Good Tech software may aid corporate iPhone sales

HELSINKI (Reuters) - Good Technology, one of the largest independent mobile phone business software providers, said it will expand its device management software to cover Apple's (AAPL.O) iPhone, potentially boosting corporate uptake of the iconic device.

Good Technology said its software made using the iPhone -- a new slimmer and better-equipped version of which, the iPhone 4, is set to launch on Thursday -- as secure for corporations as using any other mobile platform.

Device management software lets corporations remotely encrypt or erase data on phones, should the device be lost or stolen.

"This further underlines the growing traction the consumer centric iPhone is now getting amongst business users," said Ben Wood, research director at British consultancy CCS Insight.

"Although RIM remains the most complete enterprise solution, the iPhone has gained unexpected support with businesses as Apple has refined areas such as email integration, security and device management," Wood said.

Blackberries, from Canada's Research in Motion (RIM.TO), have been the device of choice for professionals who need regular access to email and the Internet when outside the office, but the success of iPhone among consumers has started to change this.

Standard Chartered (STAN.L)(2888.HK) told Reuters last month the London-based lender was giving its corporate Blackberry users the option of switching to the iPhone.

Despite some indications of change, it may take time for a broader switch to take place, mainly because Blackberry was first to build a secure platform for corporations, something others are only now catching up with.

Privately held mobile e-mail company Visto bought Good from Motorola MOT.N early last year, and changed its name to Good Technology.

(Editing by Simon Jessop)