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What is Enterprise Mobility Management?
Enterprise Mobility Management solutions have become an indispensable IT requirement in an age when mobile devices are the tools of choice in the workplace.
Over the years, smartphones and tablets have become indispensable business tools, offering various features ideal for performing various business tasks. If not managed properly, however, they could compromise network and data security; hence EMM solutions must manage personal devices on multiple platforms like iOS, Android and Windows 10.
access corporate, business mobile, location apps, access to enterprise resources, mobile productivity apps, network activities, customer service document editing
EMM solutions comprise features and tools designed to assist IT teams in monitoring, controlling, and managing devices for better security measures.
EMM tools typically offer solutions such as mobile device management, applications management, content management, mobile identity management and mobility and security access that enable employees to access enterprise applications, tools and data anytime without risking their devices or networks.
EMM solutions vary considerably by organization. Some attempt to lock down or secure employee devices by restricting which applications can be installed and wiping any sensitive data or applications off if a device has been lost or stolen.
EMM has evolved in recent years from solely focusing on mobile devices to encompass Windows/MacOS computers/laptops/tablets as well as access management solutions.
Enterprise Mobility Management: Evolution
EMM tools trace their roots back to the early 2000s when Blackberry phones became immensely popular among businesses for accessing email accounts via mobile devices.
Businesses purchased these phones in great numbers to expand their mobile infrastructure and enhance productivity - however, this required using mobile device management (MDM) to secure all Blackberry models - something MDM predecessors now provide more comprehensive EMM tools for.
As iPhones and Android devices became more widely available, employees increasingly adopted them for work due to greater functionality and connectivity than Blackberry devices.
Due to the consumerization of IT, employees began asking companies for permission to use one device for both work and personal purposes - prompting a "bring-your-own-device" (BYOD) trend.
Companies soon realized the benefits of (BYOD), or permitting employees to bring their own devices, were numerous and substantial.
BYOD increased employee productivity, happiness and efficiency while simplifying and cutting costs; everyone was satisfied!
Mobile application management (MAM) tools were initially created to manage the security risks and functionality of business app management.
As time has progressed, MDM/MAM tools have evolved with features such as MIM/MCM/DDM for more comprehensive management of mobile devices within enterprises.
What Companies Need Enterprise Mobility?
Enterprise mobility is a system that allows employees to work remotely from any device of their choosing, using cloud technology to share data and applications for business use wirelessly.
Businesses rely on enterprise mobility frameworks as a safeguard to maintain business continuity under all circumstances.
The COVID-19 Pandemic has underscored the importance of being prepared for any emergency. International Data Corporation (IDC) forecasts that mobile workers in the U.S.
will increase substantially over four years from 78.5 million today to 93.5 million by 2024. IDC estimates that they are projected to comprise over 60% of U.S. employment by then.
Business organizations are quickly adopting enterprise mobility frameworks due to their cost-cutting, productivity-increasing benefits, reduced expenses, enhanced work-life integration for employees and increased work-life integration.
Companies considering switching permanently to hybrid or remote working environments will find that enterprise mobility solutions enable safe remote onboarding, data transfer, training and collaboration processes; these frameworks also support blended working environments where employees span multiple locations and time zones.
How Does Enterprise Mobility Management Work?
Companies use EMM tools to monitor the data and apps on employees' mobile devices, protecting enterprise information as well as the privacy of employers.
EMM tools enable bulk device enrollments remotely and locally, saving the IT team the hassle of signing each device up while simultaneously cutting costs. Employees can be invited into BYOD programs through SMS or emails from EMM tools.
An EMM allows companies to implement security policies remotely, alter device settings, remove apps and data used for work purposes from devices, and erase sensitive business information in case one of their devices is stolen, lost, damaged, or hacked without deleting personal information.
EMM tools are continuously enhanced to meet the evolving demands of businesses. EMM tools are upgraded versions of single-feature management tools from years; however, these new EMM solutions take a holistic approach to managing and protecting mobile devices used at work, providing a holistic solution that manages every aspect of administration relating to mobile device administration.
