RIM to bring Mobile Fusion security tool for iOS and Android

BlackBerry has been struggling to keep up with the ever-demanding mobile terrain with competitors dishing out the best of iOS, Android and Windows platforms. BlackBerry devices have been preferred by corporate and government agencies for years, but these devices are being replaced by Android and iOS smartphones. RIM has decided to offer its new security tool to other mobile devices, including the ones running on iOS and Android. The company will launch the Mobile Fusion in the first quarter, a device management software that enables corporate IT staff to set and monitor apps, passwords and software for other devices, reports Reuters.

Cashing on other platforms

This tool allows the company to remotely lock and also wipe off data from a lost/stolen device. "We will take full advantage of whatever security capabilities are provided by the core operating system. We're not going to hold that back in any way, shape or form," said Alan Panezic, RIM's Vice President for enterprise product management.

The Mobile Fusion will sit behind the corporate firewalls of BlackBerry Enterprise Servers (BES). However, the price of the new software, which is said to be ‘competitive’ isn’t disclosed, yet. There are other small companies such as Good Technology, MobileIron and BoxTone offering the service.

"This will definitely rattle some cages" among smaller companies, filling a niche by securing and managing iPhones and other non-BlackBerry devices for corporations, Forrester analyst Christian Kane said.