Ercom alerts VARs to mobile security growth

French firm urges resellers to cash in on growing mobile security arena with smartcard technology

French telecoms outfit Ercom is launching its mobile security product into the UK channel after bagging €12m (£10.5m) in venture capital lolly.

The firm is looking for up to 10 partners to sell its Cryptosmart smartcard solution into government agencies, energy firms and banks.

Charles d’Aumale, vice president of marketing at Ercom, claimed the global mobile security arena is set to rocket from €100m to €1bn and urged resellers to jump on board.

The firm works with Teles and Orange Business Services in France, as well as smaller mobile security specialists.

“Because Cryptosmart is for both PDAs and laptops you have a complete solution for all devices outside the building,” claimed d’Aumale. “A reseller or integrator can build a full solution for the customer.”

D’Aumale claimed that Cryptosmart would be attractive to smaller firms that need to protect communications, such as law firms.

He also revealed the firm is set to bolster its offering with a bolt-on acquisition within weeks.

David Hobson, managing director of VAR GSS, agreed that mobile device security is a “growing issue” for end users, particularly those that are using iPhones.

"I think the iPhone especially, has thrown up another problem," he said. " People want them. And if people high up the organisation want something then the security team have to come up with a solution to the problem."