Explore some EMM features individually or combine them with others for a more robust solution.
Mobile Device Management (MDM)
MDM (Mobile Device Management) refers to managing all mobile devices employees use for work purposes, including smartphones, laptops and tablets.
MDM software allows remote management of these devices' lifecycle and operating system - including inventory control, configuration settings and remote wiping if necessary.
MDM consoles can only configure and manage devices after enrolling them with the server - either manually, via QR codes, corporate emails or SMS; vendor programs from Apple, Google or Microsoft; or using other methods - which allows MDM solutions running locally or cloud-based to configure and manage devices remotely.
They offer cost-efficient management that's scalable while easy to manage for device configuration and management needs.
Mobile Application Management (MAM)
MAM refers to the process of deploying, monitoring and patching enterprise-wide mobile applications used by employees for work purposes.
IT professionals can implement corporate policies regarding corporate apps in order to prevent data sharing with personal apps and vice versa.A MAM solution can also perform tasks such as app configuration, inventory management and software license management - or remove applications in case of security threats.
Mobile Content Management (MCM)
Employee productivity relies upon employees being able to access company data via mobile users. MCM tools allow employees to share easily, access and store files on mobile devices without compromising security requirements without compromising access rights for each employee - with companies being able to protect their IT infrastructure in case of cyber attacks by isolating affected portions of their network and protecting it with isolation procedures.
A good MCM will integrate smoothly into productivity software so employees can work more efficiently.
Mobile Identity Management (MIM)
Only authorized individuals should have access to data. As workforces become mobile, distributed, and remotely located, companies should embrace a policy of zero trust for employees who log onto the network of the company they work for - this can be accomplished by mandating that employees authenticate themselves each time they log on.
MIM solutions use biometrics, multifactor authentication or device-specific data to verify users' identities in response to security threats and restrict or deny them access based on policies set by management.
They offer more than password management; MIM performs identity checks.
Unified Endpoint Management (UEM)
UEM represents an innovative step in enterprise mobility management. UEM tools enable companies to manage a wide range of mobile devices and endpoints connected to their corporate networks, such as servers, PCs, printers, wearables and IoT.
Suppose they already possess one of these solutions. In that case, an EMM doesn't need to be purchased separately - potentially saving time and money while giving IT departments more significant control of devices connected to their network.
What Is The Importance Of Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM)?
Cybercrime poses an unprecedented threat to businesses today. Employees often work remotely from different devices, so company data must remain secure and protected.
Enterprise Mobility Management tools can help organizations ensure employees access work apps and data securely. Following the COVID-19 outbreak, companies took measures to protect our employees, their devices, and data outside of secure office networks - making an EMM an essential tool.
It may serve various functions.
- Device Security: As companies add more devices to their networks, the cybersecurity threats they face multiply exponentially. Cybercriminals could use each device connected to them as a point of entry into a company's digital perimeter and attack. By employing an Enterprise Monitoring Solution, companies can monitor their entire network for any suspicious behavior which could indicate that one or more devices are in the wrong hands.
Identity and access management allows a company to limit access to specific endpoints to their network and data and add another layer of protection.
According to the Verizon Mobile Security Index Report, over half of the companies who had experienced entire device security breaches attributed their occurrence to user behaviors such as falling prey to phishing attacks, downloading unapproved applications or making mistakes without realizing it.
- Data Security: Losing or misplacing mobile devices could allow malicious agents to access a company network, increasing data theft and password exposure on the phone. Your IT department can use an EMM solution to remotely wipe corporate data off such stolen or lost phones as well as deploy location-based apps that help locate misplaced phones.
What Are The Benefits Of Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM)?
By adding EMM solutions to their IT stack, businesses can give employees greater freedom while protecting themselves against sophisticated cyberattacks.
Improved Control of Mobile Data and Apps: When devices and apps related to work aren't secured with security solutions, hackers could exploit them and gain entry into a company's networks.
