What is Mobile Device Management (MDM)?

Mobile devices have integrated themselves into the corporate sector. The majority of

employees possess a smartphone, and businesses today rely on smartphones and tablets to do jobs ranging from crucial to routine.

The rapid emergence of mobile and connected device initiatives over the past few years has resulted in the use of thousands of unmanaged and unsecured devices with access to critical data and information across the enterprise; and now, with the expansion of the Internet of Things, even more, unmanaged devices are beginning to appear across enterprises, posing even greater business risks.

However, this mobile ecosystem cannot expand and adapt unrestrictedly. Unmanaged mobile devices may pose security threats and generate other issues for enterprises. Mobile device management (MDM) solutions were built with these requirements in mind, giving a scalable, all-encompassing management solution that can both control and increase the value of this mobile network.

In this article, we will discuss what Mobile device management (MDM) is, how it works, why organizations need to deploy an MDM solution, the best practices of MDM implementation, and the top open-source and commercial MDM tools available in the market. You will also find the difference between MDM and other successor MDM solutions, like Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) and Unified Endpoint Management (UEM).

What is the Meaning of Mobile Device Management?

Mobile device management (MDM) is a proven technique and security software that enables IT administrators to monitor, protect, and enforce rules on mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. MDM aims to improve the functionality and security of mobile devices inside the company while safeguarding the corporate network. Mobile device management (MDM) is often deployed using third-party software that includes management functionality for certain mobile device manufacturers.

Mobile device management (MDM) varies differently from both Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) and Unified Endpoint Management (UEM), despite their close relationship. MDM is a fundamental element of Enterprise Mobility Management, which also consists of mobile application management, identity and access management, and corporate file sync and sharing. Modern workplace mobility solutions enable not just smartphones, but also tablets, Windows 10 and macOS PCs, and even some Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Using MDM to handle PCs is referred to as Unified Endpoint Management (UEM). UEM is commonly regarded as MDM's successor and attempts to manage all business devices from a single console.

What are the Features of Mobile Device Management?

The main features of the mobile devices management program are explained below:

• Mobile Management: IT departments acquire, install, manage, and provide support for mobile devices used by their workforce, such as device functioning debugging. These departments guarantee that each device has the required operating systems and software for its users, including programs for productivity, data protection, backup, and restoration.

• Identity and Access Management (IAM): Strong identity and access management (IAM) is required for secure mobile management. IAM enables an organization to manage the identities of users linked with a device. Using features like single sign-on (SSO), multifactor authentication (MFA), and role-based access, each user's access inside an organization is strictly controlled.

• Device Tracking: Each device that a business enrolls or distributes may be customized to contain GPS tracking and other applications. The tools enable IT experts to monitor, update, and troubleshoot the device in real-time. In addition, they identify and report high-risk or non-compliant devices, as well as remotely lock or erase a lost or stolen device.

• Endpoint Security: Endpoint security includes wearables, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, and non-traditional mobile devices. Endpoint security may include common network security technologies such as antivirus software, network access control, incident response, URL filtering, and cloud security.

• Application Protection: In app wrapping, an IT administrator adds security or management capabilities to an application for application security. The application is then redeployed as a containerized application. These security features decide whether user authentication is necessary to start an app if app data can be copied, pasted, or kept on the device and if the user can share a file.

How Does Mobile Device Management Work?

Organizations conduct mobile device management by applying software, procedures, and security rules to mobile devices and their usage. In addition to managing device inventories and provisioning, MDM solutions safeguard the apps, data, and content of mobile devices.

Mobile device management depends on endpoint software known as an MDM agent and an MDM server that resides in either an on-premises or cloud-based data center. IT administrators create rules using the management panel of the MDM server, and the server then delivers those policies to the MDM agent on the device over the air. The agent applies the rules to the device by talking with APIs native to the device's operating system.

In an MDM program, workers may obtain a dedicated work device, such as a laptop or smartphone, or remotely enroll in a personal device. For best data protection, personal devices get role-based access to company data and email, a secure VPN, GPS tracking, password-protected apps, and other MDM software.

