Mobile virtualization is discussed far more often than it is seen, but VMware is putting new impetus behind the push to create multiple identities on one phone.
This is becoming urgent as corporations adopt “bring your own” policies, where employees can choose their own handsets for business use. This cuts costs but can raise issues of security and control.
VMware, a major name in desktop virtualization through its Cisco alliance, has announced a partnership with LG that could be equally significant on the smartphone.
The company said earlier in the year that it was embedding its Mobile Virtualization Platform (MVP) in devices from various OEMs, but did not reveal their names.
Now it is clear one was LG, which has announced a deal to “help enterprises of all sizes improve security and control sensitive corporate data while enabling more flexible access via employee owned mobile devices.”
The first priority will be to enable selected LG smartphones to run separate business and personal accounts, with their own discrete settings and apps, on the same handset. It expects to have VMware's technology available on some gadgets next year.