LG aims to create secure 'virtual mobile devices' with VMware

Stuart Corner
Wednesday, 08 December 2010 15:20

Business IT - Security

LG Electronics and VMware have formed a partnership under which LG will deploy virtualisation technology from VMware on mobile devices that will enable corporate IT departments to create a second 'virtual device' on users cellphones etc that can be secured and managed.

The initiative is aimed at what is expected to be a huge market. Analysts have flagged the almost unstoppable penetration of mobile devices with poor security into the corporate IT environment as a disaster waiting to happen.

LG says it aims to increase its footprint in the enterprise sector while providing more options for both consumer and business customers. "This new technology will enable users to adopt the mobile device of their choice, while allowing corporate IT departments to manage sensitive data on those devices with enterprise-level security and compliance."

Initially LG will enable its own smartphones to run a secure work account in isolation from a user's personal account on a single mobile device. "With this feature, LG mobile users will be able to safely carry a single device for both personal and work use," LG says."

This technology is expected to be available on LG smartphones in 2011, with availability to be determined in partnership with individual carriers.