Open Kernel Labs (OK Labs), the leading provider of embedded virtualization software for smartphones, tablets, and other connected devices, and Fixmo Inc., supplier of Fixmo Sentinel for smartphones, today announced a joint initiative to create and commercialize a highly secure COTS (Commercial Off-the-Shelf) mobile platform to meet the needs of military, federal government, and civilian organizations. OK Labs and Fixmo are creating a reference solution that combines mobile virtualization with firmware and system software for integrity assurance, policy compliance, and device audit. The joint solution will help manufacturers (OEMs) of smartphones and tablets, integrators, operators and organizational IT departments isolate user (personal) and organizational data and apps, and assure integrity of applications and sensitive content over time.

Key Facts

• The joint OK Labs / Fixmo solution will ensure the security and integrity of organizational and personal data and applications on a single device, including off-the-shelf smartphones, and tablets
• The platform will enable the Fixmo Sentinel to run in a separate virtual machine built on the OKL4 Microvisor to help mobile operators and IT departments in government and the private sector rollout and maintain secure mobility programs for employees 
• Capabilities of the joint solution include tracking/profiling application images over time (by sizes and checksums), activity monitoring and auditing 
• The two companies are creating a reference design for evaluation and deployment by key U.S. Government agencies and also targeting “personal liability devices” in sectors such as healthcare and financial services
• The OK Labs / Fixmo collaboration is ongoing and the companies target delivery to market in Q3-2011 for devices based on Android and other open mobile OSes

“In partnership with Fixmo, OK Labs demonstrates its unique value proposition for enabling highly secure mobile devices, in both government and civilian organizations,” commented Carl Nerup, VP Business Development, OK Labs. “OK Labs SecureIT Mobile, combined with the Fixmo offering, enables a secure environment that ensures trusted access to mission-critical resources and provides best-in-class capabilities for integrity assurance, policy compliance, and device audit.”

“Our partnership with OK Labs gives device manufacturers, integrators and IT staff an unparalleled tool set for rolling out, securing and maintaining employee mobility programs with COTS hardware and software,” said Rick Segal, Fixmo co-founder and CEO. “Together, our companies are creating a solution to address holistic needs for highly secure mobile devices in a range of public and private sector applications.”