Mobile Device Management: An Overview
For growing businesses, adapting the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) trend and enterprise mobility is no longer an option. We’ve seen an increase in demand for mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets, which creates endless possibilities for end users, like the onset of 5G. Managing the growing number of mobile devices connected to your corporate network can be a challenge, thus the question: how can you manage all devices to boost its efficiency?
What is MDM?
Mobile Device Management or MDM is the process of managing mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, or other endpoints in terms of security controls, applications, and content management. Each mobile device can be tracked to determine the applications that can be installed and ensure its security in case of theft.
The purpose of MDM is to enhance the functionality and security of mobile devices within the organization while safeguarding the business network at the same time.
How does Mobile Device Management work?
Mobile devices that are connected to the MDM server acts as a client while the MDM server remotely drives apps, configurations, and policies to each device connected. Via the MDM server, the IT administrator can remotely manage mobile endpoints.
An MDM Solution includes key elements such as:
- Configurations Management to identify and manage the settings of your hardware and software based on your location, profile, and identity.
- Software Updates where MDM can remotely control software updates and licenses across all devices.
- Risk Management to monitor the activity of your devices and notifies suspicious behavior to restrict issues such as unauthorized logins to the business network.
- Asset Management provides support for companies and implements custom organizational policies across all enrolled devices.
- Content Management to synchronize your business information across all devices in your network.
- Access Management to ensure that all connections, devices, and data are provided to authorized users.
- Data Security to ensure that all the data being accessed and transferred across your network is in following the policy.
- Tech Support can be provided remotely if needed.
Why You Need Mobile Device Management?
Since mobile devices are replacing traditional desktop computers, most data and programs are run from the cloud to allow employees access at any location with an internet connection. The more reason to manage your mobile devices.
Better Productivity and Workflow
Mobile device management helps end users set up their devices on the corporate network much faster, saving you time and resources. An MDM enables more efficient collaboration where managers or the head of an organization can quickly designate jobs and organize team projects. Through MDM, you can monitor the progress of multiple tasks at once.
Improved Security
Through mobile device management, you can ensure that your team is taking the necessary security steps, both on their personal and company device by abiding the security policy. It can also help you configure their devices to further protect personal and corporate data and lock the device when lost or stolen.
Cost Saving
Most businesses that properly implemented MDM realizes that it can save money over time. Since MDM supports BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), your business can reduce the cost of purchasing new devices and licenses by using their device for work. Through MDM, you can centralize everything and limit the number of device acquisitions as it identifies unused or missing devices.
Controlled Updates
Employees often forget to update their software until the last minute which can endanger the security of your network. Hackers are always lurking and can take advantage of these vulnerabilities to gain access to your network. MDM will allow you to control updates and apply system changes across all devices in your business network.
Regulatory Compliance
For managed service providers, operating under IT standards is important. If your business has many devices that need monitoring and support, it can be difficult to manage and ensure that each is following these guidelines. Since devices can be handled in one dashboard through MDM, you can easily monitor all devices, ensuring that your team complies with regulatory standards and legal requirements.
Any business, small or big can benefit from Mobile Device Management. Most enterprises are using smartphones and tablets to do their daily routines and provide services to customers. MDM allows you the opportunity to simplify the process of controlling data stored on your employees’ devices and enhance its security while working remotely.
When choosing an MDM solution, it’s important to have a good understanding of what it does for your business. If you have any more questions or inquiries regarding the management of your mobile devices, drop us a message or give us a call, and we’ll be happy to discuss the best option for you.