SPA Mobile Device/Tablet FAQs

/
FAQs / Hints and Tips
·  Can I use my personal mobile device or tablet?
·  What Mobile Devices/Tablets does Mutual of Omaha support?
·  What is the cost for personal mobile device synchronization?
·  How many devices may I synchronize with?
·  Can I use a wifi-only (no cellular data) Tablet to synchronize with?
·  What personal information on my device does Mutual see or have access to?
·  Why do I need a device power-on password?
·  Can I view attachments received in my synchronized email?
·  Can I edit or import files as attachments into an email within the Mutual-provided synchronization software (non-BlackBerry devices)?
·  What impact does a "hard reset” or “device wipe” have on my Smartphone/Tablet?
·  Can I make calendar changes through my mobile device’s synchronization software (adds, updates, deletes)?
·  Since many mobile devices have Bluetooth wireless connectivity, can I connect a Bluetooth headset to the Smartphone/Tablet?
·  I would like to use my mobile device's Bluetooth connectivity to communicate with my vehicle's Bluetooth for hands free phone use. What do I do?
·  What do I do if my mobile device is lost or stolen?
·  What is the corporate data plan requirement for a BlackBerry device to connect to Mutual’s server?
·  What happens if I no longer want to use the Mutual-provided synchronization software or I stop doing business with Mutual?
·  Who should I contact for help or support?
Back to top
Can I use my personal Mobile Device or Tablet?
Personally owned mobile devices and tablets are supported by the current support model strategy with Mutual of Omaha. Supported devices/technologies are listed below (What Mobile Devices/Tablets does Mutual of Omaha support?). There are device synchronization responsibilities you need to be aware of prior to receiving the Mutual software. Personally owned devices can receive email, calendar, contacts and tasks synchronization from your corporate Lotus iNotes account.
Back to top
What Mobile Devices/Tablets does Mutual of Omaha support:
·  BlackBerry devices running OS version 5.0 and higher
·  Apple iPhone 3GS and newer models: Apple iPhone 4, Apple iPhone 4S
·  Apple iPad Tablet (all iPad models (cellular and wifi only) including: Apple iPad 2, Apple iPad3)
> NOTE: Other models or vendor products are strictly NOT supported at this time.
Back to top
What is the cost for personal mobile device synchronization?
Mobile device synchronization services are available for a cost of $9 per month per device, which will be processed through your Agent Expense Management account when you sign up on SPA.
If you use a BlackBerry, your carrier may charge you an additional monthly fee (approximately $10 to $20) for the corporate Blackberry Enterprise Server Data Plan which must be added to your device by the carrier to connect to our Blackberry Enterprise Server. Please discuss with you carrier prior to a BlackBerry connection.
Back to top
How many devices may I synchronize with?
Through Sales Professional Access (SPA), you are permitted to only enroll up to one (1) of each mobile device type. For example, you could have one (1) iPhone, one (1) iPad Tablet and one (1) BlackBerry device synchronizing with the system, if you desire. However, your Agent Expense Management account will be charged a cost of $9 for each device in the system. Most users will have only one (1) device or a combination of a Smartphone or BlackBerry and an iPad Tablet device. However, each device must be synchronized with the provided software regularly in order to maintain the use of that app.
Back to top
Can I use a wifi-only (no cellular data) tablet device to synchronize with?
Yes. Wifi-only (no cellular data plan) supported model tablet devices (no iPod Touch devices) can certainly synchronize with the system. The obvious requirement is that a wifi connection is present and connected when trying to synchronize. Requirements and settings to get a wifi connection are unique to each device. It is the device owner’s responsibility to get that set up and working.
Back to top
What personal information on my device does Mutual see or have access to?
Mutual of Omaha’s provided synchronization software for Smartphones and Tablet devices does not store, view or save any personal data information contained on the mobile device. In fact, the Mutual-provided synchronization software is designed to keep the corporate account data separate from the personal data on the device. Think of it as a “sandbox” where the corporate Mutual account information is contained. Only specific information about the device is utilized to be able to install/use the software on the device. For instance, device model, carrier, serial number, firmware version, IMEI, battery level, etc.
Back to top
Why do I need a device power-on password?
Mutual of Omaha’s Mobile Device Policy is to protect the company data stored on the device. For that reason, the provided client software and profile is installed on all personally owned Smartphones/Tablets, requiring at least a 4-digit power-on password to unlock the device. The querying for and/or setup of this device password is performed upon installation of the software.
Back to top
Can I view attachments received in my synchronized email?
Yes. Most common attachments are viewable within the Mutual provided synchronization software. This includes but not limited to: documents, spreadsheets, PDFs, PowerPoint slides, jpgs, etc.
Back to top
Can I edit or import files as attachments into an email within the Mutual-provided synchronization software (non-BlackBerry devices)?
Not at this time. For security reasons, the Mutual provided-synchronization software only permits the viewing of attachments within the app. Enhancements to the product are expected soon to be able to securely import files from outside of the Mutual-provided software into an email within the app.
BlackBerry devices can import and edit documents from attachments on the device using tools already-provided on the device.
Back to top
What impact does a "hard reset” or “device wipe” have on my Mobile Device?
A "hard" reset MAY need to be performed on personally owned devices in the event of data / software / device corruption. Mutual of Omaha only backs up the corporate e-mail, calendar, contacts, and tasks provided by the synchronization software. Any other information or software backup is the responsibility of the device owner.
If a "hard reset” or “device wipe” is performed, all of the device settings will be set back to the factory defaults.
Back to top
Can I make calendar changes through my mobile device’s synchronization software (adds, updates, deletes)?
You can accept and decline Lotus Notes meeting invitations using your mobile device. It is important to understand that calendar "meeting" entries (those involving multiple attendees) created by Lotus Notes should NOT be deleted or modified from your mobile wireless smartphone/tablet. However, you can add, modify and delete calendar "appointments" (e.g. "Pick up kids at 5pm today") using your mobile wireless smartphone/tablet. These are not considered meetings by Lotus Notes, but appointments involving only you.
Back to top
Since many mobile devices have Bluetooth wireless connectivity, can I connect a Bluetooth headset to the Smartphone/Tablet?
Yes, a Bluetooth headset device can be connected to your mobile device for your use. However, a Bluetooth headset is considered an accessory and Mutual of Omaha does not support these. There are many makes and models of those headsets. Additionally, Mutual of Omaha does not provide support for "pairing" a Bluetooth headset to the Smartphone/Tablet. Instead, please refer to both the documentation/manual that comes with a Bluetooth headset and the Smartphone/Tablet's documentation/help for "pairing" Bluetooth devices. Another great resource for this information exists on the internet.
Back to top
I would like to use my mobile device’s Bluetooth connectivity to communicate with my vehicle's Bluetooth for hands free phone use. What do I do?
Please either refer to your vehicle owner's manual or contact your dealer for doing this. Mutual of Omaha does not provide support for "pairing" or connecting these Smartphone devices to Bluetooth connections like several vehicle models now have.
Back to top
What is the corporate data plan requirement for a BlackBerry device to connect to Mutual’s server?
You will need to contact your wireless carrier to ensure you have the “Corporate BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) Data Plan” added to your device’s carrier account before connecting to Mutual’s BlackBerry Enterprise Server. This additional data plan is a BlackBerry requirement necessary to connect to a corporate BES. It is different than the standard BlackBerry Internet Service (BIS) data plan. Additional charges for the BES Data Plan may apply from the carrier. Please contact your wireless carrier for more information.
Back to top
What happens if I no longer want to use the Mutual-provided synchronization software or I stop doing business with Mutual?

