Mobile device management (MDM) systems and enterprise security systems are starting to converge. An example: Zenprise, an MDM software provider, has joined the Palo Alto Networks Technology Partner Program. The result: Zenprise MobileManager MDM software now interoperates with Palo Alto Networks’ firewalls.

For managed services providers, the Zenprise-Palo Alto Networks relationship means it could get easier to manage smartphones and tablets without worrying about complex firewall settings. The Zenprise-Palo Alto relationship also allows IT service providers and customers to:

Additionally, Palo Alto Networks partners can use the BYOD kit for CIOs and IT admins, which Zenprise released in November, 2011.