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Mobility-enabled enterprises need visibility and control over mobile devices for security and efficiency reasons; non-standardized methods for managing them may pose security and efficiency threats to them.
Mobile Device Management provides an ideal foundation for enterprise mobility; we will cover everything you need to know about MDM in this article.
What Is MDM?
MDM stands for Mobile Device Management. This term describes the management of mobile devices such as smartphones, laptops and tablets under Enterprise Mobility Management.
This process oversees these mobile devices throughout their lives in the office environment.
Mobile Device Management can be implemented through MDM software that includes tools for multiple operating systems.
MDM provides organizations with an effective means to oversee, secure, and administer mobile devices - helping ensure both device performance and the well-being of its users.
Mobile Device Management quickly emerged as an industry standard. Thanks to improved management tools, companies could oversee every stage of a device's lifecycle from inventory, additional device configuration and remote wiping with one solution.
Enterprise Mobility Management, or EMM for short, has emerged in the industry to describe many organizations' complex requirements related to mobility and devices.
EMM encompasses tools used for application management and identity and content administration, while MDM addresses the security of mobile devices.
EMM was initially developed only to manage apps and content on mobile devices; therefore, it did not integrate well with PC management systems like Microsoft Active Directory and Mac Admin Centre.
Over time, however, Unified Endpoint Management emerged, which integrates EMM into PC administration seamlessly.
Mobile device management (MDM), EMM and UEM can often be confusing terms to distinguish among. MDM remains the popular term among users regardless of if they are discussing EMM, UEM or any other solution; we chose to incorporate MDM as one term into this blog's title too.
Mobile Device Management software allows businesses to remotely track, secure and control mobile phones as part of an MDM solution.
MDM gives someone access to monitoring discipline devices in much the same way a manager would.
MDM technology can be applied across android devices - desktop computers, smartphones, tablets and more! Making MDM part of any business strategy would thus prove highly advantageous.
MDM solutions have never been more essential. Mobile devices have become indispensable tools in all work security settings; businesses must ensure these remote devices are managed, monitored and secured properly for safe operations.
What Distinguishes MDM, EMM, And UEM From One Another?
As you research MDM solutions, the terms MDM (Microsoft Data Management), EMM (Enterprise Mobility Manager), and UEM may appear in your research.
Here's a quick primer describing them each.
MDM, EMM and UEM may often be used interchangeably by many, yet each has a specific definition. Their usage has evolved with time - this acronym initially knew mobile device management; then android enterprise mobility management came along later, and eventually, unified endpoints management took hold as its entity.
Mobile Device Management, or MDM, refers to a practice used for overseeing, controlling, and securing all mobile devices within an organization.
Historically speaking, this term dates back to when cell phones did not interact with other office devices - when only office phones interacted directly.
For this reason alone, an IT team's focus was directed solely at managing office phones independently from any personal devices owned by employees ethically; during such times, no administrators needed the capability of managing files or content on phones due to being less needed by older smartphones than today's.
What Does EMM (Enterprise Mobility Management) Mean?
Enterprise Mobility Management, or Mobile Device Management (MDM), refers to overseeing mobile devices and their applications and contents, such as apps.
EMM comprises mobile device management, application management and content. MCM allows companies to better accommodate mobile workers through various changes that EMM has brought forth, such as being capable of overseeing employee-owned phones as well as company-owned devices such as cell phones.
What Is UEM (Unified Endpoint Management)?
UEM stands for Unified Endpoint Management and refers to a strategy which uses one framework for overseeing all types of mobile endpoints and devices within an enterprise, from smartphones, tablets, computers and IoT devices (Internet of Things devices) across different operating systems - making management much more straightforward than its previous approaches.
What Is A UEM Solution?
Modern MDM solutions have evolved into UEM platforms; MDM software can now manage almost all office devices from a central console.
Furthermore, these solutions also enable content administration across those devices.
MDM and EMM remain widely popular due to their wide acceptance. There may be instances in which certain MDM or EMM solutions lack features essential for UEM use; always verify if an MDM solution or EMM you consider meets that standard before making your selection decision.
MDM Software Benefits
Mobile devices offer tremendous productivity and flexibility benefits; however, IT departments may experience challenges managing a diverse fleet of mobile devices outside the office environment.
Many organizations utilize Mobile Device Management software (MDM) for flexibility for their IT departments and users.
MDM allows IT administrators to manage devices through one web portal securely. At the same time, employees select their preferred devices from a selection list.
MDM should be an indispensable element for every company regardless of size, as its benefits include increased productivity and decreased costs - here are just a few reasons to invest in MDM today.
Control Over All Corporate Mobile Device
Management can be complex when several operating systems and devices are involved. Yet, MDM gives organizations greater control of them by collecting data from these managed devices and giving the IT team insight into which ones are in use, along with their security levels, so they can better control security risks.
