A San Francisco startup plans to release software for the five major smart-phone operating systems to protect data, detect malicious software and allow remote backups.

Known as Lookout, the software will allow the users of most smart phones to backup their data, remotely locate their phone, protect against malicious software and, if necessary, erase the phone from afar. The firm, which is also named Lookout, will release the software in early 2010, allowing consumers to take advantage of basic features at no charge and selling a premium version to more security-conscious users.

Software needs to focus on the specific problems of mobile users, not just port security software and backup services from the PC realm, said John Hering, founder and CEO of the firm.

"A mobile problem requires a mobile solution," he said. "Not withstanding battery life, processing power and overhead issues, the mobile threats are different."

The company, formerly known as Flexilis, plans to have versions of the software for devices running all major smart phone operating systems. Google's Android, RIM's Blackberry OS, Apple's iPhone OS, Microsoft's Windows Phone and the Symbian Foundation's Symbian OS will all be supported, Hering said.

"Around 80 percent of our code is shared across platforms," he said. "We have built all of this protection technology from the ground up."

In late 2010 or early 2011, the company also intends to roll out an enterprise product, Hering said. Lookout's core group of researchers gained notoriety in the past for their research into Bluetooth flaws and e-passport security issues.

Lookout is currently in beta.

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