The ubiquity of mobile devices today has revolutionized the way businesses operate. From smartphones to tablets, these devices have become indispensable tools for productivity and day-to-day communication. Because of this, some companies have begun employing Mobile Device Management (MDM) to streamline the user experience across a range of devices.
If you’ve never heard of mobile device management, you’re not alone. I had not come across mobile device management until asked to implement it by a client. I learned a lot about MDM during the implementation of that feature and I’m here to demystify MDM for you.
What is Mobile Device Management (or MDM)?
MDM is a comprehensive solution that allows organizations to manage and secure mobile devices (or certain apps on a mobile device) across a fleet of different devices, all from a centralized platform. Put another way, A company can have a fleet of devices managed by their IT team. That means their team can control certain aspects of the device or apps on the device. For the purpose of the client’s request, they wanted all MDM devices to be sent login credentials when they opened the client’s app. That means that anyone on a managed device would always be auto-logged in, removing the need to enter username/password information.
With MDM, IT administrators can gain granular control over various aspects of device usage. That includes device configuration, security policies (can the user access the camera, what apps are downloadable from the app store), and remote troubleshooting (what version of the app are you on/what OS is your device running, etc…).
Interestingly, a managed device does not need to be a company-owned device. On Android, your personal device can have a separate “work” profile. On iOS you can delineate between “managed apps” and personal apps where your device is configured in one way for your managed apps and retains your custom configuration for all personal apps.
Why Use MDM?
Now that you know a little more about what MDM is, you might wonder why an organization would choose to implement mobile device management.
- Enhanced Security. MDM enables organizations to enforce security policies such as encryption, passcode requirements, and remote data wipes. This protects sensitive information from unauthorized access or loss.
- Compliance Requirements. Many industries, such as healthcare and finance, are subject to strict regulatory compliance standards regarding data protection and privacy. MDM helps organizations achieve compliance by implementing security protocols and monitoring device usage to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.
- Increased Productivity. By streamlining device management and automating routine tasks, MDM empowers employees to focus on their core responsibilities without technical issues or security concerns.
When Should You Use MDM?
So, when is MDM useful? Determining whether it’s the right solution for an organization requires consideration of multiple factors.
- Scale. The size of your organization and the number of mobile devices in use can influence the complexity and cost-effectiveness of implementing MDM. Small businesses with a limited number of devices may find a simpler solution adequate, whereas large enterprises with extensive device fleets may benefit more from robust MDM platforms.
- Security Needs. If your business deals with sensitive data or operates in highly regulated industries, investing in MDM may be essential to tighten security defenses and ensure compliance.
- Employee Mobility. Consider how much your workforce relies on mobile devices to carry out their duties. If employees frequently access corporate resources from remote locations or use personal devices for work purposes, implementing MDM can help maintain control over corporate data while allowing users to continue using their own devices.
Mobile device management is a powerful solution that empowers organizations to manage and secure their mobile device infrastructure efficiently, while enhancing productivity and mitigating security risks. It does this while allowing users to continue using their personal devices in the case of managed apps or work profiles. While MDM offers numerous benefits, its suitability for your company depends on factors such as organizational size, security needs, and employee mobility.