MDM gives you full control of any device throughout its lifespan. IT administrators can remotely configure devices and manage updates and substitutions of devices for employees who leave companies; upon employee departure, information on such a device can be erased before giving it out again to another worker.
Security Of Data And Devices
Unmanaged mobile devices pose numerous security threats. Tablets and smartphones, in particular, are particularly more susceptible to attacks from cyber criminals than PCs or laptops with preinstalled antivirus protection programs such as Microsoft Malware Protection System or Trend Micro Security for Business Suite.
Mobile Device Management is an invaluable solution that protects devices while complying with data protection laws such as GDPR or HIPAA compliance laws.
Multiple configuration options and restrictions can ensure the security of devices and data. Devices and apps not to be used should be blocked, while strong passwords must be implemented.
Secure containers allow companies to ensure sensitive information doesn't get leaked out through messaging apps if used for both personal and work use simultaneously on one device.
Productivity And Cost Reduction
MDM allows organizations to effectively oversee all aspects of device management from one convenient platform. Configurations and enrollment processes for devices can be automated to save both time and money while streamlining human errors while setting up devices in as little as 30 minutes - ideal for small and medium-sized businesses that want a way to secure devices without investing in expensive hardware or hiring an IT specialist; furthermore, MDM makes BYOD/CYOD policies simple.
MDM also increases productivity by helping end users spend less time configuring devices or visiting IT departments and having access to all required applications and data from time of day one by receiving devices already configured with remote access privileges immediately upon receipt.
Most Essential MDM Features
MDM software supports various operating systems and typically allows for viewing your inventory of devices, securely protecting data and devices, managing configurations and apps remotely as well as enforcing standard device policies with standard device policies enforced and remotely updating software updates.
Some solutions provide identity, access and expense management - companies must consider all available options when choosing MDM to ensure it fits with their company requirements.
Here is an overview of seven commonly found features of an MDM system.
Device Inventory
MDM software enables companies to track devices owned by themselves and those brought in by employees, providing information such as ownership details, installed configurations, applications installed onto them and warranty status, and their current location.
Configurations And Restrictions
MDM gives organizations the power to configure devices remotely. Organizations can ensure compliance, data security and employee productivity by configuring devices remotely - MDM provides all the options and restrictions to do this efficiently - such as VPN connections and Wi-Fi restrictions that help restrict device usage.
Content And Application Management
Employee productivity requires easy access to files and applications; MDM allows companies to manage mobile content while updating applications centrally; apps can also be safely listed/delisted/or removed from devices based on certain parameters.
Data And Device Security
Many security measures can be put in place to secure both devices and their contents, including MDM software which enables companies to enforce disk encryption, use strong passwords and create containers which separate personal from company data.
Should an employee misplace their phone, it can even be monitored remotely until its recovery.
Policy Enforcement
Businesses can boost productivity and comply with regulations by standardizing device management procedures with the use of unified device policies.
Companies can utilize different policies to predefine what configurations, applications, restrictions and limitations should be installed across an extensive group of devices before mass deploying these policies.
Automation
Automation can be particularly helpful for businesses that manage multiple devices. MDM software enables automated enrollments; when combined with mobile device management (MDM) tools, businesses can deploy application settings and apps according to company policies on all managed devices.
Remote Maintenance
MDM allows devices to be updated remotely, saving employees the trouble and time involved with going into IT departments for servicing and updates.
Companies benefit significantly as software configuration, updates, diagnostics, and troubleshooting tasks can now all be conducted remotely - saving even more time than before.
What Can An MDM Solution Do? How MDM Works
Mobile Device Management (MDM) software can be installed locally or online; its management console enables IT administrators to administer devices remotely.
Before enrolling devices into MDM (also called an MDM Server), Apple, Google and Microsoft, all offer vendor-specific programs to enroll them into MDM; users may also add devices manually via QR Code/NFC Tag/email/SMS text message/SMS messaging services.
IT administrators can utilize a management console to remotely deploy configurations and apps onto mobile devices via the internet (OTA).
MDM server software sends commands to devices via APIs built into operating systems.
MDM vendors frequently offer both cloud-based Software as a Service (SaaS) and on-premise models of MDM solutions, with SaaS typically being quicker and less costly due to not needing additional hardware for installation and management, monitoring, and maintenance tasks.
The management of mobile devices can be helpful in many ways. They are organized under a few categories. These are:
- MDM (Mobile Device Management)
- MAM (Mobile Application Management)
- MCM (Mobile Content Management)
- MIM (Mobile Identity Management)
- Bring your Own Device (BYOD)
- Nontraditional Support for Endpoints
Many categories use "mobile" in their names but apply equally well to mobile phones and computers; such names as "mobile devices" may even be remnants of an earlier era.