On registered devices, MDM software then monitors their behavior and business-critical data. And with more advanced MDM systems, they are examined by machine learning and artificial intelligence. These applications protect devices against malware and other cyber threats. For instance, a company may provide a staff person or consultant with a laptop or smartphone that has been preconfigured with a data profile, VPN, and other relevant software and apps. MDM gives the greatest control to the employer in this case. With MDM technologies, businesses can track, monitor, troubleshoot, and even delete device data in the case of theft, loss, or breach detection.

MDM rules clarify how firms will manage mobile devices and regulate their usage. To set and publish their rules and procedures, businesses will pose the following questions:

• Should cameras by default be disabled?

• Do gadgets need passcode security?

• Do certain devices need geo-fencing?

• What personalization possibilities do the gadget offer?

• Is wifi connection essential?

Why is Mobile Device Management Important?

Since workers now conduct a significant portion, if not the majority, of their responsibilities on mobile devices, enterprises demand mobility. Mobile device management supports remote work by using cloud-based data storage.

Due to the vast volumes of data kept and sent on each employee's mobile device, viruses, hackers, and exploits have begun to target them. Organizations are aware of their need to secure and safeguard this data against loss while allowing their employees access to essential resources.

As part of this role, mobile device management provides crucial updates and patches for required applications and software, not just for functioning but also for security. Real-time data backups improve employee work and productivity via device management.

Here are the most important reasons why businesses should invest in mobile device management.

• Reduced Costs: Many firms discover that a well-deployed MDM saves them money over time since MDM services for BYOD devices are far more cost-effective than acquiring devices and software for employees and yet providing device management. In contrast, the cost savings of an MDM are more than offset the cost of the service within the first few years of adoption. These cost reductions are in addition to other advantages that contribute to the company's bottom line, such as higher productivity and freed time and resources.

• Enhanced Endpoint Security: The biggest advantage of mobile device management is the increased enterprise-wide security it delivers. With an MDM solution, security can be applied to each and every corporate network device, and protocols can be built to guide actions in the event of a suspected security issue.

  MDMs manage remote access to extremely sensitive data, enable user authentication, and even allow remote data erasure of lost or stolen devices. MDM is used to ensure that devices have the most recent software updates that address known security concerns.

  With so many devices linked to a corporate network, smartphones and tablets provide a diverse array of attack vectors, posing a significant security risk to the organization. MDM solves this risk by implementing uniform, cutting-edge mobile security throughout the company network.

• Simplified Internal IT Requirements: Managing mobile devices manually is an arduous task for IT personnel. As the size of the firm and the number of mobile devices expand, it becomes hard to effectively manage. An MDM solution streamlines this labor by unifying various administration activities into a single, comprehensive platform, providing IT employees with the tools and assistance required to administer a mobile network successfully.

  With an MDM solution in place, IT does a better job of monitoring devices, identifying security flaws, and addressing other IT requirements beyond mobility. By investing in MDM, a company improves the efficiency and effectiveness of its IT department.

• Enhanced Workflows and Adaptability: An MDM supports quicker, more effective communication and workflow management, and enables employees to perform their duties remotely as well as in the office. An MDM enables managers to rapidly allocate jobs and establish project teams, delegating responsibilities to specific employees and monitoring the success of many projects simultaneously. These work tools are a godsend for firms seeking to improve their internal operations via the use of technology.

• Happy Employees: Today's workforce is more mobile, with more people working in the field, from home, and while traveling. MDM makes it so that being away from the workplace does not have to compromise productivity and communication.

  By managing mobility and establishing a framework for mobile work, businesses can provide workers with the tools they need to remain on top of their job duties when traveling and working outside the office. Mobility facilitates communication, collaboration, and increased overall productivity, and good mobile security enables distant employees to access vital data and content without an increased risk of a security breach.

How to Define an MDM Strategy?

Establishing MDM criteria and objectives across a large organization may be challenging. Technology is always expanding, data types are constantly increasing and changing, industry trends come and go, departments expand and split, and security risks are continually mutating in response to hackers' newly acquired abilities. In addition, as technology, data kinds, and security threats evolve, data and security compliance regulations across sectors and worldwide areas are continuously updated.

