Mobile device management software, better known as MDM, has become an essential tool for organizations, enterprises, startups, and other businesses to carry out their work operations. MDM software is among the greatest gifts to mankind in the digital era. This technology has helped improve the corporate environment by a mile. It not only restricts personal device usage, but it can also lock the device to dedicated apps of 3 per device or just 1 per device. This, in turn, improves productivity. That is why getting mobile device management software has become a must for business owners. It allows them to manage the mobile device fleet within their office premises. Moreover, with the high demand for mobile and desktop management software, the popularity and value of the MDM market have also skyrocketed.
According to a stat,” The global mobile device management market was valued at nearly US$7 billion in 2022. That number is projected to change to somewhere around US$22 billion by the end of 2027.”
Therefore, with the speed at which the demand for mobile device management software is increasing by the minute, those projected numbers will soon become a reality. However, what is it about mobile device management software that every organization is fond of and in dire need of? Above all, what is the purpose of mobile device management (MDM) software? So, to find the answers, this comprehensive mobile device management guide will tell you everything you need to know about mobile device management systems. Therefore, without wasting any time, let’s get straight into it.
What is Mobile Device Management Software?
The main question that is looming large on the internet is “What is mobile device management?” The short answer to define mobile device management is that mobile device management software is a tool that acts as a sheriff within a corporate environment by enforcing laws. The MDM lets the MDM agent and operator take control of the devices in a working environment. The devices can be Windows, Android and iOS. But if you are still wondering, “What is remote device management application?” Well, the answer to that is that MDM is a platform. A basic MDM offers remote management capabilities, which allows IT and security departments to manage, lock, secure all device types, and mirror device screens, whatever their operating system may be. These endpoint management tools help protect the corporate’s data while locking the devices.
With MDM control, operators can get an overview of the entire device fleet, or a single device for that matter. Moreover, this allows device users to use a single dedicated application to improve work productivity. Mobile device management software also acts as a shield for mobile security and data security. It helps in threat management as corporate data is very valuable and can likely get compromised. So, to save corporations from facing massive losses in terms of losing data, the MDM software allows IT and security departments to wipe device data remotely. That way, with central management and security management, businesses can operate successfully and keep the workforce productive. A smart and robust MDM platform allows businesses to flourish without worrying about their data getting breached.
How MDM Works to Manage Mobile Devices?
If you are wondering how mobile device management works, then MDM works by providing a central console or dashboard where IT administrators can manage, lock, and wipe mobile devices remotely. It works as a connection bridge by creating a secure connection between the MDM server and enrolled devices. More so, MDM creates a link between mobile and IoT and allows the company’s IT department to manage device settings for devices enrolled in MDM. MDM is a security platform that protects data stored on the devices. Moreover, MDM solutions use components in the form of software applications, allowing users to manage and schedule their time using mobile devices. The management solution designed for a company’s business structure is a tool that controls devices from the management console.
However, the most important function of mobile device management software is that it protects a company’s assets, such as data and other valuable information. MDM can also be considered a mobile security tool. However, it provides much more functionality than a device security app or endpoint management solution. Unlike endpoint and mobile security, mobile management solutions are more device-oriented than user-centric, like the other two. Whether the mobile device management tools are oriented towards the device or user, the policies for devices remain more or less the same. However, the way in which MDM security is used is totally different from the two.
Mobile Device Management Software Functionality for Enterprises
Next comes the question, “What does mobile device management do for enterprises?” Well, firms use mobile device management software to implement management policies for mobile devices in offices. This way, they can control and manage the usage of devices from MDM. Moreover, by setting up the MDM platform, workers can either work on devices provided by the firm, such as PCs or smartphones or instead enroll their own personal devices. With device enrollment, MDM policies safeguard the applications, data, and other information in the device. However, access to corporate data, email accounts, applications with password encryption, and VPN connections will be granted to the employee’s personal device based on their job position. This is the best practice for optimal security. MDM gives employees restricted access to data. It keeps the security of the corporate data intact. Moreover, mobile device management software allows IT departments to run a device posture check.