With an EMM solution in place, businesses can remotely monitor devices and apps so employees have access to apps and data they require; while also making sure employees don't download potentially risky apps. Alternatively, an enterprise app store could host this solution for verified apps-only downloads.
Businesses visibility: Companies using EMM solutions can effectively manage BYOD resources from one central console and act quickly if a device becomes compromised.
Furthermore, EMM solutions give businesses visibility into internal and external threat actors and employee adherence to device policies.
Data Access: Access to data and information anytime, anywhere can help employees respond immediately to tasks and collaborate more efficiently with colleagues.
Employees can use their own devices for work - making the task more comfortable while speeding up the production of high-quality work faster.
Enhance device security: EMM tools offer robust security features like data encryption and remote wiping that help safeguard corporate devices and data.
Productivity can be enhanced: Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) allows organizations to ensure that employees can quickly access any resource needed throughout the day - including bookmarks, network access points, service set identifiers and applications - for maximum productivity.
EMM platforms enable streamlined IT management: Administrators can use EMM platforms remotely to manage device configurations and save time by managing devices individually.
IT teams can now easily manage mobile devices using one interface instead of different tools or manual processes; deployment of new apps, managing user profiles and enforcing security policies has never been simpler!
Cost reduction: Organizations can reduce operational expenses significantly by employing an EMM tool to automate IT management tasks like manual device provisioning and adding features such as device tracking and location.
Improved user experience: IT can offer employees a seamless device setup process known as zero-touch.
Reducing data loss risk and strengthening security: EMM tools provide organizations with an efficient means to protect their information by creating policies to restrict access only to authorized personnel.
Who Uses Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM)?
Mobile devices have allowed employees to work away from an office environment, increasing productivity. Employee Management Management solutions (EMMs) are advantageous to companies with remote or hybrid work environments and employees on the go.
Here are a few industries where EMMs may prove especially helpful:
Healthcare: During the COVID-19 epidemic, healthcare professionals provided consultations to patients via telephone consultations, with prescriptions and test results sent via mobile phones and EMM solutions, allowing healthcare brands to securely communicate with patients while securely storing all patient data in an encrypted environment.
Deloitte Connectivity & Mobile Trends survey discovered virtual medical consultations helped patients receive high-quality care during a pandemic, leading to positive feedback.
Construction: Mobile devices offer construction workers such as architects, site managers and engineers working in the field a means of sharing designs, tasks and ideas while keeping track of inventory without needing to visit an office - thereby streamlining workflow and increasing productivity.
Retail: Equipping sales staff in retail outlets with mobile devices will enable them to personalize their user experience while also improving communication between warehouse and inventory teams as well as with staff from other outlets.
Small and mid-sized businesses can gain from an Enterprise Mobility Management solutions that support BYOD policies, helping them expand while controlling costs.
Enterprise Mobility Management: Implementing Enterprise Mobility Management
BYOD policies can reduce IT costs while increasing employee productivity and strengthening company culture. Create a structured roadmap to ensure the EMM plan provides more benefits than disadvantages.
Here's what you should do:
- Planning: As part of your EMM management plan, deciding which devices employees are permitted to use is necessary. Consider operating systems and device models best suited for your business to determine how often employees should upgrade their devices. It would help if you also determined whether subsidizing device purchases and paying a specific maintenance and repair amount would simplify policy decisions. Creating standards allows for ease in making policy decisions.
- How should you purchase an Enterprise Mobility Management solution: Will you require one with multiple features or one specifically focused on MDM/MAM functionality?
- Device Registration and Management: Once a device type is chosen, rules for its registration in your company's IT directory need to be established. It would help if you decided how much access employees should have depending on their roles and any overlap with personal use of a device used both personally and for business. Likewise, an examination should take place of how much access will be given if using one device both privately and professionally simultaneously.
- Information Storage: Can employees securely download and store company data on their own devices in an encrypted container? Authenticated access would only be granted through cloud-based applications with multiple authentication steps; finding an optimal balance between security and productivity must be struck.