Creating an MDM strategy that clearly sets objectives and expectations for a business is essential to conquering the challenging challenge of getting everyone on board and on the same page, given the intricacies of the enterprise environment.

A comprehensive mobile security strategy should include the following elements:

• Organization's current security and regulatory compliance obligations, as well as those it must implement in the future

• Cloud-based, user-centric platform

• Endpoint management for all mobile devices, including IoT devices

• Considerations for network and service management

• List of required reporting capabilities for the organization

• Specifications for currently deployed mobile operating systems and devices

• The capacity to adapt to an organization's ever-changing requirements

• Security solutions that are exhaustive in scope

• Cloud networks and apps, as well as wireless networks, are well-managed

• Concentration on safeguarding the data itself via encryption and limiting the applications that may access it

• Two-factor authentication of mobile device identities

• initiatives to tackle all present and upcoming mobile threats

• Adaptability and agility to end users, technology, and new threats

• Compatibility with all MDM systems and solutions in use for device management

Once a business determines the general needs for mobile devices, the rules that must be followed, and their goals, it will be simpler to develop a plan that is tailored to these requirements and objectives.

How to Deploy MDM for BYOD?

Mobile device management software originated at the beginning of the twenty-first century as a means of controlling and securing the personal digital assistants and cell phones that corporate employees started to use. The consumer smartphone boom that began with the 2007 release of the Apple iPhone led to the bring-your-own-device (BYOD) movement, which fuelled increased interest in mobile device management (MDM).

The deployment of MDM in a BYOD context presents some issues. Organizations must strike a balance between IT's obligation to safeguard business applications and data and the end user's need for privacy. Users are often worried about IT's capacity to see downloaded programs and monitor location through MDM. However, IT administrators may employ privacy settings to prohibit these actions.

While deploying MDM for BYOD situations, organizations might employ alternative approaches to preserve user privacy. Some MDM solutions include app wrapping, which offers a secure container for mobile applications and allows IT to implement stringent security controls. Android Corporate, Google's enterprise mobility initiative that connects with EMM and MDM systems, is available for Android devices. Android Enterprise provides distinct work and personal accounts, allowing end users to retain their personal data outside of IT controls and allowing IT administrators to safeguard corporate data and applications as required.

What is the Best Mobile Device Management Solution?

Since its inception, the MDM vendor environment has evolved dramatically. At that time, the majority of market participants, including AirWatch, MobileIron, Sybase, Zenprise, and Fiberlink, were exclusively focused on business mobility.

MobileIron was the only standalone EMM provider to remain a leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant in 2017. The majority of the other significant market participants were huge corporate software companies. Among them were VMware (which purchased AirWatch in 2014), IBM (which bought Fiberlink in 2013), and BlackBerry (which acquired Good Technology in 2015). According to IDC, Citrix (which purchased Zenprise in 2012) and Microsoft also had a significant market share.

Gartner published a Magic Quadrant for UEM in 2018. Numerous MDM providers, including BlackBerry, Citrix, and MobileIron, rebranded their solutions to reflect the market's shift to UEM. Citrix, for instance, rebranded its XenMobile MDM solution to Citrix Endpoint Management.

Many MDM companies now offer cloud-based services in addition to on-premises services, particularly as cloud computing gains business acceptance. Subscriptions in the cloud provide additional flexibility and a pay-as-you-go service model that is appealing to many businesses.

Here are the top mobile device management tools available in the market:

• Cisco Meraki: Cisco Meraki Systems Manager may connect seamlessly with your existing network to improve visibility and security. You may either pre-enroll devices to be controlled, or dynamically add them when new users join your business. You may push apps or limit material depending on certain user groups, similar to InTune. Additionally, you can monitor devices anywhere in the globe, obtain visibility reports on the device's health, security, and software inventory on demand, and secure the device according to your IT standards. Meraki Systems Manager may be the appropriate choice for your firm if it employs contractors since it allows you to restrict the duration of a device's access to corporate assets, enabling contractors to complete their tasks without retaining company data.

