Apple May Gain as VA Seeks Security for 100,000 Devices

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is exploring security systems that would permit employees to use as many as 100,000 mobile devices, including Apple Inc.'s iPad and phones using Google Inc.'s Android, without endangering the privacy of sensitive information.

VA officials are researching “mobile device management” services that will protect e-mail and control access to agency computer networks for people using smartphones and tablet computers, according to a VA request for information issued last week and updated today.

“We want to make sure that veteran information is protected while still enabling productivity enhancing applications,” Roger Baker, the agency's chief information officer, said in an e-mailed statement...