Taming The iPhone business

iPhones have become ice cream in the enterprise mobility space. The wide screen and a slick user interface are compelling and numerous applications are fittings that create numerous "flavors" to choose from.

However, while I scream, you scream, we all can shout to the iPhone in the corporate world, they can be a little more than empty calories when are not properly managed. iPhone can be complicated to support and present the concerns of data security that must be considered.

Fortunately, there are tactics that are available to you to ease the burden on your team, help your users make iPhone their peak, and allow you to integrate the iPhone into your mobile device offers without undue risk. Integrated Mobile offers the following tips:

Update your wireless policy

While your wireless policy can not physically prevent a user to download one of more than 100,000 applications that may or may not be appropriate for your business, it is your first line of defense to help you gain control of the myriad ways that iPhone users can use (or misuse) of their devices.

In addition to defining how including iPhones and other devices must be deployed, administered and supported, your wireless policy should cover social networking, texting, acceptable applications, Internet downloads, etc. You can also arrange to use a VPN when access of enterprises data on the Wi-Fi network

Begin your iPhone on the right foot

Procurement paves the way for good use the future. A new iPhone is expected to arrive in the hands of the user with the plan, accessories, applications, email setup and settings wireless configuration described in your policy. This will allow the user to start work immediately and improve the chances of accession your wireless policy in the future.

Your team of mobile asset management can also use the feature Restrictions available on the iPhone. Located in Settings -> General -> Restrictions, this area is protected by a password and allows a user allowed to block access to certain features, including: YouTube, installing the application, camera, film, etc.

Secure Your iPhone

As with all mobile devices, security is extremely important. IPhone 3G protects data by encrypting information in the transmission, resting on the device, and when stored on iTunes. Other features and settings can help prevent unauthorized use of the device.

– Enjoy the Lock feature Code –

Whenever the device display locks, whether due to Auto-Lock or the iPhone Sleep button, Passcode Lock requires a four-digit code to be entered before the device can be accessed again. The area code of configuration access Lock also an option erasure of data, which allows a complete wipe your iPhone after 10 failed attempts password. This feature can be used to guard against data loss in case of a lost or stolen phone.

– Be careful with Wi-Fi –

While the iPhone allows you to connect to broadband wireless networks for Web browsing faster and better data coverage, using Wi-Fi networks without taking adequate security precautions can leave the system open to hackers. Only connect to wireless networks using Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) or other wireless security protocol. (You should be prompted for a password you connect.) Then, to ensure you do not know, connect to Wi-Fi when you travel, you must activate iPhone Ask to Join Networks function.

– Connect to your private network Organization (VPN) –

VPNs use an encrypted Internet connection that acts as a secure "tunnel" for data. They are often used within organizations to allow users to access the corporate network behind a firewall.

The iPhone supports VPN that use the L2TP, PPTP, IPSec, Cisco, and a number of other VPN protocols, and it works on both Wi-Fi and cellular data connections network.

To configure your iPhone VPN, go to Settings -> General -> Network -> VPN, and then choose "Add VPN Configuration. Ask your network administrator which settings to use. In most cases, if you set up a similar VPN on your computer, you can use the same VPN settings for your device.

– Access your email securely –

Many companies use Microsoft Exchange Server, which uses security protocols through the iPhone. With the introduction of Lotus iNotes Ultralite, Lotus Notes users can both receive their mail from the company via the iPhone.

For web mail, check your mail settings for the iPhone make sure you use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) which encrypts mail that is sent and received by the device. Or, access your e-mail via the portal using Safari SSL. use https ://… instead of http:// … and verify that the image of the padlock at the bottom of the screen.

– Optimize your browser Safari Security Settings –

Most iPhone Safari security settings are enabled by default but can be modified by clicking on the icon iPhone Settings, then scroll down and select Safari. Make sure the Block Pop-ups button is set "On". Next, check your cookie settings Safari. By default, the iPhone Safari Accept Cookies function is set on " sites visited, "but you can disable cookies while selecting" Never ".

Support your iPhone

Although the iPhone OS is relatively stable and user-friendly interface, issues and questions arise. The last thing you need is an iPhone user that can not be productive because they are waiting for Apple or are unable to obtain support.

To keep running to your mobile users their height, make sure you have resources on hand to answer questions, solve problems and repair or replace broken appliances. That you have to hire internal IT staff or outsource to specialists integrated into the portable mobility, quality support is the key to mobile workforce productive.

Remote Administration

Your mobile workforce is, by definition, Mobile. This can pose challenges for those responsible for security and device configuration for remote users. The data can also be wiped away lost or stolen devices.

A number of companies such as Good Technology, Sybase, Dell and Apple have themselves developed remote management solutions for iPhones. Costs and functional groups vary greatly. Ask the experts of Mobile Integrated to determine the solution that best meets the needs of your organization.

About the Author

Sarah Coles is a Mobility Enabler for Integrated Mobile. The Integrated Mobile Managed Mobility service offering strategically reduces the total cost of wireless ownership by 20-40%, provide a single point of contact for all wireless services across multiple carriers, improve the overall quality of administrative and end user support – all while simplifying the management of wireless devices and services. For more information, please visit www.integratedmobile.com.

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