Mobile workforce management presents a major headache for IT departments. Imagine the task of maintaining control over a mobile workforce that could be located around the country or around the world. Mobile workforce solutions are the answer. Mobile workforce solutions give managers the ability to monitor employee laptops and handhelds for compliance and to automatically download the latest security patches and software whenever a laptop or handheld is turned on. Cloud based technology makes this happen. Cloud based technology enables companies to manage and maintain a mobile workforce. LAN based technology was once the driving force behind company IT networks that operated solely within the framework of the four physical walls of an office environment. However, as companies began to go global, their workforce had to go out on the road to meet expanding client demands. LAN, by its very nature, could not support workers' connectivity to their home networks. Cloud based technology maintains that connectivity, regardless of whether workers are at home or on the road. How does a mobile workforce maintain connectivity yet not threaten network security? Mobile workforce solutions restart firewalls and security software if they are shut down by either the user or a virus. Actually, mobile workforce solutions are quite effective at preventing non compliant laptops or handhelds from connecting with the network at all. The visibility component of mobile workforce solutions enables IT departments to monitor worker endpoint use, particularly whether they are downloading questionable applications or connecting to the network through unsecure hotspots at coffee shops or airport lounges. Network security would not be complete without accounting for the 21st Century threats that are outside our control. Terrorist attacks, natural disasters and pandemics are all too possible and cannot be ignored. In Case of Emergency (ICE) mobile workforce services provide the business continuity and disaster preparedness that is required to keep a company operating in the face of sudden security threats. ICE mobile workforce services give any employees confined to their homes or remote locations during a crisis secure access to the company network through global Internet connections with worldwide network partners.It's a relief for parents to be able to keep up with their office workload while monitoring a sick child at home!

Arslan writes about mobile workforce.For more information on mobile workforce see http://www.maas360.com