Acronis Releases MobilEcho 4.5

Acronis International GmbH, announced the launch of mobilEcho 4.5, its mobile file management solution, including free in-app editing tools for Office documents; certified encryption; and other security and improvements.

It enables enterprises to improve mobile users’ productivity while maintaining complete control over data security and compliance. Even though organisations are able to access its information through a PC or a Mac, this is not the case when using a mobile device. This software integrates with Active Directory to extend control of information to mobile devices.

According to Intel Corp. 82% of companies allow employees to use personal devices at work. However, Acronis’ 2013 Data Protection Trends Research found that 60% have no personal device policy in place, and, of those that do, 25% still make exceptions for executives. This shows that companies are vulnerable to BYOD risks and may be jeopardising its data, exposing it to leakage, theft, corruption, malware and more. With the software, corporate data never has to leave the security of the app, even when editing Office documents, creating a compliant and controlled mobile work experience.

It complements mobile device management vendors’ basic file access solutions, providing security and control of corporate information on mobile devices while, at the same time, giving end users all the tools to maintain productivity. For example, MDM and most MFM solutions do not include a built-in Office editor, forcing customers to purchase separate, potentially insecure apps that could compromise the integrity of sensitive data. Many of these other, third-party apps store data in a public cloud, which, without proper security or encryption, puts data even further at risk. The company’s solution provides the ability to manage files in one corporate IT-managed location.

Features:

• Microsoft Office in-app document editing, including PDF and text documents

• FIPS 140-2 certified encryption module, required by highly-regulated industries

• Support for SharePoint 365, allowing organisations to grant secure access to all SharePoint content

• Document thumbnail preview, enabling users to select the right files when browsing

• Support for client certificate authentication

“We want to rewrite the rules of handling secure data,” said Anders Lofgren, VP of product management, Acronis. “By turning mobile devices into true business platforms, we can let users seamlessly access and edit documents, while maintaining a high level of security. That way, enterprise employees can continue to work efficiently using mobilEcho, while the corporation’s critical data assets remain completely protected.”

“The MobileIron AppConnect partner ecosystem gives our customers access to the best apps in the industry for their Mobile First initiatives,” said Ojas Rege, VP strategy, MobileIron, Inc. “Acronis mobilEcho has always been very popular with our customers and its new editing capabilities will make end users more productive while still delivering enterprise-grade security.“

“The strategic value of mobility is recognised by all major companies, but the security of applications and documents being shared by employees remains a major concern for business and IT leaders,” according to Stacy Crook, program manager, mobile enterprise research, IDC. “The ability to collaborate in a secure environment allows enterprises to take advantage of today’s mobile movement without risking data protection priorities.“