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Rollout: Sybase's Information Anywhere Suite: Page 3 of 4

OneBridge's corporate directory lookup lets users query the Active Directory global address list to find contact information that may not be defined in the user's address book. While this feature isn't new to the industry (RIM offers it, for example), it helps Sybase keep up with the competition. Unfortunately, queries took several seconds to complete using our beta code--a bug Sybase iAnywhere says it's working to fix.

Security Shines Through

Sybase iAnywhere's integration efforts are more noticeable in Afaria's and OneBridge's security. Afaria 5.5, the suite's management component, includes FIPS 140-2 validated encryption to encrypt files on Palm and Windows Mobile devices--including the files delivered by OneBridge to the user's e-mail inbox. Afaria makes it possible to enforce such security policies as requiring power-on passwords and encryption. However, rather than using the conventional password dialogs, Afaria has its own security manager, which means more customization (including custom graphics and text at the prompt). In addition, when the client device is locked, the security manager lets the device continue to receive phone calls and e-mails. We found the added security made our iPAQ's responsiveness in accessing files and e-mail a little slower, but that's an acceptable trade-off.

Afaria's other management features include hardware/software inventorying, software deployment and incremental software updates (patching). Although RIM offers more control over devices (such as locking down Bluetooth support or disabling cameras), many of BES' device-management features are limited to BlackBerry devices. Afaria manages a far broader range of devices.

Another useful feature in Afaria 5.5 is data fading--wiping specified data files, including the user's inbox, from the mobile device after a specified time period of noncontact with the Afaria server. Data is recovered by resynchronizing with the network. In combination with Afaria's data encryption, this unique fading ability is a good security measure for handheld devices.