MSPs Answer BYOD SOS

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) is a blessing and a curse. On the plus side, end users often enjoy using their own devices, mixing work functions with their own personal tools, apps, contacts and favorites.

But for IT all this can be a bear. IT is charged with managing an array of different devices, all configured differently and lacking standard corporate applications and security tools.

MSPs can help manage this burden, and one new way is the OPUS virtual appliance software from Orchard Parc. This appliance is now available to MSPs through Intel’s Hybrid Cloud program.

OPUS focuses on managing Apple (News - Alert) Mac computers that are used in a BYOD scenario, providing security, management and integration with business computing systems, all offered as a managed service.

When most people think of BYOD, they conjure up all kinds of tablets and smartphones. But many just love their Macs, especially those working in creative departments and some areas of academia. Supporting Macs in a PC shop can nearly double IT’s workload, and calls for added training and tools.

“We see an increasing number of organizations adopting BYOD and Apple Mac computers. OPUS makes it easy for IT Admins to integrate, secure and optimize management of the Mac, including those that are personally owned and under user control. OPUS keeps personal data private and corporate data secure and encrypted, even when off-line. We are excited about delivering OPUS on the Intel (News - Alert) Hybrid Cloud,” said Derek Smith, co-founder of Orchard Parc.

The OPUS appliance is software in appliance form, not as a hardware device, meaning it works just like an appliance. Meanwhile, Intel’s Hybrid Cloud lets customers buy hosted software on a subscription-basis. OPUS works through the Hybrid Cloud, but also runs on VMware vSphere and Citrix Xen Server.

One customer has already signed on. "OrthoSensor is pleased to deliver secure managed services using the OPUS solution. OPUS allows OrthoSensor to efficiently manage Mac computers at our healthcare clients, and ensures that confidential data is always encrypted and secure to satisfy regulatory compliance standards such as HIPAA and the HITECH Act," said Tom Packert, VP of IT for OrthoSensor.