Air Watch, the mobility technology and security firm, announced Friday that it plans to bring 800 jobs to its Sandy Springs headquarters over the next two years. The company also plans to invest $4 million in new equipment. 

Gov. Nathan Deal said, “Georgia has become a hotbed for companies engaged in mobile applications and other advanced technologies.”

He added, “Our rapidly accelerating base of knowledge workers not only attracts new industry, but encourages Georgia-grown companies such as AirWatch to commit to staying and expanding here. This decision moves Georgia closer to becoming the No. 1 place in the nation to do business.”

Air Watch is located on Perimeter Center West. The company designs solutions to simplify mobility, including enterprise-grade mobile device management, mobile application management and mobile content management, the announcement said.

Founded in 2003 by current owners John Marshall and Alan Dabbiere, the company currently has a workforce of 650 in Georgia. Hiring has already begun, and the company’s expansion is scheduled for completion in 2015. Air Watch has 5,300 customers and nearly 1,000 global associates. Executives says its more than twice the size of any other mobile device management company.

“We’ve grown to twice the size of our nearest competitor and expect to double our size this year by combining innovative mobile technology and exceptional talent with the state’s economic development resources,” said chairman of AirWatch, Alan Dabbiere. “AirWatch and other software companies are playing a critical role in attracting new businesses to the region and solidifying Atlanta as a leading technology player.”

According to a media statement, AirWatch clients include the top four global Fortune companies, nine of the top 10 U.S. retailers, six of the top 10 global airlines, the top four global energy companies, six of the top 10 global pharmaceutical companies, seven of the top 10 global CPG companies, three of the top five U.S. medical device companies, five of the top 10 global luxury goods companies and two of the top three global hotel groups.

That makes metro Atlanta a leader in the mobile tech industry, said Hans Grant, vice president of Economic Development for the Metro Atlanta Chamber.

Chris Cummisky, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, added ““The increased amount of R&D activity landing in Georgia is giving our workers more and better chances for the high-paying jobs that in turn lead to a high quality of life.”