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This check helps find threats that any of the devices pose to corporate data and the security of its systems. Also, IT departments can rely on mobile device management software to analyze the behavior and usage of enrolled devices. MDM can check if any data that is vital to business is being shared. On the other hand, MDM allows for easy device usage with protection against outside threats and malware. It keeps devices safe from cyber threats and removes the risk of data getting compromised. The IT department and owners are given full control by MDM over devices that are enrolled. This way, the company can use the MDM tools to not only monitor the devices but also lock them. Moreover, operators can wipe out the data from the device in the event of any emergency or if the data gets compromised, whether the device gets snatched, stolen, or missing.
Importance of MDM Software
The importance of mobile device management software cannot be overstated. Mobile device management software has come a long way, and the evolution of MDM is a great way to evaluate its importance. If we talk about what does MDM software do, then we will have to look at its use in the enterprise. MDM has become a must-have tool for enterprises. There are many MDM solutions on the market that are vital to organizations’ operations. Some of this MDM software include ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus, Citrix Endpoint Management, and Apple DEP (Device Enrollment Program), such as Apple School Manager and Apple Business Manager. Most business-related tasks and operations are associated with mobile devices such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets. These days, most employees work remotely from their homes. Therefore, these mobile devices are the core part of the business workforce.
That’s because employees use them to carry out tasks in an efficient manner for improved productivity. However, with mobility comes risk: the risk of a mobile device getting compromised, whether it gets stolen, hacked, or lost. Considering that mobile devices have access to crucial corporate data, email accounts, and other valuable information, the possibility of losing a mobile device is very much real. Moreover, it puts corporate data at a greater risk. This can lead to an organization facing severe business losses upon data getting compromised. Therefore, implementing an MDM platform has become a must for businesses, and that’s why they are looking for MDM solutions. It will allow companies to manage their devices, whether they are 10 mobile devices or more. Above all, the security that MDM provides by securing devices within their working environments has made it a vital tool for enterprises to carry out their operations.
Benefits of Enterprise Mobile Device Management
There are far too many benefits of mobile device management for small business firms and enterprises. This guide on MDM explained pretty much the functionality and importance of device management tools. But what are the benefits of good mobile device management? Above all, how can MDM solutions for small business or startups help take someone’s business to the next level? For that, the cloud based mobile device management solutions offer the following perks and benefits.
Optimize Office Operations
A cloud based mobile device management software can optimize, automate, and streamline most in-office operations in a seamless manner to improve work efficiency. Without MDM models, there would be inconsistency in the workforce. That is because employees would independently use mobile devices such as laptops or smartphones in different patterns. However, that would also result in less efficiency in work. On the other hand, implementing MDMS systems will add consistency to the workflow by locking enrolled devices to dedicated apps. Moreover, MDM would take care of the operations that normally require manual labor.
An example of automated device management operation includes MDM monitoring corporate data to check for potential malware or threats for security purposes. This way, the MDM can save the office team’s time. It also gives them peace of mind knowing their devices and data are safe. Also, mobile application management software will provide detailed reports to operators on enrolled mobile devices and their usage. This way, they can make informed decisions for improvement. But in the event of an emergency or data getting compromised, the MDM would require the operator to manually manage, track, or wipe out devices to avoid the risk of putting data in harm’s way.
Reduced Operational Cost
Top mobile device management solutions can cut down an enterprise’s operational and labor costs by automating most of security and IT departments tasks. The IT device management to monitor business-critical data is checked by the mobile device security software in a much better way. This removes the need of hiring more staff in IT and security departments for secure device management.
Moreover, businesses can save themselves from costly compliance penalties, data recovery expenses, and antivirus and malware protection software costs. That is because the MDM protects corporate data from all outside threats. MDM consoles can carry out twice as many tasks as any security or IT department can without needing manual labor. This way, enterprises can save money by not hiring a dedicated security team and instead invest that money in other important business operations.
Improved Productivity
A business mobile device management software can automate operations for work efficiency, which comes hand in hand with improved productivity. By implementing app management software and locking down devices to dedicated apps, the employees work towards one direction and one direction. More so, it restricts workers from using other applications or fiddling around.
The cloud MDM solution instead gets them fully focused on completing assigned tasks at hand in a much quicker time. Surveys have shown that the MDM modeling and mobile device management options improve work productivity in work environments in a quicker turnaround time that leads to brand success and growth. MDM allows IT department to remotely troubleshoot and resolve device issues, minimizing downtime.
