[jpjeffery]

Hi

I know "iPad? Why you asking about iPads?!"

Well, we have Blackberrys here, with a BES and all the security that provides our careless users.

The wind is changing though, and some of the senior people here are asking us to get them iPads.

As far as we know though, it isn't possible to provide the same kind of security for iPads. i.e. we can't enforce a PIN to unlock the screen and we can't send out a Wipe and Disable command should a careless user lose their work-provided iPad.

Or is it? This is where, hopefully, someone here might be able to shed some light.

Or not.

As the case may be.

TIA

Jeff

[penguin3107]

Originally Posted by jpjeffery

As far as we know though, it isn't possible to provide the same kind of security for iPads. i.e. we can't enforce a PIN to unlock the screen and we can't send out a Wipe and Disable command should a careless user lose their work-provided iPad.

Or is it?

What messaging platform?
If you're using Exchange with Activesync, then you can definitely do those things that you are referring to.

Activesync supports password enforcement and remote wipe. Works fine for iOS and Android devices as well.

[rambo47]

You might do better convincing the higher-ups to look at the PlayBook, which goes on sale today (WiFi only at first - just like the iPad). BlackBerry security right out of the box, and a unified IT strategy rather than a mixed environment.

[dc/dc]

I agree with Penguin. It's perfectly easy to have mixed Activesync and BES environment.

[jpjeffery]

Originally Posted by penguin3107

What messaging platform?
If you're using Exchange...

Yes, Exchange. 2007 in-house at the moment, but looking to go for a hosted 2010 solution.

Thanks. Will look in to ActiveSync.

[jpjeffery]

Originally Posted by rambo47

...a unified IT strategy rather than a mixed environment.

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha...oh, you were being serious.

OK, my serious reply: I agree, but these are city types, it's their company (or rather, partnership) so it's their money, so they get what they want.

Upside is, it's another skill-set on our CVs!

[lprmcnit]

ditto what others have said. Exchange server policies can be set to require encryption, remote wipe capability passwords etc. Apple has something called iPhone Configuration utility(IPCU) which will deploy some settings to the device over a USB connection. If you use it a bit and research it, you'll see it is definitely not an enterprise class application. You can set some restrictions, configure wi-fi, put in login credentials for Exchange server etc. If you want centralized management of an IOS device, you'll need to look at some type of MDM...and they are not cheap. This is one area, enterprise use and management, where RIM is way,way,way,way beyond Apple.

[Jagga]

Originally Posted by jpjeffery

Yes, Exchange. 2007 in-house at the moment, but looking to go for a hosted 2010 solution.

Thanks. Will look in to ActiveSync.

Beyond this or Apples iPhone Utility - which is at 3.2/3.4 works for iPads too - and beyond Exchange Management Console 2007/2010 or OWA; you should consider:

Boxtone,
MobileIron - great solution really.

These offer much better integrated security than Exchange or AIU listed in previous comments.

Our outfit is considering MobileIron since the quick key assets of Boxtone is already available in BES5.

Providers have taken WAY too long to deliver our demo beta PLayBooks thus increasing the iPad solution.

Right now with GoodReader being such a multiple solution application for both iOS models I find it hard to see what real world advantage the PlayBook offers?

Those with USA/Canada based GSM BB's (Rogers/AT&T) have issues getting data working with West Africa region - even though roaming partnership is in place; something with their VLR doesn't match up quite correctly to update a module similar to GGSN (old-school GPRS/EDGE data nodes) for data roaming.

WIFI is NOT as proliferent there as in western countries outside the airport; so without data connection ... no PlayBook fun. We'll see more powerful apps on PlayBook soon enough.

[rambo47]

I'm a huge iPad fan myself, but I had no idea there were such powerful security solutions available for corporate users. My buddy at ThomsonReuters was just issued an iPad and they are moving toward large-scale adoption for not only their sales force but also for HR, Tech Support, and most other divisions. And ThomsonReuters is all BlackBerry for personal communications.

[tsac]

They dont fit in a pocket. I'm willing to bet a few get lost or left in a resturant very quick.

[Jagga]

Originally Posted by rambo47

I'm a huge iPad fan myself, but I had no idea there were such powerful security solutions available for corporate users. My buddy at ThomsonReuters was just issued an iPad and they are moving toward large-scale adoption for not only their sales force but also for HR, Tech Support, and most other divisions. And ThomsonReuters is all BlackBerry for personal communications.

WE just have to keep an open mind to see what other options are out there.

The fact that they'll require Mac's to produce for them increases Apple's marketshare - for ALL developers and corporations (this is why I see the sales numbers last quarter for Mac lineup being skewed for the past few years (this year MBP lineup is incredible).

That said they can develop applications in-house, see how they work just prior to deployment VERY quickly - say a team of 4 can do just about any application (non-gaming app) in a week.