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