Australian integrator pounces on IBM's mobile ambitions

Long-standing IBM reseller Certus Solutions has ventured into technology partner territory, with the launch of an enterprise "mobile-as-a-service" offering.

Certus Mobile was unveiled last week as a service that includes "out-of-the box and customised mobile app development; hosting; device distribution and management capabilities; device and data security software; and ongoing maintenance and support", according to the trans-Tasman company.

The product's differentiation from IBM's original mobile toolset is that it is consumed from the cloud for a monthly fee with little or no upfront payment.

"Simply put, we put IBM's mobile software and tools on to the cloud – to provide them 'as-a-service'," Certus general manager Matt Smith told CRN. "It's our first software-as-a-service venture, although we have been providing enterprise mobile services for many years."

Smith said that his team had "uncovered all stones" to see if any other IBM partner in the world is doing what Certus is offering. He said that indeed their mobile-as-a-service is unique, with "mobile consulting for monthly payments" offerings from other partners the closest competitor.

IBM has pushed its mobile credentials in recent months since the July announcement of a partnership with Apple. Smith said that the Apple deal had spurred customers to think of IBM in a different way – providing the partner community with new opportunities in mobility computing.

Certus traditionally has offered IBM integration for its clients. The new product brings the service provider into the realm of technology partner with IBM – although Certus Mobile provides access to IBM's tools, the as-a-service apps are developed and owned by Certus itself.

"We own the intellectual property," said Smith, adding that Certus Mobile is cross-platform and thus covers iOS, Android and Windows.

Certus claims to be the "largest specialist IBM solutions company across Australia and New Zealand", operating out of offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Auckland and Wellington.