Forrester gives thumbs up to iPhone, iPad enterprise use
updated 11:45 am EDT, Tue August 3, 2010
BlackBerry platform still more secure, says firm
iOS devices -- namely the iPhone and iPad -- should now be secure enough for enterprise use, says Forrester Research's Andrew Jaquith. The devices allegedly "satisfy the basic security needs of most enterprises," and moreover have overwhelming demand from executives and other workers. "Your rank-and-file employees want it, and your executives have likely already made many special requests to your IT team," the analyst comments.
"With the right policies and technical controls, you can operate Apple mobile devices at least as securely as the typical corporate laptop, without malware and with an insurance policy (remote wipe) against theft or loss," he adds.
Security was an early complaint about the iPhone, since particularly in 2007, its firmware was not on par with enterprise efforts by other smartphone makers, namely RIM. The BlackBerry OS is still the most secure mobile platform, according to Jaquith. Corporations now have access to a number of security features through iOS however, such as e-mail encryption, remote wipes and user configuration profiles.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
Well
If Forrester says it's secure, no need to waste time checking it in your Enterprise! Start buying, people!
(Of course, Forrester offers such analysis on the hope it will drive even more sales and help push the stock price higher. But why quibble about motives.)