We introduced the topic of Data Safeguard Solutions in our July 28 post.   In that post, we said we would explore the three-pronged security solutions in more depth.   Today, we wrap up this discussion by addressing the topic of Mobile VPN products.

A virtual private network (VPN) is a technology that establishes a private or secure network connection known as a VPN tunnel within a public network, such as the Internet.  The third-generation VPN, called the mobile VPN, is based on the TLS (Transport Layer Security, is the latest version of SSL) protocol, which has been optimized specifically for low bandwidth networks and mobile devices. 

Common features include:

• Mobile VPN based on the TLS (Transport Layer Security, is the latest version of SSL) protocol.   
• AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) data encryption.
• FIPS 140-2 certified.  FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standard) Publication 140-2, is a U.S. government computer security standard. 
• Authentication options: Smartcard, client certificate (X.509) and RADIUS.
• Compliance with wireless requirements for PCI, SOX, HIPAA, etc.

 In addition to the increased security offered by a mobile VPN product, the following are also benefits: 

• Single user log-in.
• Seamless network roaming including WLAN to WWAN.
• Session resumption allows for a very fast VPN reconnection without any user interaction.  
• Automatic resumption after hibernation.   This feature extends battery life.
•  Data transaction recovery. 

 Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to assist your company in determining the ideal mobile VPN product for you. 

We introduced the topic of Data Safeguard Solutions in our July 28 post.  In that post, we said we would explore the three-pronged security solutions in more depth.   Mobile device Security was addressed in our July 29 post.  Today we will address mobile security suites.

Security Suites provide protection for mobile devices from viruses, malware, data compromise, the effects of device theft, and unauthorized data access.    Some products support the full range of mobile operating systems including Windows Mobile, Symbian, iPhone, Palm, RIM, and Linux.

Common features include: 

• Virus Protection - protects mobile devices against malware delivered via e-mail, SMS, MMS, direct download, Bluetooth or infrared transmission. Typically this includes real-time scan of any file received as well as on-demand scans of internal memory, memory card and full device. 
• Firewall - protects users from threats. Firewall solutions typically offer bi-directional, packet filtering options, protecting the mobile device from accessing harmful or questionable content and preventing malicious content from being transferred to the device. Firewalls monitors cellular, Wi-Fi and phone-to-PC traffic blocking and rule-based filtering.

In addition to the above core functionality, mobile security suites may also include:

• Call and Message Filter - Blocks incoming SMS, MMS and/or voice calls from selected contacts and unknown users.  
• Mobile VPN

Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to assist your company in determining the ideal security suite product for you.  

We introduced the topic of Data Safeguard Solutions in our July 28 post.  In that post, we said we would explore the three-pronged security solutions in more depth.

Device Security was the first solution listed in that post.  This software category is available as either Enterprise software or a subscription-based SaaS solution with a Web-based portal.

Common features include:

• Authentication - User privileges and credentials for logging on to the device.
• Data Encryption – Data stored directly on mobile device as well as on memory cards is encrypted.
• Device Lockdown - Create a white list of approved applications or lock down device (sometimes known as kiosk mode) to prevent execution of unauthorized programs, changes to settings or install unauthorized software.
• Last Communications Monitoring - This feature triggers security actions if a device has been out of contact for a specified time interval or has been lost or stolen. Actions can include locking down or wiping.

 Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to assist your company in determining the ideal device security product for you. 

Increasingly, mobile security is in the news.  Fortunately, DecisionPoint can ease our customers’ minds in this regard.  Virtually all of our solutions feature data encryption.  In addition, we can offer a three-pronged solution to safeguard their data:

1. Device Security.  Common features include monitoring of last communication, capability to lock down device or wipe data.
2. Security Suites.  Firewall and antivirus.
3. Mobile VPN.  In addition to VPN security, functionality typically includes seamless network roaming, session resumption and data transaction recovery.

