The latest AppScan update will help to make iPhones and iPads more secure through a number of changes.

IBM has just announced the launch of its latest software, which is designed to help to assist developers in securing code and data in apps for iPhones and iPads.

The latest update to the AppScan Source for iOS devices provides developers with flaw alerts.

The latest update for the iOS version of AppScan Source 8.7 is able to search through the application’s code so that it can let developers know when it has identified a flaw within it. IBM has also stated that this powerful mobile security software is able to analyze applications that employees would like to download onto their iPhones and iPads. It can alert them to various types of vulnerabilities that these apps present and can then communicate these potential threats to the I.T. security staff at the organization.

IBM has stated that this software will help to improve mobile security without a negative impact on time to market.

The company explained that the software is able to make the mobile security level better for this apps, without having a harmful effect on their time to market. It supported this statement by making reference to Gartner statistics, which have suggested that 45.6 billion applications were downloaded in 2012, which is why securing various endpoint devices – such as smartphones – should be one of the leading priorities held by a company.

AppScan Source was developed by IBM through an analysis of more than 40,000 apps for iOS devices that were created through the use of the Apple iOS Software Development Kit. Among the features that it currently boasts are JavaScript and Java complete language support, as well as supporting Objective-C. It can also perform call and data flow analysis which will provide trace data. This would provide companies with the ability to create enterprise apps with considerably greater mobile security, regardless of the choice of technology by employees and partners.

According to the IBM director of Application, Data, and Mobile Security, Caleb Barlow, this now capability will allow for the incorporation of “security into their infrastructure and solutions from the design, development and testing phases rather than leaving security to become an afterthought.”

Visa making moves to expand mobile commerce

Visa has taken a strong interest in mobile commerce recently. The company has been working to broaden its horizons as the world of commerce evolves due to the proliferation of mobile technology. More consumers are relying on their smart phones and tablets to make purchases online as well as manage their various bank accounts. Some businesses, especially those in the retail sector, have found it difficult to keep up with consumers in the realm of mobile commerce, leading Visa to take steps to expand the availability of tools these businesses have to accommodate the needs of consumers.

Visa and ROAM team to make acceptance of mobile commerce easier for businesses

Visa has announced that it has entered into an agreement with ROAM, a leading mobile commerce provider. Through this new partnership, the two companies aims to expanding the reach of mobile commerce into new merchant categories. Visa plans to make adopting mobile commerce easier for businesses through making secure mobile payment acceptance solutions more available to them. ROAM is a leader in mobile payment acceptance technology and the company’s solutions are expected to be put to good use by Visa.

Commerce beginning to shift

Visa has an overarching goal of displacing cash payments. Traditional forms of currency have been the dominating force in commerce for as long as commerce has existed, but the advent of technology is beginning to cause a shift in the way people pay for products. Computers opened up the way for electronic purchases, something that Visa claims is significantly more secure and efficient for consumers. The popularity of mobile devices is accelerating this shift away from traditional forms of commerce, and Visa is positioning itself to ensure that mobile commerce becomes a very dominant economic force.

New partnership may help businesses  accommodate consumer demand

Businesses have shown extreme interest in adopting mobile commerce services, largely spurred by demand coming from consumers all over the world. It has been difficult for these businesses to accommodate this demand, however, due to the relatively few mobile commerce point-of-sale platforms available to them. The new partnership between Visa and ROAM may help solve this problem.