Sybase iAnywhere today announced that it has expanded its mobile device management and security solution with the release of Afaria 6.0. The latest version of Afaria, a core component of the Sybase Information Anywhere Suite, will include a new relay server architecture that works across multiple Information Anywhere Suite components to offer secure communications for data synchronization and mobile device management functions. Afaria also introduces several new features focused on reducing IT administration costs, including a new policy-based device management capability, support for Open Mobile Alliance Client Provisioning (OMA CP), and a local password recovery feature.

“Afaria 6.0 is focused on reducing IT costs, which is one of the most pressing issues facing enterprises today,” said Joe Owen, vice president of engineering, Sybase iAnywhere. “The new policy-based administrative model, the OMA client provisioning capabilities and the local password recovery feature all work to drive down mobile device management costs. This latest version Afaria also includes significant advances in network and device security with the new relay server architecture and mobile device port control capabilities.”

Sybase Information Anywhere Suite’s Afaria 6.0 will be available by the end of Q3 2008.

Key Features Include:

Enhanced network security with new Relay Server

• Facilitates secure communications with mobile devices by not requiring any open inbound ports into the corporate network
• secure communications is achieved with no impact on device processor or battery performance
• Works across multiple Information Anywhere Suite components, providing a single security solution for all device communications

Reduced IT costs with new Policy-based administrative model

• Group and role-based policies reduce IT administration costs by facilitating automated management of large numbers of mobile devices
• Provides consolidated, expanded views of group policies and schedules for ease in management and troubleshooting
• Dynamic policy enforcement capability ensures compliance with management and security policies even while devices are disconnected

Open Mobile Alliance Client Provisioning (OMA CP)

• Over-the-air standards-based device provisioning capability
• Supports configuration of access point settings needed to connect new devices to the Internet
• Supports both user and network PIN signed messages for increased security

Mobile Device Port Controls

• Dynamically controls and enforces the use of device communication ports and features on Windows Mobile devices
• Reduces or eliminates spurious communication costs by controlling unauthorized use of IMAP/POP3 email and SMS/MMS messaging
• Disables use of Infrared, WIFI, USB and Bluetooth communications
• Enforces corporate security and configuration policies regarding the use of device functionality such as camera, microphone, and external data cards

Local Password Recovery

• Provides a method for end users to regain access to locked devices without compromising security
• Reduces help desk costs