IBM has introduced a new software that manages security risks of mobile devices as well as desktops and servers used in the workplace.

With projections that the mobile workforce will reach more than 1.9 billion next year, IBM said there will be increasing pressure to connect personal devices to corporate networks and provide employee access to business data on these gadgets. This Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) trend  raises additional concerns about security risks, especially as mobile exploits had doubled in 2011, according to an IBM X-Force Mid-Year Trend and Risk Report.

With the new IBM Endpoint Manager for Mobile Devices, organizations will be able to remotely set policies, identify potential data compromises and wipe data off the devices if they are lost or stolen,  manage employee- and corporate-owned mobile devices using a combination of email-based and agent-based management, and identify non-compliant devices and take action by denying email access or by issuing user notifications until corrective actions are implemented.

It can also manage Apple iOS, Google Android, Nokia Symbian, and Microsoft Windows Mobile and Windows Phone devices, and help configure and enforce passcode policies, encryption and virtual private network settings.

“It is important for organizations to have mobile security and management policies in place,” said Bob Sutor, vice president, IBM Mobile Platform. “The new offering from IBM will help organizations manage personal and enterprise-owned mobile phones and tablets across IT networks in order to minimize risk, increase productivity and enhance innovation.”

The new release also extends IBM capabilities in managing the security and compliance of servers, computers and point-of-sales devices, such as ATMs and self-service kiosks to smartphones and tablets using mobile operating systems.