by Clint Adams, Fiberlink

These days, it is all about the 3-D experience. The movie “Avatar” has made 3-D the next required technology for the cinematic community. Obviously, in the theater, the viewing experience is greatly enhanced with addition of the all-important third dimension. Does the same hold true for Mobile Intelligence?

Drawing a comparison between cinematic experience and Mobile Intelligence reporting may be a stretch and, admittedly, a cheap trick to get your attention. The intent is to hold your attention long enough to have a conversation about how connection data is the missing data element required to provide a “3D” Mobile Intelligence report-viewing experience. Adding this critical dimension to the mobile intelligence equation can provide perspective into more important and high value user behavior aspects across the three pillars of need: Security, Compliance, and Cost.

Mobile Intelligence is really all about user behavior.  Understanding user behavior lets us develop and implement sensible security policies and controls that will control costs and provide mandated compliance information. Simply reporting on hardware and software inventory and security posture cannot provide insight into user behavior. By adding the critical element consisting of the related connectivity data (the all important “Third Dimension”), understanding and utilizing user behavior as a part of the Mobile Intelligence now becomes possible.

Mainstream device management solutions provide simple inventory and security information, but typically have no way of collecting connection information or relating any of the security information to a connection event. Think about the power of third dimension in this context across the three pillars of need (Security, Compliance, and Cost):

Security – Understand risky user behavior related to the use of important security software controls. For example, how often was a connection made in an insecure Wi-Fi hotspot where the endpoint did not have an active personal firewall running?

Compliance – Report on the intersection of security controls and geography. Get a picture of how many laptops are connecting in high theft and loss locations like airports without data encryption installed and active, or how many connections are made in China that are not protected by a VPN session.

Cost – Understand user behavior to aid implementation of programs to reduce access and wireless transport costs. For example, find users that have an active 3G card, but are still using expensive Wi-Fi in hotels where 3G would be less expensive. In addition, quickly understand the reverse scenario–how many users are using 3G when they are actually connected to free Wi-Fi at home or in free venues.

So, as you venture on your quest for greater insight into Mobile Intelligence, don’t forget about the “Third Dimension”. Remember the three pillars of Mobile Intelligence need (Security Events, Compliance and Cost) and the three dimensions of intelligence (Inventory, Security and Connectivity).

….and don’t forget to remove those goofy glasses after viewing!

Read this White Paper to learn more about All Connection Reporting.