Sophos Updates Mobile Device Management Platform

Sophos today announced the release of Sophos Mobile Control 2.0, the latest version of its mobile device management product.

Among the enhancements in the new version is an enterprise app store, which enables administrators to deploy company-specific applications that are not published in the Apple App Store or Google Market. Sophos has also added new compliance enforcement features that permit administrators to set specific rules and policies from device to device, as well as a self-service portal that empowers users to reset passwords, locate devices and take other actions without involving IT.

The compliance feature also logs all compliance issues on a Web-based dashboard that permits the admin to see all non-compliance devices, details of their policy violations and any action that needs to be taken for remediation. Non-compliance devices can be automatically barred from receiving access to corporate data, Sophos said.

The product supports a number of mobile devices and operating systems, including BlackBerry, Apple iOS and Google Android devices. According to the company, the accelerating adoption of smartphones and tablets makes the management capabilities a necessary ingredient of enterprise security.

“We understand that businesses are increasingly mobile and their workforce is adding an extra layer of complexity,” said Matthias Pankert, vice president of product management, Mobile Data Protection, at Sophos, in a statement. “With the enhancements within Sophos Mobile Control, we are aiming to streamline and simplify device and data protection, while giving employees the flexibility they want, and IT departments the protection they need.”