AEP Networks tablet client enables secure corporate apps access

Secure communications provider AEP Networks has unveiled software designed to allow the secure use of corporate applications via tablet devices such as those based on the Android or iOS platforms.

The Secure Application Access Mobile software sits as a client on the device, and effectively grants access to business applications hosted in the cloud or at a company's secure datacentre.

This means that no corporate data is at risk if the device is stolen, while two-factor authentication ensures that the handset is authorised to connect to the network, according to AEP.

Security is further enhanced as users are only able to access applications in line with their organisation's corporate security policy.

"The decision by organisations to keep tablets off the corporate network was justifiable in the past for security reasons, but is no longer the right approach," said Mark Darvill, director at AEP Networks.

"Whilst the iPad was designed with the consumer in mind, its flexibility means it can't be ignored as a business tool. With the right security controls in place, employees can travel light with a convenient tablet device and still access office-based applications securely."

The tablet market is set to rocket over the next few years, according to analysts, with the Apple iPad leading the way.

Gartner predicted that Apple's iOS will account for 69 per cent of media tablets in 2011, and that the iPad will enjoy more than half of tablet sales for the next three years.

Android, meanwhile, will increase its worldwide tablet market share from 20 per cent this year to 39 per cent in 2015.

As with smartphone platforms, however, many businesses will be reticent about sanctioning such devices for corporate use unless they can be reassured about data security.

To this end, security vendor Webroot announced earlier this month the launch of its anti-malware and anti-phishing capabilities for the Android smartphone and tablet devices.