GFI MAX Adds Functionality and Extends Mobile Device Management Support to Windows Phone 8.1

June 09, 2014 - 12:00

MSPs can now secure company data, manage mobile devices on all ‘big three’ operating systems

GFI MAX™ today announced the release of a new version of its GFI MAX RemoteManagement platform that extends the value of its Mobile Device Management (MDM) service offering. The offering now includes support for Windows Phone 8.1, enabling managed service providers (MSPs) to manage, secure and monetize customers’ mobile devices running on all three of the leading platforms in the industry, Apple iOS, Google Android and Microsoft Windows Phone. In addition to adding support for Windows Phone, the solution also includes new MDM reporting and Android Wi-Fi provisioning capabilities.

The enhancements to GFI MAX MDM continue the company’s emphasis on helping MSPs offer a comprehensive management and security service which covers all of their clients’ devices and company data, while creating new, recurring revenue opportunities to support their continued business growth. Building on features introduced in last year’s initial launch of GFI MAX MDM, MSPs can now manage and secure company data on a broader range of mobile devices, including proactively setting which devices may use company email and Wi-Fi services and implementing and enforcing company security policies. In the event of a loss or theft of a device, MSPs can provide assurance of continued protection by setting or resetting passwords or remotely wiping lost or stolen devices if appropriate.

GFI MAX MDM feature enhancements include:

·        Windows Phone Support– With support for Windows Phone 8.1, Microsoft’s latest mobile operating system, MSPs can manage mobile devices running the iOS, Android and Windows Phone operating systems – the ‘big three’– increasing companies’ and employees’ ability to choose the device that best meets their needs.

·        MDM Inventory Report– By providing a full overview of all the devices the MSP is managing on behalf of its customers, MSPs can demonstrate the comprehensive nature of MDM support across their customer’s network.

·        Location History Report– Customers concerned about the location of devices (and the location of employees carrying those devices) now have access to a detailed breakdown of the locations at which selected Android or Windows phone devices were logged over a period of months.

·        Android provisioning for Wi-Fi access – GFI MAX MDM now has Android Wi-Fi provisioning and the capability to provide instant update notifications when needed.

“MSPs who have placed their trust in the GFI MAX platform need to know there isn’t a blind spot and a potential vulnerability associated with mobile devices that could compromise the work they have put into securing servers, desktops and laptops on their clients’ networks and the information that flows between them,” said Dr. Alistair Forbes, general manager of the GFI MAX business unit. “The enhanced GFI MAX MDM closes that blind spot for mobile devices, empowering MSPs to provide the most comprehensive network security service available, further deepening their relationships with their customers, aiding them with customer retention and development of profitable recurring revenue for their businesses.”

MSPs increasingly seek comprehensive MDM support to ensure the security of devices and company data. This is especially critical at a time when protection for mobile devices and company data top the list of concerns expressed by small and medium-sized businesses. These concerns were reflected in a recent independent survey of 202 IT decision makers in U.S. workplaces employing up to 250 people. Conducted by Opinion Matters, the research project examined the “Internet of Things” and the impact IT administrators expect from the increased volume of internet-enabled and addressable devices on their network. The IT professionals surveyed overwhelmingly cited greater exposure to existing and undiscovered threats, particularly through mobile devices, as being among the most pressing concerns about the onward march of the Internet of Things into their organization.

About GFI MAX
GFI MAX helps IT Support Companies and MSPs grow monthly revenues from existing customers, attract new customers with affordable, high-value, easy-to-use services and deliver proactive, cost efficient services to grow an IT business profitably. GFI MAX provides a range of integrated software solutions built specifically for IT Support Companies and MSPs that are fast to implement, low effort to manage and fully brandable, so your customers see their value. The GFI MAX platform enables MSPs to provide managed antivirus, managed online backup, remote support, email security, automated monitoring, patch management, asset tracking, alerting and viewing and reporting all from a single dashboard.

About GFI
GFI Software™ develops quality IT solutions for small to mid-sized businesses with generally up to 1,000 users. GFI® offers two main technology solutions: GFI MAX™, which enables managed service providers (MSPs) to deliver superior services to their customers; and GFI Cloud™, which empowers companies with their own internal IT teams to manage and maintain their networks via the cloud. Serving an expanding customer base of more than 200,000 companies, GFI’s product line also includes collaboration, network security, anti-spam, patch management, faxing, mail archiving and web monitoring. GFI is a channel-focused company with thousands of partners throughout the world. The company has received numerous awards and industry accolades, and is a longtime Microsoft® Gold ISV Partner.