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Security and storage solutions specialist Barracuda Networks has updated its mobile-device management (MDM) solution, a free cloud-based mobile device and application management service, that is now available for Android devices.
Designed to simplify the management of Android and iOS devices, the platform was initially launched with support targeting the company’s K-12 education customers rolling out iPad initiatives.
Mobile Device Manager allows IT administrators to configure mobile devices to include passcode policies, functionality restrictions, email or Exchange Active Sync, authentication credentials, as well as WiFi, virtual private network (VPN) and proxy access.
The platform is part of Barracuda’s Total Threat Protection initiative, which is aimed at providing integrated security protection across multiple threat vectors.
Total Threat Protection is designed to protect multiple threat vectors, including email, Web applications, remote access, Web browsing by network users, mobile Internet access and the network perimeter.
“One of the biggest stumbling blocks in implementing an MDM strategy is how it integrates with the overall network security infrastructure, especially one that involves products from multiple vendors,” Stephen Pao, general manager of security at Barracuda, told eWEEK. “It can be a challenge to manage MDM policies when it is treated separately from the other security components like Web usage policies and VPN settings. Mobile devices should be a natural extension of a comprehensive, integrated security solution that secures all network threat vectors, and MDM should facilitate this.”
Mobile Device Manager is provided at no cost for existing Barracuda customers and can be accessed through the company’s Cloud Control portal.
The platform integrates with a number of Barracuda solutions and is accessed in Cloud Control, which provides a “single pane of glass” for customers to manage their security infrastructure.
“Given the variety of devices that BYOD [bring-your-own-device] policies can allow, user-friendliness is definitely important when it comes to MDM,” Pao said. “It should be easy for IT administrators to manage mobile device policies consistent with their overall security policies.”
Barracuda mobile applications, such as Safe Browser, Copy and CudaSign, can be pushed down to mobile devices, which lets IT administrators enforce browsing policies, improve workflow and manage the document-signing process.
Once a service account is provisioned, mobile devices can be enrolled with the service from any location.
Administrators can send users an email invitation with enrollment information through the service, and users can download the Barracuda Mobile Device Companion app from the iTunes App Store.
The service also supports zero-touch enrollment and inventory management through the Apple DEP program.
“MDM platforms will evolve to support multiple device types and operating systems as an integral part of an organization’s security strategy,” Pao said. “The Barracuda MDM service will continue to be deeply integrated with our overall portfolio of network security products to seamlessly extend all aspects of network security to a variety of mobile devices.”