Depending on the customer’s desired level of security, the above components can be implemented individually or in any combination.  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to assist your company in determining the ideal level of security required and the combination of products that will meet your security needs. 

In future blog posts, the above security solutions will be explored in more depth.

Two posts last week introduced the topic of Location-Based Services (LBS) and an earlier post this week explained Geofencing—which is a common LBS feature.     Another common LBS feature is breadcrumbing, but what is it?

Breadcrumbing uses a GPS-enabled device to collect historical location data including route, speed, direction, stops and stop duration at specified time intervals.  This data is presented on a map as a “breadcrumb trail” of position markers.  This data can be used to improve field performance, increase fleet safety and give managers an enhanced view of field activity.

So what are some of the uses and benefits of breadcrumbing?

• Breadcrumbing can reduce fuel and maintenance costs, increase productivity, improve safety and increase awareness of field activity that can improve overall customer service.
• By recording driving speed, businesses can deter speeding and gain valuable documentation in case of accidents or insurance disputes.
• Improve field performance by acting as a “supervisor in the field,” protecting against unapproved routes, excessive work breaks and  unauthorized stops.
• Control off-hours use of vehicles.
• Accurate and automatic audit trail that can be compared to time and attendance records to verify actual worker time on duty.
• Route optimization plans the most efficient routes and “breadcrumbing” provides confirmation that they were followed. 
• Breadcrumbing provides data such as travel times between stops, slowdown areas and wait times.   By basing calculations on actual, accurate data from the field, route optimization systems can create “real-world” routes that reduce miles driven, improve utilization of fleet equipment and raise mobile worker productivity.

Let’s get mobile!  DecisionPoint has multiple Location-Based Services solutions. Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to determine which one best meets your requirements and budget.

In this ‘GPS Record/Playback Demo’ video, Motorola demonstrate the GPS and video capabilities of the MC75.

 Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about the Motorola MC75 and its GPS and video capabilities.

Motorola’s MC75 Worldwide Enterprise Digital Assistant—introduced in Q3, 2008—bundles a number of business capabilities into an easy-to-carry rugged device. The MC75 can be configured with a 3.5G GSM HSDPA or 3G CDMA-EVDO Rev A radio to provide high performance voice and data services around the globe.  Within the four walls, Tri-mode IEEE 802.11 a/b/g is also available.  In addition, the MC75 boasts:

• 3.5 inches, backlit full VGA (640 x 480) touchscreen
• Integrated GPS
• 1D and 2D bar code scanning
• High resolution 2 megapixel autofocus digital color camera
• Multiple keyboard configurations

… all in a rugged package with industry-leading 5 ft. drop test and iP54 sealing.

Learn more about the MC75 in this video but keep it mind that it was in September, 2008 and the MC75 now comes with Windows Mobile 6.1.  

Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about the incomparable Motorola MC75 Enterprise Digital Assistant (EDA).

Two posts last week introduced the topic of Location-Based Services (LBS).     A common LBS feature is Geofencing, but what is it?

A Geofence is a virtual perimeter around a geographic area using Location-Based Services so that when a GPS-enabled device enters and/or exits the area a notification is generated. 

This notification contains driver and/or vehicle identification and location data which can be sent to a mobile device or an e-mail account as well as recorded for reporting purposes.

A Geofence can be set for all employees, groups or individual employees.  Fences can be either permanent or temporary.   There are two kinds of Geofences: polygonal and radial.  Examples of both can be seen in the screenshot at the right. 

So what are some of the uses and benefits of Geofencing?

• Location-based messaging can be used with radial fencing to send emergency-related alerts.
• A Geofence can be set in a radius around a customer’s site so that an e-mail alert can be automatically sent to the customer advising of the imminent arrival of your driver.
• By capturing both the arrival and departure times, a business can automatically capture the duration of a stop.
• A business can be automatically alerted when either an individual employee or any employees enters an unauthorized location.

Let’s get mobile!  DecisionPoint has multiple Location-Based Services solutions. Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to determine which one best meets your requirements and budget.