Corporate Data Security
However, the biggest and by far the most important benefit of implementing the best MDM tool is that it provides data security. Top MDM solutions safeguard all data that is crucial to an enterprise’s business operations. Not only that, but cloud MDM solutions also protect the devices on which the data is stored.
With MDM encryption, the smart device manager can manage, lock, and erase enrolled devices in an instant. More so, remote device management services protect devices from outside malware and cyberthreats. A trusted device manager can provide a sense of security knowing it will protect the data upon the device getting lost or stolen.
Components of Mobile Device Inventory Management Software
The best mobile device management software is made of various components. More so, each component provides smart and useful functionality. These components are what provide value for implementing MDM software solutions, and they are:
Inventory Distribution and Management
Best mobile device management solutions allow enterprises to distribute and manage mobile devices that are enrolled in a corporate network. The best MDM software is implemented by IT departments to manage enrolled mobile devices and provide MDM support to carry out enterprise operations. More so, MDM features troubleshooting device functionality to solve problems among the devices. The remote device management software implements policies for devices and ensures that devices meet the OS, app, and MDM requirements. IT departments can assign business-related apps for improved productivity and enhance app security to protect, backup, and restore corporate data.
Android and Apple Device Security
Enterprise MDM solutions offer endpoint security for Android and Apple devices connected to a corporate network. More so, the mobile device management remote control also provides endpoint security for other devices such as laptops, desktop computers, smartwatches, and IoT sensors like smart fusion devices. In order to provide endpoint security, Android MDM software and iOS device management software top MDM tools for standard network security like antivirus software, cloud security, etc.
Moreover, the best MDM solution runs a device posture check. It collects and analyzes device data associated with its security, like a version of the browser and operating system and the status of the antivirus. This way, MDM Android, iOS, or Windows software can detect if any device is compromised. It can also determine whether it poses a threat to enterprise systems or not.
Identity and Access Management
Identity and Access Management, better known as (IAM) is a vital component of MDM service that allows for security device management. Corporations use IAM to manage the identities of device users. IT departments use the IAM component of remote mobile device management to give access to users and restrict it based on their job roles. With IAM, IT departments can set up user authorization on the device, such as one-time sign-in or two-factor authentication, to secure leading devices. That way, only authorized users can use that device, as this account requires mobile device management access.
Real-Time Device Tracking
MDM tracking is what fulfills the MDM meaning as mobile device management features locating capabilities that can be used to add device tracking systems in enrolled devices. These MDM options allow the experts of an enterprise’s IT department to track and monitor devices. Moreover, with the device management services of security MDM, IT experts can update and troubleshoot the device to fix any problems right away.
This way, enterprises can use business device management software to find if any device possesses risk to security systems or is not compliant. Therefore, they can use the best mobile device management solution to remove devices from their network, or even wipe out its data if it gets lost or stolen.
App Security
Another component of MDM products that stands out is application security. iOS and Android MDM solutions allow IT administrators to layer a security coating on an app by adding mobile device management security features to it. After that, the application software’s for mobile is redeployed with the MDM feature for security included. The features of MDM in security will implement full enterprise device management on that app.
Administrators can choose to set up a password in the application for users to open the app. More so, they can also set permissions and authorisations that whether or not users can copy any data from the app as well as paste it and store it on the device. Also, administrators can determine permissions for users for file sharing from the app..
Technologies Used in the Best MDM Solutions
The best mobile device management software is made with the latest and the greatest technologies. Whether it is iOS or Android mobile device management software, they are developed using modern technologies that provide smart and effective mobile device management capabilities. Some of these technologies include:
Cloud-Based Management Suite
Cloud based MDM solutions are the best tech feature of mobile device management software. That is because cloud-based MDM software offers scalability, accessibility, and ease of deployment. MDM cloud software allows enterprises to manage devices from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. Moreover, MDM cloud solutions lessen the risk of data getting breached, as IT administrators can monitor and manage enrolled devices at all times. Therefore, cloud-based solutions work best for small business mobile device management.
Device Fleet Management
The best MDM solutions have device fleet management capabilities. This allows IT department teams to manage and secure large numbers of devices operating in their network in an efficient and consistent manner. Moreover, top MDM solutions allow for easy remote device management. That is because as the volume of mobile devices in the workplace continues to grow, it is becoming increasingly difficult to track and manage devices manually. However, with the best MDM solution, IT administrators can easily manage a large fleet of devices and maintain consistent policy enforcement.
