Mobile cloud sync provider Funambol has been in London this week predicting big growth in the space, driven by the growth of the mobile internet and the need for enterprises to keep data up-to-date and secure across a growing number of connected devices.
Funambol, which has over three million users including large enterprises and mobile operators, said it expects to see a surge in the use of its service as the mobile internet continues to grow.
"Because we are an open source application we can link all manner of connected devices from mobile phones, desktop machines and connected devices such as cars to keep data synced and secure," said vice president of marketing Hal Steger.
"This allows users, including businesses, to keep information across multiple devices up-to-date to ensure it is correct and allows for a more efficient way of securing data in the cloud in case a phone is lost or damaged."
The system also allows IT managers to set up user groups for employees in the business to allow relevant employees to sync data among themselves to provide more efficient data sharing, such as contact details among a sales team working remotely.
Steger said that the firm was looking to improve enterprise security with the addition of a remote lock and wipe function to its Device Management tool to ensure that any devices that are lost cannot have their information stolen.
"Currently if a phone is lost we can wipe the data from the back end, then sync the phone so at least the data can't be accessed or used, but there is no way to lock the phone," he explained.
Adam Leach, principal analyst at Ovum, said he thought that mobile cloud syncing technology would grow, noting that many major mobile manufacturers include this technology on their devices.
"Windows, Google and Palm all have syncing technologies in their mobile offerings and it's certainly a technology that will grow in popularity as connected devices grow in use," he said.
Leach added that while mobile syncing does give IT managers the chance to manage their mobile workforces more effectively it is more likely that the real growth for the technology would come from consumers.
"It's easier to sell mobile syncing to IT managers as it provides a clear benefit for ensuring information is updated for staff but as smartphone sales increase, the technology will become an inherent part of the device proposition," he said.
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