Mobile device identification and locationing systems developer AirPatrol updated its ZoneDefense 5 mobile security platform to allow organizations to utilize VMware’s (VMW) AirWatch enterprise mobility management (EMM) platform. With the addition of AirWatch’s EMM to the platform, ZoneDefense administrators can switch AirWatch security policies for smartphones and tablets automatically based on the device’s owner and location to ensure better business security.

The ZoneDefense 5 platform allows admins to set specific access permissions and restrictions for smart devices based on “hot zones” that can change the features, apps and content available on an AirWatch-managed device when it enters the area, according to AirPatrol. System admins can set the size and allowed functions allowed within each hot zone based on their company preferences to help ensure devices are being used as required. For instance, administrators can change access permissions to a device’s camera or audio recording apps automatically based on whether an employee is in a board meeting or seated at his or her desk, depending on which zone the device is in.

“A mobile device is a lot more than just a handheld computer. It’s a phone, a camera, a game console, a social tool and much more. What role it serves is based in large part on who the user is, where they are and when they are there,” said Cleve Adams, CEO of AirPatrol, in a statement. “With ZoneDefense for AirWatch, organizations can shift from the ‘one device, one policy’ model inherited from the PC and laptop era in favor of a ‘the right policy at the right place’ paradigm much more suited to the mobile world.”

According to AirPatrol, the ZoneDefense platform also can be used to monitor the number of smart devices operating within a certain area to weed out potentially unapproved or unknown devices. The platform is capable of detecting and locating all cellular-based and Wi-Fi devices regardless of whether they are managed by AirWatch to help administrators eliminate smartphones operating without company consent.

“Most people are surprised to learn just how many mobile devices are roaming freely about their organization doing who-knows-what,” Adams said. “With ZoneDefense for AirWatch, companies will have a handle on all of them, both known and unknown.”

The AirPatrol platform for AirWatch is useful for companies looking to better handle mobile device usage and ensure that both company- and employee-owned devices are being used for work only. The product can be a slam dunk for mobility resellers looking to offer their customers a more stringent mobile device security platform, especially if it's positioned as a way to deter information theft or data loss.

ZoneDefense for AirWatch is available now, and AirPatrol plans to demonstrate the offering during the upcoming AirWatch Connect event in Atlanta in Septmber.