BlackBerry BES12 gets an upgrade, bringing Enhanced Multi-OS Support

BlackBerry have launched an upgrade to BES12, bringing the latest version to 12.2 and further expanding the company’s multi-OS capabilities.

BES12 version 12.2 now provides support for Samsung KNOX Workspace and Android for Work, and has integrated these platforms with BlackBerry Secure Connect Plus for secure, behind-the-firewall access to enterprise content without the need for VPN infrastructure. The update also includes support for the Apple Device Enrollment Program (DEP) for iPhones and iPads.

Through a single command and control center, BES12 supports any type of deployment model – BYOD, Corporate Owned Personally Enabled (COPE) and Corporate Owned Business Only (COBO) – and all major mobile platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows Phone and BlackBerry.

BES12 also integrates with Samsung KNOX and Android for Work, creating true end-to-end security for Android smartphones and tablets.

The latest version of BES12, version 12.2, expands BlackBerry’s multi-OS capabilities.

Key updates include:

• Samsung KNOX Workspace. Samsung KNOX provides comprehensive hardware to software security that is built into Samsung devices like the Galaxy S6 and S6 edge, making them the most secure Android devices. Customers can now use BES12 to manage devices with Samsung KNOX Workspace, meaning that they can deploy Samsung Galaxy devices in a work and personal mode as well as Workspace-only mode. This gives organizations even more choice in not only the devices that their employees use, but in the way that they use them – all with the high level of security and privacy they expect from BlackBerry and Samsung.
• Android for Work. BES12 supports Android for Work, which enhances security, simplifies management and provides an open platform for innovation on Android devices. BES12 seamlessly integrates with the Android OS to enable platform-level containerization, creating dedicated profiles for corporate and personal information. This eliminates the need for app wrapping and provides users with access to any Android application available on Google Play that is permitted by an organization’s IT policies.
• BlackBerry Secure Connect Plus. Samsung KNOX Workspace, Android for Work and BlackBerry 10 are now integrated with BlackBerry Secure Connect Plus. This solution provides secure, behind-the-firewall access to enterprise content without the need for VPN infrastructure, helping enterprises to cut costs and improve the user experience for employees. Customers can also use the enhanced secure connectivity option to enable secure, behind-the-firewall access for mobile voice and video applications.
• Apple Device Enrollment Program (DEP). BES12 now supports Apple DEP, which simplifies the enrollment of corporate-issued iOS devices. IT administrators can more quickly, easily and securely manage large deployments of iPhones and iPads by enabling supervised controls over-the-air.

Bob Egan, CEO, Sepharim Research Group said,

“Enterprises need comprehensive EMM to streamline management of disparate mobile devices, applications and content being deployed across their organizations to meet the diverse needs of users,”

“By enhancing its multi-OS capabilities and services with BES12, BlackBerry is creating better user experiences as well as more value for customers that are looking for flexibility in their mobile environments.”

With today’s announcement, BlackBerry has shown how it is continuing to expand its multi-OS capabilities while staying committed to the principles of security and simplicity. In environments with multiple platforms, devices, apps and content, enterprises want a trusted, secure solution that will help them reduce complexity. BlackBerry delivers this and so much more to our customers with our portfolio of services and world-class support.