Mobile-security startup debuts with 'container' and audit tech for iPad

Mobile-device security startup Averail makes its debut today with its "containerization" software and service intended to give IT managers control over mobile-device apps and their content.

The product, called Averail Access, is only available as client software for the Apple iPad at present but the company plans to add support for Google Android and the Apple iPhone in the second half of the year, with additional mobile platforms possible. Marc Olesen, Averail president and CEO, says the company's focus isn't specifically on mobile-device management but what's often called "containerization," the ability to place restrictions on mobile content down to the document level through policy settings.

[ MORE: BlackBerry details extensive security protection in BlackBerry 10 OS ]

Averail Access works via a cloud-based management console that lets the IT manager designate apps or documents for corporate use, including restricting content based on permissions to browse, search, annotate, share and upload, while leaving personal apps alone. The software can monitor, track and audit use of corporate-designated content in addition to wiping it.

"You can say, this document is so sensitive, you can't download it to the mobile device," says Olesen. Another option might be to say the user can download it, but it needs to stay encrypted via Averail.

Averail, founded in 2011 by John Drewry and Rahul Sharma, is based in San Jose and currently has about 20 employees. The startup has received venture-capital funding totaling $6 million from Foundation Capital and Storm Ventures.

Ellen Messmer is senior editor at Network World, an IDG publication and website, where she covers news and technology trends related to information security. Twitter: @MessmerE. Email: emessmer@nww.com.

Read more about anti-malware in Network World's Anti-malware section.

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Tags mobileBlackberrymobile securityGooglewirelessAppleNetworkingMDMMobile device managementAverailAverail Access

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