While Windows Phone does support Microsoft's Exchange platform, it currently supports only a subset of the more advanced enterprise related functionality. Microsoft says this is because the initial focus for Windows Phone was consumer support and that improvements to Exchange functionality will be delivered via over the air software updates. The next version of Windows Phone is likely to deliver significant improvements in this area, as part of a push to make the platform "enterprise ready". This will also include features such as improvements in remote device provisioning and management, improved security policy implementation and data encryption. However these features will only arrive later in the year and it is also important for Microsoft to support solutions that are already being actively used and deployed in the business market.
The arrival on Good Technology's solution on the Windows Phone platform helps fill the enterprise gap in the platforms functionality. Enabling secure email is especially important as many companies are bound by legal regulatory frameworks that dictate how email should be sent, stored and delivered. This can include, but is not limited to minimum levels of data encryption, data storage policies and regulator approved certification requirements. Some industries (legal, financial) require these as a matter of course for all activities and others may need them for specific contracts (e.g. working on a government project).
Good Technology specialises in solutions that meet or exceed the regulatory requirement. The company says its enterprise solutions are used by half of the Fortune 100 companies in the US. It supports multiple mobile platforms (iOS, Android) and multiple backends (Exchange, Lotus Notes), which makes it a good choice for companies pursing a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) IT strategy.
The Good for Enterprise solution enables IT managers to to protect corporate data with data encryption and easy-to-apply policies (e.g. requiring passwords and preventing 'cut/copy/paste' capabilities from the Good for Enterprise app), establish role-based policies using web-based management tools and perform remote wipe of enterprise information only (i.e. leaving music, photos, and other personal data present) in the event the mobile device is compromised, lost or stolen.
Susan Vinci-Lucero, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Good Technology, notes that:
"The Windows Phone platform provides mobile users with a terrific new solution that combines a state of the art user interface and ease of use. As our December BYOD report and 2011 Q4 Data Report indicate, enterprise customers are rapidly embracing the 'Bring Your Own Device' model across all industries, and we are delighted to work with Microsoft to help accelerate Windows Phone adoption in the enterprise."
Microsoft see the partnership with Good as a way of providing their customers with a partner solution for secure mobile messaging. Tom Trinneer, director of Product Management, Windows Phone Division, Microsoft, explains:
"Good Technology is a leader in providing encrypted email access to enterprise employees. This is why we selected Good as our Windows Phone 7.5 preferred partner solution for secured, encrypted mobile messaging. With its help we can now extend the Windows Phone experience by adding powerful security technologies to enterprise email, enabling busy professionals to stay connected and productive."
Nokia, who announced their own partnership with Good Technology around the Lumia devices, also recognises the rise of personal influence in enterprise mobility and the cross-over nature of mobile devices. Purnima Kochikar, VP Business Mobility, Nokia, said that:
"The consumerization of IT shows that when it comes to enterprise mobility, the decision is increasingly resting in the consumer's hands. Customers like the design and features of our phones and we know they want to use them both in their personal and professional lives. We also understand that when it comes to protecting corporate information, end-to-end security is fundamental. We're thrilled to be working with a mobile security leader like Good Technology to help optimize the Lumia range for business use."
The Good for Enterprise solution is targeted for commercial availability for Windows Phone devices in early Q2 2012 and will be distributed as an application, available for download from the Windows Phone Marketplace.