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Mobile Device Management (MDM)
Features have an impactful and comprehensive effect on devices. MDM was one of the first solutions to provide such features; even after their debut ten years ago, they remain essential for any MDM implementation.
Here is a list of some key aspects of an MDM:
- Setting up many devices at once: An MDM solution allows your company to quickly add multiple devices simultaneously to your company network and install apps and content simultaneously across them all.
- Monitor many devices simultaneously: Once devices have been registered in an MDM, admins can decide exactly what information will be shared with them. You could, for example, keep tabs on any company-owned mobile phones to monitor for signs of illness, such as limited battery life.
- Contextual policies can be applied: Policies can be set for individual devices based on their location, time or if connected to Wi-Fi (otherwise known as network fencing).
- Neutralizing risks to security: Administrators have the capability of remotely protecting stolen or damaged devices remotely - from fully wiping them back to factory settings to locking down and disabling them.
- Remotely troubleshooting devices: You can remotely troubleshoot devices if users experience issues. The central console of MDM software enables you to view screens remotely while simulating button presses to troubleshoot devices remotely.
Mobile Application Management (MAM)
A MAM feature makes device management much simpler by letting you manage apps individually rather than the entire device, increasing employee productivity and security at work.
Take a look at this list of common mobile app management solutions to see how their features can streamline employee access and usage:
- MDM solutions can distribute the same apps or groups to all devices: Your employees won't worry about forgetting essential apps. With this approach, all devices will come preloaded with all required apps.
- Outdated apps can be attacked if not updated: Waiting for updates can sometimes be tedious. An MDM can automate this process or allow for manually approved updates to ensure seamless operations.
Mobile Content Management (MCM)
Mobile Content Management was designed to protect sensitive information by managing files, content and documents efficiently.
Regular usage can reduce the risks of exposing sensitive files to third parties if mobile content management tools are utilized properly. Check out this list to understand how mobile content management can keep your files secure:
- Sending files to many devices simultaneously: MDM solutions allow you to send files and media across multiple devices quickly.
- Keep files in your company: With an MDM, you can stop employees from leaking important information (such as by copying and pasting text).
- Automatically deleting endangered content: If your MDM solution detects that an organization has violated its rules and a certain device is involved, it can destroy the sensitive data on that device. It will also alert administrators.
Mobile Identity Management (MIM)
Features that enable you to monitor how devices access your network and defend against attacks are essential components in protecting any company network from being breached by attackers posing as employees or even hackers.
Here is an MDM list which may help secure your network:
- Distributing security certificates to approved devices: Distributing and updating security certificates on approved devices is possible with an MDM solution.
- SSO: To streamline authentication, you can integrate MDM with SSO identity services like Microsoft Active Directory Federation Services.
BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)
An MDM solution allows employers and employees to easily create virtual workspaces without invading privacy, which employees can manage, alter, or delete remotely without impacting apps or personal data.
Containerization creates separate containers for every device managed under management software solutions for employee devices; here is a list which helps illustrate this:
- Registering employee devices on business networks: BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) support allows you to easily transfer Wi-Fi credentials, business emails and employee-owned devices to your business network.
- VPN Configuration: Some MDM tools allow you to set up VPN connections per app on BYOD-enabled devices. It is possible to secure individual apps even if the device as a whole does not use a VPN.
- Controlling work data without seeing personal data: Good MDM solutions use tools from Apple, Google and other companies to create virtual containers for business-sensitive data. IT administrators only can change or alter what exists inside each container so no personal details can be viewed or altered, providing companies with the ability to erase all business-related files if an employee breaks company policies by using personal devices in violation.
Support for Nontraditional Endpoints
Many companies are trying to find out how they can turn the "Internet of Things" into an "Enterprise of Things"; however, there are major obstacles.
Check out this list of features not found in traditional management tools:
- Manage IoT Devices with MDM Solution: MDM can monitor and manage embedded sensors, devices and devices of other types.
- Create a central framework that can be used for both smart devices and less-than-smart devices: Once registered in MDM, smart devices and not-so-smart devices will appear together on one central console. The admins can remotely manage and monitor all devices from one console.
MDM Manage Different Devices
Solutions for mobile device management (MDM) are typically developed for smartphones and tablets; however, from a central portal, you can manage desktops, laptops, printers or POS devices as well.
Operating system support varies between vendors, with some offering just Apple or Android support. In contrast, others support more devices and OS types, like Windows, Chromebook, Linux support etc.
EMM and UEM refer to solutions that support multiple platforms and devices simultaneously and make for easier device management across platforms and device manufacturers' special enrollment and management programs.
MDM programs may provide this connection.
