ABI Research Report Highlights Mobile Virtualization Activation

The implementation of bring-your-own-device (BYOD) initiatives is integrating the personal devices of employees into corporate networks. While organizations appreciate many of the benefits BYOD provides, they are also fully aware of the many dangers it poses. New solutions will be able to combine the professional and personal phones on one device and be fully compliant with strict corporate guidelines governing BYOD policies. Mobile virtualization is seen as a viable solution for ensuring the security of the company network while giving the employee full control of their personal device. A recent report by ABI Research has forecast the number of type-1 or type-2 smart phone virtualization activations will grow twentyfold by 2018.

Mobile virtualization allows two instances of an operating system to run on a smartphone or another type of mobile device. Type-1 runs at the root hardware level and involves the OEM phone maker. On the other hand, type-2 virtualization runs as a secure application on any device providing more flexibility. The benefit of using type-1 virtualization is it provides more security with trusted access to root level services such as firmware changes or Bluetooth connectivity. But the involvement of the phone manufacturer means devices will not be readily available.Type-2 virtualization provides easier deployment, but is less secure and could be problematic for organizations with sensitive data.

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The research by ABI estimates the Asia-Pacific will see the largest growth with a 50-fold increase by 2018 for a165 percent CAGR growth year-over-year. The North American and Western Europe regions will see a 114 percent increase year-over-year.

The research points to three companies that have been recognized for the services they offer in this sector: VMware, Citrix and Red Bend.

"The mobility management space continues to amaze as it seems new enterprise mobility solutions emerge daily. Type-1 and type-2 virtualization solutions have been around for years in the PC/Laptop and server markets. However, only recent technology advancements have permitted the use of virtualization in mobile devices. As this technology gains acceptance over the next few years, enterprises will have yet another workspace management tool available to them for managing devices in a BYOD world," said ABI Research senior analyst Jason McNicol.

Mobile virtualization is a solution to a problem that will continue to grow as smartphones replace all other communication devices. According to IDC, 55 percent of the smartphones used in business will be personal or employee owned by 2015, presenting significant challenges if a solution is not put in place.