Similar Technologies to Mobile Device Management Software
The best MDM tools address mobile device management support and remote device management system needs. However, an MDM tool is not the only remote device management platform, as there are other related remote device management solutions. These mobile software solution technologies complement and enhance enterprise mobile access management. Some of these remote access device management solutions are:
Mobile Content Management
Mobile content management, better known as MCM, deals with the content side of things. MCM manages content on mobile devices which includes giving access to content, and securing content for corporate use. MCM acts as an access MDM content providers for software devices. That is because MCM gives authorization access to users for both corporate data as well as the enterprise’s content. Moreover, mobile content management works with mobile device solutions based on cloud.
Mobile Identity Management
Mobile identity management also known as MIM is responsible for the authentication part of corporate data. These authentication factors include implementing two-factor verification, username and password, user certificates, and single sign-on. All of these authentication measures make sure that only authorized personnel can access enterprise data. More so, it allows enrolled and trusted devices to be used to access that data.
Mobile Application Management
MAM, shortened for mobile application management, is a lot similar to MDM tools. Customer MDM solutions focus on managing the device itself. MAM, on the other hand, is concerned with the application side of things. Mobile application management systems look after the applications that run on enterprise’s mobile devices. MAM installs, updates, and manages those applications. Also, MAM provides a layer of protection by securing these apps. It also deletes applications that are no longer in use. Many firms are using MAM for their mobile device security solutions. That is because it helps them apply policies and protect application data without having to wipe out the mobile device.
Mobile Information Management
Mobile information management, better known by its abbreviation, MIM, is yet another open source remote device management tool. Moreover, mobile information management gives IT administrators remote access to corporate data from enrolled mobile devices. This mobile information management solution is included with many popular MDM solutions and other mobile product management solutions such as MAM. Moreover, mobile information management can be integrated into many cloud storage services available on the internet, such as Dropbox.
Mobile Expense Management
Mobile expense management, also known as MEM, is quite the opposite of mobile data security software. That is because mobile expense solution management deals with the expense side of things when communicating through mobile. Mobile expense management keeps track of mobile device usage expenses and gives enterprises insights regarding MDM cost per device. Moreover, mobile expense management monitors the usage of services and policies like BYOD reimbursements. Mobile expense management provides corporations with data. They can then use that data for chargebacks and survey the usage of enrolled enterprise mobile devices.
What is the Difference Between MDM and Enterprise Mobility Management?
EMM is the short form of enterprise mobility management. It is defined as a broader form of mobile device management. EMM is concerned with application and unified endpoint management and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) rather than the data of the mobile device, its users, or the device itself. However, open source mobile device management software is very similar to enterprise mobility management. But at the end of the day, both are two very different mobile software. However, they use more or less the same technologies and capabilities of device control software. The things that set open source MDM solutions apart from enterprise mobility management are that MDM services focus on mobile device features and implementing the mobile device policy ISO 27001. On the other hand, an enterprise mobility management solution manages the entirety of the device.
Also, enterprise mobility management mobile phone software is included with security capabilities and policy compliance. EMM can tailor mobile applications and integrate them with an enterprise’s networking services. On the other hand, an open source MDM solution manages mobile devices. It does that through MDM technologies, such as user profiles that are installed on a device. IT administrators can then use the remote device management application to monitor, manage, and lock devices from the device management dashboard. This way, IT teams can use mobile device management software open source to remotely control and encrypt devices and enforce mobile device policies. Enterprises are switching from best MDM solutions to EMM softwares mobiles as the latter can add security features from the base. More so, EMM allows enterprises to store device data on the cloud instead of a physical device. That is because cloud solution mobile software offers easy accessibility.
Bring Your Own Device vs Unified Endpoint Management
BYOD and UEM are a bit similar to an MDM product but have a few differences of their own. In order to find out what those differences are and how BYOD compares against UEM we will look at both in detail below.
Bring Your Own Device:
Just like the name suggests, bring your own device (BYOD) refers to the practice of letting employees bring their own personal mobile devices to work. Employees can, therefore, use their own devices for their work tasks as opposed to the mobile devices provided by the firm. However, as cost-efficient as that practice may be for enterprises, it poses a huge threat to corporate data and systems. That is because personal devices such as laptops, tablets, or smartphones are used by people for non-commercial purposes. Therefore, users don’t take precautionary security measures like installing antivirus software to protect their devices from outer threats and malware. If employees connect their personal devices to corporate networking systems, the malware can be transmitted to corporate networks.
