Today RIM announced the upcoming debut of a device management software that will protect iPhone (and Android) users. Set to launch in March of 2012, Mobile Fusion will function alongside Blackberry Enterprise Servers (BES) behind corporate firewalls, according to Reuters:
“What our enterprise customers are looking for, and the opportunity for us, is to become the de facto platform,” Alan Panezic, RIM’s vice-president for enterprise product management, said in an interview ahead of the announcement.
“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.”
According to the Mobile Fusion site:
Support for devices that use Apple iOS and Google Android operating systems
Use BlackBerry Mobile Fusion to manage and secure devices that use Apple iOS and Google Android operating systems. Certain features enable administrators to add and import iOS and Android users, create group memberships, view user and device information, define IT policies and connectivity settings, manage apps on devices and assist users in the recovery of misplaced devices.
This service will enable the growing number of corporate customers with personal iPhones link their devices to the Blackberry network securely. RIM’s stock price has dropped 70% this year as a result of their failed product launches, and inability to innovate and keep up with smartphone rivals. The PlayBook and Torch are just a couple examples of products released ‘half-baked’ to customers.
Is this RIM’s last-ditch attempt to salvage itself? Should it concentrate on creating new products and software, or spread out into the device management field?