• Citrix Endpoint Management: This MDM solution from the software Citrix also includes UEM capability. Chrome OS and Linux are supported. Since it needs Citrix Workspace, it is an excellent choice for existing Citrix customers; otherwise, you would incur an additional cost.

• Codeproof: Codeproof includes a variety of features designed exclusively for Android devices, such as interaction with the Google Play Store enabling simple registration and deployment of corporate applications. With this platform, you have complete control over the devices' features and components to protect the confidentiality of company data. Using the console's GPS tracking functions, you may find missing gadgets.

• Hexnode: Hexnode is a cost-effective MDM solution that may operate on-premises or in the cloud. It has "zero-touch enrollment," which enables devices to be automatically added to the system using certificates. If you want to add PCs, printers, and the Internet of Things (IoT), a UEM upgrade is available.

• IBM MaaS360: IBM MaaS360 satisfies all the fundamental requirements for a mobile management system, and even adds additional capabilities. It provides comprehensive and configurable reporting with artificial intelligence queries and a user-friendly administration interface structured by duties. However, it has significant flaws, such as the need for a third-party program for its remote control functionality and reporting customization feature is limited.

• Ivanti: Ivanti Neurons for MDM is a cloud-based UEM solution that encrypts your data and gives you command over all iOS, macOS, Android, and Windows-based devices on your network.

• ManageEngine: ManageEngine's price and general feature set maintain it towards the top of the MDM stack, despite the fact that it is not nearly as advanced as its high-end competitors. It offers easy-to-execute actions on individual devices. However, it has a rather complicated self-registration procedure for devices and SQL expertise is necessary for custom reports.

• Miradore: Miradore is one of the few MDM systems with a free edition, making it an excellent option for small enterprises. Miradore is compatible with iOS, Android, and Windows and offers security, control, app management, and automation. Miradore may selectively remove all business data from the phones of workers using their personal devices in the case of loss, theft, or termination of employment.

• Sophos: Sophos is well-known for its excellent endpoint protection, which extends to its MDM platform, enabling you to secure your organization's data with the same degree of security. Your organization's data is secure and protected within the platform's container, enabling you to delete it if you think the phone is lost or compromised.

• VMware AirWatch: VMware AirWatch continues to dominate the mobile device management (MDM) market. This combination provides customers with everything they need to monitor, manage, and expand a rapidly-changing device portfolio.

What are the Open Source MDM Solutions?

There are a few open-source mobile device management (MDM) alternatives available on the market. If enterprises believe that an open-source platform is worth the effort, they may evaluate the following open-source MDM tool alternatives:

• WSO2: The EMM platform from WSO2 Inc. controls Google Android, Apple iOS, and Microsoft Windows devices and is one of the most sophisticated open-source solutions available. WSO2 EMM supports both Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and company-owned, personally enabled device (COPE) programs. In addition to MDM, WSO2 provides mobile application management (MAM) and mobile identity management, as would any full EMM platform.

  According to WSO2 literature, the platform manages billions of transactions each day while offering policy-driven administration and streaming analytics. WSO2 is offered as both an on-premises, open-source platform and a cloud-based service. The firm markets the on-premises version as an IoT solution, although it is really an EMM platform, and the source code is freely accessible under the Apache 2.0 license.

• Flyve MDM: Flyve MDM by Teclib is an open-source MDM platform that allows IT to manage and protect Android devices. IT may deploy security profiles, install and uninstall apps, regulate and manage security settings, and erase sensitive data from controlled devices through a single online portal. In addition, IT may define restrictions for password difficulty, activate device encryption, remotely lock devices, and do other operations.

  Although Flyve MDM looks to be a feasible choice, it is not as strong as WSO2 EMM, in part because it only supports the Android platform. The availability of WSO2 EMM on GitHub implies that the open source community has more thoroughly evaluated WSO2 than Flyve MDM.

• Headwind MDM: Headwind MDM is regarded as one of the most effective open-source MDM solutions available. It is the optimal option for corporate Android device management since it allows for simple mass registration, automated application distribution, and effective user permission control.

