U.S. Army requests help with mobile device management

Even the highly regimented and regulated U.S. Army isn't immune to the desire to leverage consumer-based technology while on the job. According to a recent report from Government Computer News, the military branch is attempting to get ahead of the consumerization trend by issuing a request for information pertaining to mobile device management solutions.

The Army, the news provider reported, is soliciting information and advice from the industry on the best way to carry out a mobility program. Broadly, the branch is looking for solutions that will allow it to track the location of mobile devices, implement data security measures and updated services and applications, GCN reported.

In this regard, the military doesn't appear to be much different than private-sector organizations when it comes to enterprise mobility.

“You’re moving into the same challenges that a [commercial] carrier has when they manage a large number of users in a wireless service,” Warren Suss, the president of IT consulting firm Suss Consulting, which specializes in the government market, told GCN.

Within its request for information, the Army has outlined each area that must be addressed by an enterprise mobility management solution, per requirements issued by the U.S. Department of Defense.

For starters, the Army will need a solution that streamlines software and application distribution. This will include all aspects of managing software on the thousands of devices that connect to its network, the request stated.

Similarly, it also stated a need for inventory management, so that all mobile technology in use can be tracked, provisioned and supported, according to the report.

Next is a policy management capability. Like any private-sector company engaging in a mobility program, the Army requires a policy that will outline the "development, control and operations of DOD enterprise mobile access, connectivity and security policy," GCN stated. It should also include a means for enforcing such a policy.

Finally, there must be a level of data security built in to satisfy the strict requirements handed down by the DOD. Needless to say , protecting the information on the Army's mobile devices is a matter of national security.

Various government organizations have been prioritizing mobile technologies lately. In an interview with HealthInfoSecurity, CIO Roger Baker explained how the Department of Veterans Affairs has deployed iPhones and iPads to employees.