- Industry Compliance: Different industries have different government mandates and compliance guidelines; make sure your mobile management complies with these. Compliance should always come first if employees access confidential customer/client data.
- Risk Management: What will your organization do if devices or data are stolen or lost? Creating and documenting a step-by-step plan to guide IT technicians when solving such problems can help them move more swiftly to finding solutions.
- Engagement of Policy Stakeholders: An organization should involve all stakeholders from various sectors in the implementation process for effective policy implementation. This will help avoid potential policy conflicts while simultaneously fulfilling everyone's goals and meeting all objectives.
EMM Challenges
EMM offers many advantages for organizations; however, many challenges must be considered when choosing and deploying one.
Acclimatization curve for new technologies: The learning curve is often seen as the most significant impediment to successful EMM implementation.
IT administrators may take time to gain new skills, become familiar with the software's features and understand its impact on existing systems, depending on the complexity, size, and sophistication of an organization's IT infrastructure.
Cost of Implementation: EMM platforms are costly to set up and manage, creating an additional challenge for companies with tight budgets.
Companies should also factor in any additional personnel costs to support this technology.
Compatibility: Companies must ensure their EMM selection is compatible with existing infrastructure and software to avoid expensive implementation issues.
While multiple EMM solutions may seem appealing initially, multiple platforms could cause unnecessary complexity within an environment. It's wise to examine which operating systems the platform supports. Any integration with third-party services or third-party integrations they might be using, in addition to considering any compatibility issues such as company directory integration and identity provider integration with any third-party integrations the company might utilize.
Integrate: Integrating existing enterprise tools and third-party apps with an EMM can be complex, requiring close cooperation among developers and IT teams to achieve optimal results.
This process could take considerable time and energy to take shape properly.
Support: Organizations may require external support from their EMM provider depending on the nature or source of issues or problems.
Depending on which support services come with your selected EMM platform and vendor, this could increase costs and delay resolution. Many vendors and service providers provide extra deployment and support. In contrast, mobility-managed service providers offer managed EMM experiences with mobile helpdesk.
Acknowledging and accepting employees: EMM tools may be complicated for users due to new security and restrictions on their devices.
When companies need to supply devices to hundreds or thousands of employees quickly without interrupting workflow or leaving gaps with support coverage, coverage gaps can become challenging. Companies should ensure users understand the benefits and significance of an EMM system, develop policies surrounding its implementation, train its end users properly and offer ongoing assistance as they enroll devices into it.
Here are a few challenges EMM tools present for organizations when selecting mobility options. Organizations can successfully address these obstacles with practical implementation and management strategies.
At the same time, companies can maximize their EMM investment by clearly outlining what their requirements are from the tool while training users effectively.
What Is The Difference Between MDM And EMM?
EMM refers to the management of mobile devices from an all-encompassing perspective. At the same time, MDM specializes in specific features of each device.
Enterprise Mobility Management solutions provide security and policy compliance and application tailoring and integration with enterprise directory services; remote control, encryption, and policy enforcement capabilities exist, along with wiping selected applications or data if it becomes lost or stolen or an employee leaves the organization.
MDM provides insight into specifics surrounding devices, such as operating system version and provisioning status; where devices are being utilized by whom; in what department/business unit; and by whom.
Many organizations are shifting away from MDM in favor of EMM, which provides a single view of all endpoint devices while integrating security.
Many organizations now utilize cloud enterprise mobile management platforms so data stored on specific devices can be easily accessed and enhanced analysis capabilities can be realized.
Conclusion:
EMMs provide businesses with an effective tool for managing mobile devices and apps, helping to lower costs, enhance security, reduce downtime for users and devices, maximize productivity, and control downtime for devices and users.
Enterprise Mobility Management services allow IT admins to remotely distribute applications to end-user devices so that employees have access to all required data - this ensures more productivity from employees. At the same time, corporate information remains safe from breaches.
