14 DAY TRIAL // LG Electronics and VMware have announced an agreement to include the company's virtualization technology into some of LG's Android smartphones, starting next year.
Targeting the enterprise segment, the new partnership plans to improve security and control of sensitive corporate data while enabling more flexible access via mobile devices owned by employees.
The new technology will enable users to get the mobile device of their choice and virtualize a second operating system on it, thus allowing corporate IT departments to manage sensitive data with enterprise-level security.
“The enterprise and SMB markets are key areas of focus for LG,” said Ki S. Kim, vice president of Global Enterprise Solutions at LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company.
“Our partnership with VMware is part of LG's global strategy to develop smart mobile devices for businesses. Enterprise IT organizations are looking for a way to embrace the growing trend of employee-owned mobile devices at work, while still maintaining control over their corporate data."
"VMware's industry leadership provides a platform for LG to extend its presence in enterprises and deliver compelling solutions that address the challenges raised by the convergence of IT and mobile communications,” added Kim.
Initially, LG smartphones will run an additional work account in isolation from the user's personal account on a single mobile device.
Thanks to the new feature, LG mobile users will be able to safely carry a single device for both personal and work use.
“As workforces become more mobile, our customers increasingly view today's new breed of mobile devices as mission critical tools for their business,” said Dr. Stephen Herrod, CTO and senior vice president of R&D, VMware.
“The reality is that today's employee-owned mobile devices are often more advanced than corporate offerings. As a result, the agile enterprise is looking to embrace new end user computing models that allow users to work on the devices they love. We are excited to work with LG to develop mobile solutions that address the end user desire for affinity and the enterprise desire for manageability, security and control.”
The Korean handset manufacturer said that the first VMware solutions using mobile virtualization technology are scheduled for 2011.
