AT&T is responding to enterprise IT criticisms of the iPhone by providing an app that beefs up the device’s security and makes it easier to manage.
AT&T today took a major step forward in resolving IT issues pertaining to the
iPhone in the enterprise with the introduction of a native application offering
authentication and encryption to allow businesses to more securely deploy and manage Web
applications. The new offering, AT&T WorkBench, builds on the AT&T Mobile
Enterprise Applications Platform (AT&T MEAP) by providing features that will address
some formerly lacking security measures related to use of the iPhone in the enterprise.
While the iPhone faithful have been clamoring to use the iconic device in the workplace
more and more over the past year, mobile IT staff have been reluctant to embrace it. Key
features of WorkBench show a concerted effort to resolve that. WorkBench allows for
role-based deployment of Web applications. It also equips mobile IT with stronger
controls for policy management, mobile VPN, over-the-air updates and remote data
lock/wipe. Additionally, it provides certificate-based authentication using SCEP (Simple
Certificate Enrollment Protocol), which works with iPhone’s over-the-air enrollment and
configuration process. AT&T WorkBench also lets users run multiple enterprise Web
applications simultaneously and toggle between active Web applications. Another benefit
is that it enables employees to work with their data and applications offline and
automatically update when they reconnect to the network.
“AT&T WorkBench is a new solution for iPhone, which enables an organization to
‘get down to business,'” Ron Spears, CEO of AT&T Business Solutions, said in a
statement. “We’re seeing increased interest and demand for iPhone applications from our
business customers across industries and applications. In addition, more customers are
requesting to use their personal iPhones in the workplace. With AT&T WorkBench, we’re
able to bring an organization’s key enterprise applications, such as ERP or CRM software,
to iPhone users with advanced control and security features that corporate IT requires —
including authentication and encryption — to enable more secure collaboration and
productivity for businesses.”
Read “AT&T WorkBench Brings Mobile Security to iPhone” at Enterprise Mobile Today
