Westcon bundles security for Nokia E-Series

ENABLING A Nokia E Series handsets to make calls via the corporate IP switchboard isn't new. But Westcon has concocted a software bundle to address corporates' concerns over all the security aspects.

Allowing smartphones access to both the corporate voice and data networks is an IT manager's nightmare. yet the necessary pieces to protect against data loss or theft are readily available.

What Westcon has done is put together the necessary software clients and then offer the reqisite end user product support to enable resellers to sell into their major enterprise customers.

Known as Westcon Mobility, it provides the necessary data encryption; anti-virus (AV) and firewall capabilities that an E-Series handset will require. Weston's Bernie Dodwell refused to tell the INQ whose AV software is included but it probably comes from either Symantec or Trend.

The company can reveal, however, that is supplying Intellisync wireless email and Intellisync device management (DM) modules from Nokia. The DM software can remotely lock and wipe data held on the handset.

The chief attraction to telecoms resellers is that Westcon can source the handsets and install the software through a UK Nokia distributor - probably, Unique Distribution.

So this will enable resellers who don't have the necessary mobile phone software skills or the ability to sell handsets and relevant tariffs to their existing switch customers.

The first IP telephony client that Westcon will offer is for Avaya voice switches. Support for Alcatel, Nortel, Siemens and Cisco switches will follow.

Bernie Dodwell hinted that when enterprises start to deploy handsets capable of connecting to the switchboard via WiFi in serious numbers, the WiFi networks will probably degrade significiantly.

So resellers will probably flog loads of extra WiFi access points on the back of the Mobility offering.

The product even has a price. A fully installed Nokia E61 will cost the corporate user €1,095/£740/$1,380 or less if they already possess the relevant handset or if they don't want the Intellisync email client.

Dodwell hinted that he didn't expect mobile resellers to take advantage of the offering and source Avaya switches through Westcon but it would be perfectly possible.

Westcon's involvement should ensure that the sight of executives receiving switchboard calls on their Nokia instead of a telephone extension becomes a reality rather than a marketing dream. µ

L'INQ
Westcon