  Headwind MDM defines its solution as a "corporate shell" for Android smartphones inside a company. It offers administrators a strong support system and a high degree of confidence for Android mobile device users.

• OneMDM: Another well-known open-source MDM that exclusively supports Android devices is OneMDM. When administrators use OneMDM, they may monitor a vast array of online and offline devices. The platform is simple to install and has been maintained for years. When you install OneMDM, you are able to extend invitations to other users and develop a network of professionals who can protect and control their mobile devices.

• MicroMDM: MicroMDM only handles iOS and macOS devices.

• Commandment Open Source MDM: Commandment Open Source MDM only handles iOS and macOS devices.

How to Select an MDM Solution?

MDM systems, whether cloud-based or on-premises, should enable a company to see endpoints, users, and everything else. A competent mobile device management system saves time, increases productivity and production, strengthens safety, and simplifies the mobile management system. Consider the following factors when choosing an MDM solution:

• If feasible, trial a variety of MDM services and evaluate their support for the required devices and functionalities. During this trial period, you should also consider accessibility, dependability, and response.

• Device enrollment should allow robust authentication mechanisms for users and devices, including multi-factor authentication(MFA), for both zero-touch and self-enrollment.

• Based on your organization's technological approach, choose an MDM service that supports the devices and functionality you need. It should be highlighted that if you choose a BYOD strategy, this may considerably restrict the technological restrictions and features you may implement.

• Choose an MDM service that offers automatic updates to the service itself, and keeps the MDM software up-to-date. In addition to the rapid accessibility benefits of MDM, there should be no hardware to purchase, install, or maintain, as well as no related expenses. The platform should be automatically updated with newly available features.

• Prefer MDM systems that use native platform management capabilities and interact with current app stores over those that need client-side agents.

• Whether you install the MDM service entirely on-premises or in the cloud utilizing an IaaS or SaaS model, ensure that strong patching methods are in place to maintain the back-end architecture. In an IaaS model, you are held more accountable for patching services.

• Admin interfaces and user self-service portals must provide robust corporate authentication techniques.

• Enterprise application catalogs should offer automated application updates. These changes should be implemented as soon as the app store is updated.

• The key to a cloud-based system is the capacity to search for everything and anything. A business should have easy access to its devices, integrations, reports, applications, and protected documents.

• Select an MDM service that provides device logging and monitoring. This should contain the ability to create suitable device compliance rules in order to monitor the condition of devices. If device attestation is allowed, greater statements about the condition and health of devices may be made.

• Ensure that the reporting and inventory tool consolidates all registered devices and their accompanying data into simple reports. Without human input, daily updates should be created automatically.

What are the Best Practices for MDM Implementation?

For a successful MDM implementation, organizations may follow the next best practices:

• Inventory: Before considering the different methods you will manage your devices, you must first identify the sorts of devices present in your environment. Here are some questions that any IT professional should ask during an initial evaluation:

  • What number of gadgets exist in my environment?
  • Which device types am I managing?
  • Where can I get an exact number?
  • Which programs (apps) am I need to use for various tasks?
  • What use cases am I currently implementing for my devices?
  • What are my gadgets internally connected to?

  You cannot plan the next phases of your MDM deployment unless you have provided answers to these questions.

• MDM Vendor: Before you really embark on your mobile adventure, the path ahead may seem difficult. You're under pressure to ensure that all gadgets are accounted for and operating correctly, but you don't know how to keep track of everything.

  Ensure that you assess an MDM solution that has a robust partner network that you can depend on to execute your plan, or that has a framework in place to help you prior to beginning the implementation.

  A reliable MDM supplier will have resellers, managed service providers (MSPs), carriers, and other sorts of partners with whom you may collaborate to analyze your objectives and ensure that the activities you take to achieve them are carried out correctly.

  If your IT staff will be conducting the management on its own, be sure to engage with a vendor that offers free pre- and post-sale assistance and has your back from the beginning.

  Ensure that your MDM solution offers a selection of service packages that will allow you to optimize your return on investment. Ensure that you're collaborating with individuals who have been there before, who understand your goals, and who can help you reach them.

