some other key features of the BlackBerry Mobile Fusion software that will make it a valuable resource for any company:

  • several devices can be linked to one user
  • one device can be linked to several users
  • administrators have password strength management
  • IT policies can apply to a single user or by group
  • IT policies can apply to specific devices and operating systems
  • administrators can make certain apps mandatory on mobile devices registered with the software

There are two different types of Mobile Fusion software: Mobile Fusion for BlackBerry, which works only with BlackBerry PlayBook and future BB10 operating system devices (expected in late 2012), and Universal Mobile Fusion, which works with Andriod or Apple iOS devices.

User fees can be paid in one of two ways: a one-time charge of $99 per user or an annual subscription plan of $48 per user. Android and iOS devices require the Mobile Fusion Client app for BlackBerry Mobile Fusion capability.