“Our smartphone platforms are safe,” says Microsoft

Thursday, 19 December 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Prima builds sales automation app on Windows Phone8 platform

With various media reports questioning the stability and security of smartphones, Microsoft Sri Lanka says that since all Windows applications are developed on proprietary software, the risk of security breaches in their Windows phone are negligible. Poojitha Rajapakse, Director OEM of Microsoft Sri Lanka, says the Windows phone is the best option for corporates in terms of security and manageability, since it can be managed through enterprise solutions. “Windows itself is an enterprise ready operating system and therefore it extends to the mobile version, which is equally capable of handling security aspects. The Windows Phone is a thoroughly advanced hand held device, which can be easily managed through corporate security policies based on the Windows Operating System (OS). This elaborate and unique proposition allows both the user and organisation more freedom due to the vast reduction in security threats such as deadly viruses and malware. Even in the unlikely event of it happening, both eco systems have the capability of alerting the user immediately so that appropriate steps can be taken to prevent harm.” Windows phone migration According to Nokia several corporates around the world have already migrated to the their Nokia Lumia Windows phone including big names such as Coca Cola, Sara Lee, Bridgestone and Sports Direct. In Sri Lanka, Prima Management Services Ltd., a subsidiary of the Prima Group has already introduced its first enterprise level application developed on the Windows phone 8platforms. The Prima application titled Prima SFA (Sales Force Automation) has been developed and launched recently under the theme ‘Design your sales’ by the company as an aid to sales people of any organisation, backed by the security and manageability of the Microsoft enterprise ready platform. Stability and security Crysantha Perera, Country IT Head for the Prima Group, who has been in the IT industry for almost 22 years says that when the company came to him for a solution to have more visibility on their sales especially from the distributor point, he decided to build a smartphone app which would not only help Prima but would help all FMCG companies. He opted for the Windows phone platform especially because of its stability and security. “Some of the applications built on an open source platform are not very secure, since its contents are disclosed and therefore anyone can tap into it without much effort. On the other hand, Microsoft is a responsible and secure entity, which is why they recently paid a hacking expert for finding security breaches in its software which they immediately put right. That’s the level of security and commitment enterprise level apps need to have; and that’s what today’s corporates demand. Prima being a large corporate ourselves, we wanted build our App on an enterprise ready platform,” he said. Prevent information leaks “Sales force automation which is built on a Microsoft platform assists companies to seamlessly leverage their sales force while extending access to a large number of distributors for greater functionality and effective management of its people and data,” says Prima’s Country IT Head, adding that the company chose the Windows phone base to build it on because all of the information needed to be on a secure platform. “This is sensitive information and that’s why we developed it on the Windows phone which is encrypted to prevent information leaks.” Country Manager for Mcrosoft Sri Lanka and Maldives, Imran Vilcassim who attended Prima’s SFA App launch handed over the partnership certification to Prima’s Group General Manager, Tan Beng Chuan who also attended event.

Security policy Apart from it being the best phone for business since it is a veritable mobile office which is hand carried, the security policy of Windows phone apps is very much a plus factor, especially from a consumer’s point of view, says Wellington Perera, Director, Developer Platform Evangelist for Microsoft Sri Lanka. “Windows Apps go through a stringent vetting process. Our emphasis is on quality as opposed to quantity and security counts very high on our list of priorities. In order to protect the Windows Phone Store service and users of the service, and address mobile operator requirements, Microsoft has established a strict policy for App developers when submitting apps for distribution in the Windows Phone Store. The policy applies to any app including games,” he says.