• Testing: Your MDM system should be straightforward to implement regardless of the circumstances. Ensure that it provides free access to a full-production (not "lite" or restricted) site where you can begin enrolling devices and testing functionality within minutes. Ensure that the portal utilizes a cloud delivery mechanism so that you may begin using it from your preferred web browser. After creating an account and gaining access to the portal, device enrollment should be a simple procedure. Ensure that it is straightforward to:

  • Enroll your first device
  • Whether it's an iPhone, iPad, Android, or Windows 10 tablet, you should be able to set up it fast
  • Configure and publish your first set of rules
  • Do your gadgets need password security? Do you want to deactivate the cameras? Is a Wi-Fi connection essential? Customization options must be many
  • Distribute some applications
  • Regarding your use cases, which applications are essential to your environment? Begin with these items.
  • Are the configured and pushed-out policies taking effect?
  • Was the enrolling procedure efficient, simple, and trouble-free?
  • Is it simple to locate, access, and use the pushed-down mobile applications?

• Training: Whether you are setting up MDM for the first time or have prior expertise, the learning process should be short, straightforward, and interesting. Due to the fact that each solution is set differently, the procedure might be rather perplexing as you go from one solution to the next. To establish what educational resources are available, it is advisable to undertake due diligence. When evaluating the technical support capabilities of a system, you should ask:

  • What kind of assistance do I have?
  • At a minimum, the solution should provide a dedicated help desk number or an online chat function that enables you to talk with a support agent quickly.
  • Is an owner's manual available?
  • Guides and documentation on how to maximize your portal experience are essential for a successful deployment.
  • Are instructional videos available if I don't have time to read the manual?

  You should never feel like you're in the dark about MDM, and there should be several places where you can get MDM knowledge. Ask questions-get answers. That should never be more challenging.

• Visibility: The business is rife with various endpoints, ranging from smartphones, tablets, and laptops to the Internet of Things (IoT) and wearable devices. Not forgetting diverse integrations for email, user directories, and secure document access. Your MDM system should allow you to see endpoints, end users, and everything else via a single pane of glass, regardless of what you need to monitor. Here are three recommended practices to consider when choosing an MDM system, based on the minimal essentials:

  • Ensure that your reporting and inventory solution consolidates all of your registered devices and their accompanying data into simple-to-understand reports. You will grow to depend on your daily updates, thus they must be created automatically and without human intervention.
  • In addition to the rapid accessibility benefits of cloud MDM, there should be no hardware to purchase, install, or maintain, as well as no related expenses. The platform should be automatically upgraded with new capabilities.
  • One of the most important aspects of a cloud-based system is the capacity to search for anything and anything with ease. You should be able to access your devices, integrations, reports, applications, and secure documents with a single mouse click.

• Automation, documentation, and correction: Protecting company data is a top priority for contemporary IT and security professionals, and it should come as no surprise that it is also one of the greatest difficulties. Your MDM system should offer powerful, user-friendly security features.

  You should be able to monitor and restrict access to sensitive information stored on corporate and employee devices. Reporting tools must give comprehensive data on device inventories, security threats, and compliance. Here are some factors to consider about reports:

  • Devices can report their locations over time, so you can see where they've been
  • If a device is out of compliance with your corporate policies, reports and alerts can be generated and sent immediately to the IT staff
  • Remediation should be swift and automatic for violations, such as device lock, selective wipe, or appropriate corporate actions by human resources. All of this information may be examined in a straightforward report that can be exported for your business's records.

• Data Security: With the advent of bring-your-own-device (BYOD) programs, businesses risk exposing sensitive company data on employee-owned, personal devices. Nevertheless, your MDM solution should provide business data containment. The goal is to segregate work and play so that your IT staff has more control over what the user can access and, more particularly, who can access the data on that device. Your MDM system should be able to configure precise rules for accessing sensitive data, and it should take action in the event of a possible security breach, such as the loss or theft of a device. Ask yourself the following questions when contemplating safe containment:

  • What should I do if a gadget is lost or stolen? How can I safeguard my organization's data? Your MDM solution must be capable of remotely locating, locking, and wiping a device. Some solutions provide a "selective wipe" that affects just the data and settings you've pushed to the device, leaving the personal data untouched.
  • How can I secure my company's data? Data protection is easy. In most circumstances, business data security may be implemented through a policy and applied to the user and/or device.