That way, the device can put the security of the corporate network at risk. This, in turn, can lead to the breach of corporate data. So, in order to avoid all this hassle, enterprises must implement MDM for personal use devices. This is where the BYOD management software comes into play. That is because it is an MDM for Windows and is also a Windows MDM solutions. With the BYOD personal MDM software, IT administrators can manage and protect employees’ devices remotely. There are many best solutions for mobile device management for small business available these days. These solutions for MDM for home use devices include mobile device management for Office 365, the best MDM for Android, and the best iPad MDM. All of these family MDM and home MDM solution can save enterprises from facing huge losses in terms of data loss.
Unified Endpoint Management
Unified Endpoint Management, also known as UEM, is the integration of both enterprise mobility management and mobile device management. As compared to BYOD, UEM is a completely different approach as it uses a mixture of MDM and EMM by extending its capabilities to manage devices. It protects and locks down a variety of endpoint devices, such as desktop computers, tablets, laptops, and smartphones. UEM is much more sophisticated and can solve the issues of these devices by troubleshooting them.
Moreover, UEM is an advanced version of mobile device management open source. That is because UEM takes the MDM setup to a whole new level by extending the capabilities of the MDM tools list. For instance, it makes the MDM software iPad or MDM Android app even smarter by allowing corporations to secure and manage their IT systems as well as the connected mobile devices.
Cost of Mobile Device Management Software
The difference in the best MDM for Windows and MDM solutions for Android also means that the MDM price differs as well. The mobile device management cost of implementing an entire MDMS to an enterprise’s networking systems can go up to hundreds of thousands of dollars. However, that also means that mobile device management companies will provide MDM systems with MDM settings. It will include an MDM account and user profiles, an MDM app for devices, and an MDM admin dashboard. However, MDM as a service is a lot cheaper than that. Cheap MDM solutions for each device are just a few bucks. On the other hand, an MDM service provider charges mobile device management pricing for a device fleet of 100 devices. The cost is between seven thousand dollars and ten thousand dollars. However, that depends on the mobile device management providers and MDM solution providers.
Most MDM vendors create custom open source MDM Android and best Windows MDM, as well as a Google MDM solution tailored to an enterprise’s needs. At the end of the day, it comes down to a firm’s needs. If it is a startup, then it can get a small business MDM. That is because MDM for small business costs a lot less as compared to enterprise-level top MDM software. There are some of the best MDM for small business available in the market at affordable rates. If a company wants to get an MDM solution for Android to lock down their devices into MDM mode, then there are many MDM companies in the market with positive MDM reviews. These mobile device management vendors will provide Android MDM solution and MDM apps to monitor and manage software mobile devices. With the best Android MDM system, companies can prosper with data security.
Best EMM Practices to Manage Your Devices
This guide features the benefits of MDM. This way, you, too, can use MDM to manage your devices and protect them. However there are a few practices that you will need to take into consideration when you choose a mobile device management software solution. These practices include making sure the MDM software has automated reports on enrolled devices and associated information. This way, you can get daily updates without manually generating them. Moreover, mobile device management software must automatically update itself.
Also, the cloud-based software can be maintained and updated to solve any bugs. You will not need to worry about fixing them. The last thing that a cloud-based mobile device management software must have is a search capability to search anything in the software. This will allow you to search for exact iOS and Android devices. More so, you can search reports and apps without having to go into long listings to find them. All of these practices will make sure you get the best mobile device management software for your business.
Final Thoughts
That is it for this guide to mobile device management software. We have talked about everything related to mobile device management software. From device manager apps to MDM degree solutions to manage and lockdown devices into MDM cell phone mode, we have covered everything. Moreover, sim DEP mobile can benefit from smart digital and electric MDM solutions. The Gsuite MDM will let IT administrators manage enrolled devices and protect their enterprise data. Therefore, whether it is MDM Gsuite, also known as Google app mobile device management software, or other MDM solutions, an enterprise chooses scalp software depending on its needs. We hope you enjoyed reading this guide, and if so, you can read more guides like this from our website.
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