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• Windows Phone 8 MDM support to be released in Q1/2013;
• Full set of features for application management, security policy compliance and much more.
Manufacturers such as Nokia, Samsung and HTC have all published their own set of new devices, which run with the new Windows platform, and enterprises are expecting a lot from the Windows platform which should now tie together both PC and mobile devices. Now Microsoft’s software tools are compatible with all devices, allowing more flexibility to work, as you can do all the same things with different devices and switch the device when needed without losing critical capabilities. The enterprise focus also brings mobile device management into discussion, and we are happy to announce that the MDM support for Windows Phone 8 devices is on its way.
Starting from the basics, Windows Phone 8 supports remote Exchange account management. The native e-mail account management ensures an easy way for all employees to access their e-mail on their devices and at the same time, companies can regulate who has the access to the emails. A wide range of device information is also available remotely via SyncShield, such as device model, firmware version and device ID, which enhances the device inventory and asset management for IT department.
Compared to Windows Phone 7, Windows Phone 8 answers the application management needs for organisations. Just like with iOS and Android, we will be enabling an enterprise app catalog called Company Hub for these devices. The Company Hub is an independent, internal Marketplace, where employees can download and install company developed applications, which SyncShield automatically keeps up-to-date. Companies can also recommend Marketplace applications in the Company Hub to different target groups, thus offering the best suited applications for different groups depending on their mobility needs. The Company Hub also supports other content, which employees can download according to their access rights.
SyncShield offers essential security features for Windows Phone 8. The obligatory features such as auto-lock policy and full wipe are supported, as well as selective wipe, which enables a much better bring-your-own-device support. Selective wipe removes all company data, such as email-account, apps and content, and leaves the private data on the device. The device’s internal memory can be encrypted, and SD-card can be disabled from use, if the company finds it necessary to keep all data on the device encrypted. Remote certificate installation is also supported. The new features of SyncShield combined with the heavy security layer of Windows Phone 8, such as sandboxing of the applications, form together one of the most secure mobile environments yet achieved.
In addition to all of the above, Windows Phone 8 will also comply with SyncShield’s policy management features. SyncShield brings a very essential MDM addition to the Exchange-managed device pool with very good BYOD capabilities. The new features will be released during Q1/2013 in a Windows Phone 8 focused version upgrade, which is naturally included in the SyncShield license fee. Some changes are possible in the introduced feature set, however the situation has been carefully assessed and all changes are published as soon as they are confirmed. If you are interested in creating apps for Windows Phone 8, feel free to contact us for more details about MDM compatibility and distribution in your organization!
Summary of the new features:
- Device Information for asset management;
- Exchange account management;
- Company Hub with company apps and Marketplace recommendations;
- Auto-lock policy;
- Full device wipe;
- Selective wipe for company data only;
- Internal memory encryption;
- Disable SD-card access;
- Install certificates;
- Automated policy management.
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