  Security measures for the MDM software might include a password and time-based limits on when users can access their business data, such as email and documents.

• Applications: With the emergence of a customized home screen, your organization can determine which applications show on corporate devices and restrict access to unnecessary apps. Android and iOS smartphones may activate a 'kiosk' mode in which users can only access enterprise-approved applications. Limiting app access reduces the likelihood of a user violating business rules, hence making it simpler to control the device. In addition, when there are no games or applications that are not enterprise-approved on the smartphone, users will be more productive.

• Policies: When developing your MDM approach, it is prudent to consider the device policies that will be required. An MDM system should provide a customizable policy that may be built upon prior iterations, as well as the capacity to support an infinite number of policies. Thus, you may immediately establish policies that are entirely tailored to the demands of your business. In addition, your MDM should have cloud-based benchmarking tools that let you to compare your setups to those of peers in the same business size or sector.

  • Why are numerous policies advisable?
  • Policies may be applied to a single user/device, a designated group, or the whole organization. Additionally, many rules might be employed if and/or when a device is out of compliance, and security actions must be implemented.
  • What should I look for in an insurance plan?
  • You should be able to simply modify the device's behavior to meet the requirements of your organization. You should also be able to configure Wi-Fi, email, and VPN (virtual private network) profiles.

• Cellular Data Use: Cellular data use is often a key pain point for company-owned smartphones. With the development of streaming video and music services, your data use may soon spiral out of control, leaving you with the cost. Your MDM solution should be compatible with all of the main regional carriers.

  Your organization has the opportunity to establish data limitations that will notify users and employees when they are approaching or over their monthly data allowance. In addition to these notifications, there are automated measures that may be done against users if necessary. It is recommended to speak with your cellular provider about measures that may be taken to prevent excessive data use. Learn how your service provider may limit data overages. Your MDM solution should be able to interface with your carrier and should provide data consumption reports.

• Integration: Your MDM solution should be compatible with mobile device manufacturer solutions like Android work profiles, Apple's Device Enrollment Program (DEP), and Apple's Volume Purchase Program (VPP). These connectors will be essential to the success of your MDM since they may simplify general administration and save you time, money, and worry.

What are the MDM Use Cases?

The usage of mobile devices in the workplace is only one of their many applications. Today, mobile devices are often utilized as point-of-sale (POS) terminals and information displays, and they have also become indispensable in telemedicine, logistics, and education. Here are several sectors that have benefited from Mobile Device Management.

• Governments: Governments are often required to adhere to even tougher security requirements than large enterprises, and protecting equipment and sensitive data is of the utmost importance. Using automation techniques, MDM enables public sector firms to comply with rules and improve operational efficiency.

• Education: To ease teaching and learning, schools and other educational institutions are rapidly embracing tablet-based teaching techniques. Before they can be used for teaching, tablets and laptops must be setup properly and have the necessary applications loaded. With Mobile Device Management, IT can remotely configure the whole device fleet and impose use limitations, such as blocking access to specified websites or blacklisting malicious programs. Some MDM suppliers additionally provide variable licensing, making their solutions suited for all budgets.

• Healthcare: The increase in home health aides and remote patient monitoring has increased the need for dependable and secure mobile device management. As mobile devices are often used to store and manage extremely sensitive patient data, MDM assists healthcare businesses in securing their devices and data and complying with HIPAA and other industry laws. MDM makes it easy to deploy and configure devices in accordance with business regulations.

• Commerce and Service Sectors: The retail and service sectors make extensive use of mobile devices. They function as POS terminals, information displays, and self-service checkouts. At addition, iPads may be used to order meals and examine seating charts in restaurants. When devices have numerous users, their secure usage may be secured by enabling Single-App Kiosk mode or imposing additional constraints. Wallpapers are applied to devices for a consistent brand experience.

