Because cell phones have become such an integral part of work culture, companies have made multiple attempts to figure out how to make them both secure and convenient enough for employees. Amazon Web Services has just released its solution: Amazon WorkLink, which allows users rapid access to internal company websites without having to pass through custom browsers while maintaining a high level of security.
The new service can be downloaded through the Amazon WorkLink app, and allows internal content to be viewed on cell phones through the device’s existing browsers.
The technology behind the service takes the internal content provided by a company, and actually uses the AWS computing and networking to replicate it graphically to the user. As a result, both company and user have access to the information without needing any additional security measures or networking capabilities.
“Amazon WorkLink removes the need to build and maintain complicated infrastructure and software deployments to secure access to internal content on authorized mobile devices outside of the firewall,†said the AWS new service announcementOpens a new window . “Amazon WorkLink also reduces the risk of information loss or theft because content is never stored or cached on devices.â€
AWS Prices New Competitor-Less Service to Lure Customers
While the convenience of the new service is at the center of its proposed appeal, AWS is also aggressively pricing it at five dollars per month per user.
The use of graphics to render the page on the cell phone sites explains the new service’s level of security: Employees never actually directly connect to the company networking system, thus the internal content can never be stored or captured on the phone, and thus breached.
It’s yet another ambitious effort by AmazonOpens a new window  in the race to dominate the tech world. This time, the goal is to capture the phone security market in an area where competitors Google, Apple and Microsoft lack a competitive alternative. Currently, other options for employees accessing secure information on cell phones involve more traditional mobile device management systems, which register and monitor all devices connected to the network, or virtual private networks.
Mobile device management systems are time-consuming for internal IT staff to monitor, however, while virtual private networks require a level of technological savvy in setting up the customized browsers and security features.
WorkLink intends to take these tasks – and the potential for failure – out of the hands of employees altogether.
“When talking with customers, all of them expressed frustration that their workers don’t have an easy and secure way to access internal content,†said Peter HillOpens a new window , vice president of Productivity Applications at Amazon Web Services. “It means that their employees either waste time or don’t bother trying to access content that would make them more productive.â€
Amazon says that the service currently works with the Safari browser and will be supported by Chrome in a few weeks.
Software Scores on Multiple Fronts
While the benefits of the new system have not yet been reviewed by many independent tech experts, several major companies have already signed on, and given glowing reviews.
Intuit, a business and financial software company says that the new software will open instant access to internal resources for its employees that will allow them to work on security tickets immediately. Other satisfied users include Unisys, Oka Hill Advisors, Brillio, Privo, and Cloud services and data analytics firms 8K Miles and Eplexity.
The software also promises not to slow down the functionality of the phone itself by hogging the memory.
“Amazon claims that devices using WorkLink will consume less bandwidth as they will no longer have to process HTML, style sheets and JavaScript Files,†said Connor ReynoldsOpens a new window at Computer Business Review.
Companies say they also see the service as a way to help free employees from the office, while still giving them access to the company’s most-valued resources.
“Our customers tell us that their workers are spending more and more time away from their desks, and Amazon WorkLink will be an exciting part of making that time more productive and secure,†says Sudish MogliOpens a new window , the chief technology officer for 8K Miles.