Use Cases For MDM
Mobile devices have many uses today, from being used as point-of-sale terminals and info screens for retail sales to being vital resources in telemedicine and logistics - and they even play an indispensable part in education, healthcare and logistics services.
Here are a few ways Mobile Device Management (MDM) benefits a wide range of industries.
Telemedicine And Healthcare
Due to an increasing trend of in-home healthcare aides and remote patient monitoring, MDM software has become more essential than ever for healthcare organizations to comply with HIPAA regulations and secure data stored on mobile devices.
MDM makes configuring devices as per corporate business policies easy while making managing them a simpler endeavor overall.
Transport And Logistics
Mobile devices and tablets play an integral part in supply chains today, from scanning barcodes, device tracking deliveries, sending alerts or performing quality control - among many other tasks.
MDM software makes enrolling devices quick while guaranteeing they always function as intended - it even supports Single App Kiosk Mode to limit functionality if necessary.
Education
Schools and educational institutions are adopting tablet-based teaching methods as part of an effort to enhance teaching and learning experiences.
Before tablets and laptops can be utilized in teaching sessions, they must first be configured correctly with all essential apps installed on them - Mobile Device Management allows IT personnel to remotely configure all devices as well as restrict usage via blocking specific websites or blocking any harmful applications; MDM solutions can be tailored specifically for any budget.
Retail Industry
Retail and services industries use mobile devices extensively in their operations. Mobile devices serve several roles for them - self-checkout stations, point-of-sale terminals, and information displays can all use them.
In contrast, restaurant patrons use tablet computers to order food or view seating charts. If devices are shared among multiple people, you can ensure safe usage by setting them to Single App Kiosk Mode or restricting certain applications; wallpapers provide another means to create brand consistency across devices.
Government
Government organizations must impose even more stringent security measures than large corporations do; protecting devices and sensitive information is of utmost importance.
MDM software assists public sector entities in meeting compliance regulations while increasing operational efficiencies.
Small Business MDM
Small and medium businesses (SMBs) can benefit from cloud-based MDM software. Such solutions enable SMBs to track and manage devices without hiring an IT specialist; the ability to centrally administer devices from one web portal improves efficiency while helping decrease security risks.
Managed Service Providers
Mobile Device Management enables Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to implement secure, automated processes that meet legislation compliance, providing seamless IT service delivery for their clients.
MDM allows IT providers to centrally view and manage devices belonging to all clients from within one central portal - customers benefit from quicker device setup times and reduced phone callback time from IT.
What MDM Software Is Best?
Device management software solutions vary based on the number and types of devices deployed within an organization.
However, there is one MDM software option that has become particularly popular over time. Use our checklist below to help select an ideal software option for your business - take your time researching a single platform.
Operating Systems Supported
When selecting mobile device management (MDM) software for your company, make sure it supports all devices and OSs used within it.
Some MDM solutions allow multiple OS management while some MDM solutions only cover one OS; multi-platform MDM allows businesses to control all fleets of devices under one umbrella program while giving employees a greater choice in selecting devices they use for work purposes.
Features Requirements
Companies looking for their initial MDM program seek an easy-to-use device inventory system with basic configurations and restrictions, including email accounts, Wi-Fi/VPN connectivity restrictions, passcode enforcement and encryption for encrypted devices.
As more devices need managing, remote software updates become even more crucial as device enrollment automation. To select an ideal OS vendor and feature set, compare different OS vendors against each one before selecting one as your solution.
Cloud Or On-Premises
MDM software allows for ease of deployment without incurring costly upfront investments in hardware. Cloud-based MDM solutions are highly scalable; adding more devices as your company expands is simply a matter of upgrading and using additional security features.
On-premise or hybrid solutions are also available if managing MDM in-house is preferable - often required in highly regulated sectors.
Cloud-based MDM can often be the superior option since on-premise solutions require someone to manage implementation, maintenance and updates themselves, not to mention they may not offer as much scalability or flexibility as SaaS solutions.
Usefulness
Beginners looking to manage devices should seek solutions with an intuitive user interface; too many additional features they don't require can make navigation challenging or bewildering.
Budget
The budget should always be your top consideration when purchasing MDM software, with features at an affordable cost being key components to consider when making this choice.
Different plans enable you to add or reduce features as necessary based on changing business needs; the most costly solutions may not always be ideal, but depending on the specific features required, they may warrant consideration from larger providers on the market.
Conclusion
Mobile device management (MDM) has quickly become an essential element of modern IT teams' practices.
Once you grasp it, MDM represents an invaluable opportunity to modernize your office environment by controlling virtually every endpoint or device.
Each MDM offers unique features. To determine which solution best meets your needs, carefully assess what information needs to be secured, managed, monitored and reported, and consider BYOD/Nontraditional devices management as an important consideration.