• Transport and Distribution: Smartphones and tablets help with a variety of functions along the supply chain, including accessing customized apps, scanning bar codes, finding deliveries, sending alerts, and performing quality controls. With MDM, transportation and logistics organizations enroll devices in a matter of minutes and assure their continued functionality. And when it is necessary to limit the functionality of a device, it may be set to Single App Kiosk mode. MDM facilitates compliance with laws, such as the electronic logging device (ELD) requirement enforced by the U.S. Congress.

• Managed Service Providers: Mobile Device Management assists Managed Service Providers (MSPs) in establishing automated, secure, and law-compliant procedures that provide smooth IT service. IT service providers access and control all of their clients' devices using a single MDM interface. This implies, among other things, quicker device configurations and less time on the phone with IT.

• Small Businesses: Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) may benefit greatly from cloud-based MDM systems. They enable SMBs to remotely monitor and manage their device fleet without the need to employ an in-house IT professional. The ability to administrate devices via a single gateway boosts productivity and simplifies the management of security threats.

What is the Difference Between MDM and EMM, UEM?

Endpoint management companies have added more and more capabilities to their solutions over time. The first endpoint management solutions were mobile device management (MDM) products. Then enterprise mobility management (EMM) solutions were introduced to the market. Unified endpoint management (UEM) is the most recent technique for managing devices.

MDM products were the first endpoint management tools to appear on the market, soon following the introduction of smartphones. MDM products solely monitored mobile devices and offered controls such as changing email and VPN settings through a remote management protocol, as the name indicates. This enabled IT workers to control mobile devices using a standard internet connection, rather than needing to wait for a VPN or organization's network connection.

MDM technologies permitted a highly segmented approach to device management in which applications, operating systems, and personal data lived in isolation. Some firms even used mobile application management (MAM) technologies to manage their applications.

Enterprise mobility management (EMM) is a more comprehensive sort of mobile device management. EMM extends beyond the device, its user, and its data to include application and endpoint management as well as BYOD. EMM systems are very scalable, and with new security capabilities enabled by AI analytics, they can provide real-time insights and alarms on tens of thousands of behaviors and activities originating from numerous sources simultaneously.

Unified endpoint management (UEM) is the progression and merging of MDM and EMM. It addresses more PC, IoT, and mobile device security problems. UEM solutions may assist businesses in securing and managing their whole IT infrastructure and endpoints, such as tablets, smartphones, laptops, and desktops. UEM solutions assist users in securing their personal information, applications, content, and business data. With an agile UEM system, organizations choose scalable solutions depending on their requirements, regardless of whether they are supporting a single operating system or several platforms and devices, such as Android, iOS iPhone, macOS, Microsoft Windows, and Chrome OS. Mature UEM systems are driven by machine learning and AI, enabling the IT department of a company to make prompt security decisions based on real-time data and analytics.

Criteria	MDM	EMM	UEM
Description	Tools for managing mobile devices, mobile users data and basic mobile app controls.	Tools for managing all that MDM does, plus provides more granular control over mobile apps.	Tools for managing all that EMM does, plus provides full desktop management including apps, OS and data
Features	Enforces passcode. Install apps. Remote device wipes. Profiles for BYOD and COPE	Enforces MFA. Enterprise file synd and share. Device browser security. Conditional access policies.	Apply EMM controls to desktops. Update and configure mobile and PC apps simultaneously. IoT and printer management.
Tools	Citrix XenMobile, Vmware AirWatch MDM	Citrix Endpont Management, Vmware AirWatch EMM	Citrix Workspace, Vmware Workspace
Table 1. MDM vs EMM vs UEM

Can MDM Track Browsing History?

No, MDMs are incapable of tracking surfing history. Manufacturers take user privacy very seriously. Even though MDM systems are not intended to monitor surfing history, and device makers are committed to protecting user privacy, it does not imply that your IT staff cannot discover other ways to obtain your browsing history. It's also crucial to note that if you use your company's network or VPN to access the Internet, it's fair to presume that they can monitor all network activity.