by Steve Schlarman - April 21, 2009  

As a veteran of many technology expositions and a closet security geek, I always look forward to seeing the newest innovations in the industry. At RSA this year, there are many interesting and thought-provoking technologies. However, the most intriguing to me by far is quite close to the heart. Actually, it’s so close that it’s in the booth I’m standing in now.

Archer announced the availability of Archer Mobile two weeks ago at the Archer National Summit. Inspired by a few cutting-edge customers requesting mobile access to GRC data, Archer responded with a truly innovative solution; it is extending its GRC platform onto mobile devices. The key point is that the interface is not just a simple browser representation of the application but a truly mobile platform to access data in a meaningful, user friendly method. It even can map addresses to your mobile GPS application or point and click to dial phone numbers.

I remember getting my first pager and thinking, “Now, anyone can contact me anywhere. Who would need more?”  Then I got my first cell phone and thought, “Now I can talk to anyone anytime. Who would want more?”  Finally, the advent of email, text messaging, instant messaging and all of the other mobile communications platforms made me feel connected―all the time―to everyone. I don’t mean to rant about today’s ultra connectivity. In business, mobile access is now an absolute necessity.

So what does mobile mean to GRC?  There are several use cases that jump out immediately. Imagine some of the possibilities:

- Remote access to business continuity information such as call lists and continuity plans
- Reviewing previous physical security risk assessments while walking through the facility you are assessing
- Pulling up the incident history of a facility as you travel to respond to a serious event
- Researching an application risk assessment, identifying a system owner and contacting them with regards to an issue reported by your help desk―all while sitting at your favorite restaurant

This type of connectivity raises the bar for risk and security professionals to an unprecedented level.  It also opens an avenue for new and exciting ways to think about GRC. The need to instill governance practices, manage risk and measure compliance does not stop at the walls of your headquarters. GRC extends out to remote facilities, satellite offices, warehouses, distribution centers, home offices―anywhere your business takes you.

Archer Mobile represents a pioneering step for GRC solutions. In my eyes, this ground-breaking announcement raises the bar for GRC as a whole as well. While some cynics may say it is a novel idea with some narrow applications at this point, the need for access to business data continues to grow and GRC should not be any different. This functionality should be something we expect out of our technology solutions. Years ago people would have laughed had you told them they could access their email at anytime from anywhere using a truly ubiquitous device. Now many people could hardly function without their mobile office hanging from their hip. Archer continues to research and blaze trails in the GRC market. Archer Mobile has not only pushed the envelope, it signed, sealed and delivered a great solution that will impact the way GRC professionals do their jobs in the future.