Businesses already running Microsoft Exchange Server already have all the security they'll need for mobile devices running Windows Mobile, stated a Microsoft spokesperson.

While there's some perception that securing a mobile infrastructure is very costly, Alec Taylor, director of mobile communications business at Microsoft Canada, said that the security features of Microsoft Exchange Server or Small Business Server can be extended to Windows Mobile devices. Those devices in the field can be remotely managed, password access can be enforced and, in case of lost or theft, they can be remotely wiped by IT administrators.

"That's the out-of-the-box value in Exchange and Windows Mobile," Taylor said.

For more mobile security options, Taylor suggested companies deploy Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager, which offers administrators even more flexibility in how they manage corporate mobile devices. However, he said it's mostly larger companies that deploy many devices at a time that get the most out of System Center Mobile Device Manager. SMBs don't necessarily need it.

According to Taylor, the point is that mobile device security doesn't have to be expensive. Businesses can make use of the infrastructure they already have in place (that is, if they have Exchange Server or Small Business Server in place). Exchange or Small Business Server combined with Windows Mobile is "absolutely enough" security for peace of mind, he said.

Through Microsoft and its partners, there are also a variety of hosted mobile security options in case they decide they don't want to manage the technology in-house. Just as there are hosted Exchange options through Microsoft and its partners, some of those partners also offer services that extend Exchange's security functions out to Windows Mobile devices, Taylor explained.

The technology doesn't eliminate the human element of security breaches, though. While IT administrators can remotely wipe a Windows Mobile device that's connected through Exchange Server or Small Business Server, end-users can still compromise devices through unsecure online behaviour.

"Like anything, though, in terms of Web browsing, people need to be smart about what they're doing," Taylor said.

SOURCE: 23 March, 2008. By Chris Talbot. www.echannellive.com