LogMeIn offers better access control for iPhone and iPad

LogMeIn is extending the management tools for its remote access service to allow administrators to grant access on an individual device basis, starting with support for Apple's hugely popular iPhone and iPad.

The move is intended to help organisations better control access to corporate computers and data by employees bringing devices such as tablets and smartphones into the workplace.

Available now as a beta, the service is delivered through the existing LogMeIn Central management tool, and enables organisations to implement policies governing what can be accessed by each user, and from which device.

The beta preview is currently restricted to iOS endpoint devices, but this will be extended to other platforms including Android and desktop PCs when the service is fully available.

Users need to have the LogMeIn Ignition client on their endpoint device, which enables them to remotely view a computer's desktop and take control of it.

According to LogMeIn, administrators will now be able to enrol individually owned iOS devices into their organisation's mobile inventory, and authorise these for remote access to one or more computers on the corporate network.

Permissions can be granted for each user or mobile device, governing whether or not files can be remotely transferred from computers on the network down to the endpoint, for example.

Andrew Burton, vice president of access and management at LogMeIn, claimed that the new capabilities are a significant addition to the service.

"By combining the benefits of LogMeIn Ignition with visibility and control over how employees access their applications and data, organisations can expand the benefits of mobility to all their users, whether individuals bring their own iPads to the workplace or the iPads are provided to them," he said.

The service additionally allows administrators to remotely wipe stored credentials from lost or stolen mobile devices, according to LogMeIn.

Those interested can sign up for the preview at LogMeIn's web site.