If an agent (or the Company) chooses to disconnect from the Mutual-provided synchronization software or stops doing business with Mutual, upon notification, Mutual will remove all company-provided software and data and as little personal information from the device as the technology permits. Certain mobile wireless devices (e.g. BlackBerrys) do not allow for selective removal of information and in such cases, may be “device wiped” and reset back to "new". For this reason, back up of personal information is recommended for all agents who choose to synch their personal mobile wireless device to company supported technology. Mutual of Omaha is not responsible for the loss of any of an agent's personal data or settings on a personally owned mobile wireless device.

Back to top

What do I do if my mobile device is lost or stolen?
First, contact the I/S Field Assistance Center at 1-800-228-7669 as soon as you notice the loss or theft of the device. It is important this is done as soon as possible after a loss or theft. This will need to be done PRIOR to reporting the device lost or stolen to any cellular service provider (e.g., Verizon, AT&T). If stolen, also contact the local authorities and report the theft of your device.

Back to top

Who should I contact for help or support?
Contact the Field Assistance Center at 1-800-228-7669 or e-mail “Smartphone Technology Group“. The Field Assistance Center has been equipped with proper procedures for handling many of the common device errors relating to the provided synchronization software. Your problem will be escalated to Level II support, where appropriate.

For all other device or carrier plan issues, please contact your appropriate wireless carrier or manufacturer for support regarding the device beyond Mutual of Omaha-provided software and support.

Back to top