Mobile collaboration is here to stay and EMC is doing its part to support on-the-go productivity by piling features onto its enterprise file sharing and sync platform.
The storage giant’s latest updates to Syncplicity address some of the data management and security challenges of mobile and distributed workforces, particularly as they pertain to one of the most enduring corporate communications mediums: email. Describing email as the “lifeblood of today’s business environment,” Jeetu Patel, vice president of EMC Syncplicity, pointed out the effects of stuffing inboxes with business information nowadays.
“And as emails continue to fly, data security concerns continue to rise as attachments get larger, organizations reach globally and mobile devices become the tool of choice and convenience for communication,” wrote Patel in a company blog post.
To alleviate these concerns, the company rolled out Syncplicity Secure Send, which allows users to send email recipients a link instead of inbox-clogging attachments. Patel explained, “Simply right click on the file and Syncplicity will automatically generate a unique link with optional security features such as adding passwords, restricting access, and tracking downloads to ensure sensitive material is viewed in a timely manner and remains protected.”
The features gives administrators “visibility into sharing with enterprise-wide password policies and expiration periods, and audit reporting,” asserted Patel. The controls extend to files that stored on the cloud or on-premise.
On the mobile front, the company released Syncplicity for Good apps for iOS and Android. Meant to integrate with Good Dynamics’ mobile device management (MDM) platform, the apps keep data in a “FIPS compliant container” and helps ensure that sensitive information is not put at risk. It does this by enabling organizations to implement strong password policies, detect jail-broken devices, remotely revoke access and wipe data.
Finally, Syncplicity gains Active Directory integration for federated identity management. The software supports “OneLogin and Ping Identity for single sign-on and automated user provisioning solutions,” said Patel.
EMC acquired Syncplicity in May 2012. Led by ex-Microsoft execs, the startup positioned itself as a secure, enterprise-grade alternative to consumer-friendly cloud storage services like Drobox.