Using both company-owned and employee-owned mobile devices in the office has actually exploded in the past numerous years. This trend, in addition to today’s mobile workforce, has actually allowed business to provide faster, more efficient service to consumers and higher workforce effectiveness and performance.
There’s a drawback, and it’s a severe one: How does a company efficiently monitor, handle and protect all gadgets (both company-owned and employee-owned) and their disparate applications and running systems, no matter where they’re released and utilized?
What is mobile device management?
Mobile phone management (MDM) is a type of security software that business IT departments use to keep track of, handle, and protect any mobile phones that are used in the company, whether issued by the company or owned by the staff member. MDM is also sometimes called EMM, or enterprise mobility management.
Devices that can be managed by MDM and EMM include laptops, smart devices, tablets and other mobile hardware. This software application secures apps, policies, and permissions throughout platforms and numerous mobile service providers. It decreases threat to safeguards and companies their networks and information assets.
MDM and EMM options normally consist of these broad functions:
- Software distribution
- Policy management
- Stock management
- Security management
- Service management for smartphones and media tablets
Benefits of mobile device management
There are many advantages to utilizing mobile device management in your company.
Defense of business information
When your staff members have actually mobile phones linked to your company database, it can put your information at risk. This may include exclusive details such as price lists, item specifications, unique service processes, financial information and consumer payment data. MDM enables your IT administrators to set consents for certain information sets, appoint strong passwords and restrict sharing. These safety measures can avoid information leakages and misuse.
Lower danger of hacking and malware
MDM adds a layer of security that secures your business from malware, phishing and other types of attacks from outside the company. It accomplishes this with integrated security, but likewise by restricting the types of apps that employees can utilize on the devices, as some might include malware.
Gadget updates and backup
Because of a lack of time or attention to information, specific users may not be extensive about keeping their devices’ software application approximately date and certified with your business’s data policy. With MDM, you can push routine updates to all work devices. This includes any required settings to make sure compliance with existing information policies. MDM can also allow regular auto-backups of information for redundancy and security in case something occurs to a work gadget.
Remote assistance
When workers are taking a trip or working remotely and have an issue with their devices, the ability to from another location access the gadget and repair the issue is a terrific benefit. Without remote assistance, the staff member would have to mail the gadget to head office to have IT repair the problem and then mail it back. The remote support capabilities of MDM make the process hassle-free for the employee and reduces downtime, allowing the worker to be more productive.
Gadget tracking
When workers are taking a trip or working remotely and have an issue with their devices, the ability to from another location access the gadget and repair the issue is a terrific benefit. Without remote assistance, the staff member would have to mail the gadget to head office to have IT repair the problem and then mail it back. The remote support capabilities of MDM make the process hassle-free for the employee and reduces downtime, allowing the worker to be more productive.
Gadget tracking
With mobile phones, there is constantly the possibility of loss or theft, either by the staff member or from the staff member. MDM enables administrators to track the devices’ locations and set geo-locks on them to protect their data. Lost or taken devices can be eliminated from another location.
Essential functions of mobile phone management
There are numerous MDM and EMM providers in the marketplace. Function sets vary widely by company, but you need to think about these features vital in your search:
- Mandatory passwords
- Password, blacklist and other security policy enforcement
- Remote setup and tracking
- Remote wipe (to protect information on lost or taken gadgets).
- Backup and bring back function.
- Gadget and information encryption.
- Malware detection.
- Restricted access to specific information and apps based on area.
- VPN configuration and management.
- Wi-Fi configuration and management.
- Fully handled, 24/7 monitoring of threats.
- Integration with your existing security and management options.
While cloud-based services are popular, some companies still choose MDM or EMM systems that run in their own information centers. Lots of option providers use multiple choices– on-premises, cloud-based and hybrid systems. As with any crucial business purchase, you should investigate your alternatives attentively.
The best mobile device management services.
These are our recommendations for MDM and EMM options you need to consider.
VMware Workspace ONE UEM.
It’s an excellent bet that many of your employees use Apple items, so if you’re planning to carry out a BYOD policy, you’ll need MDM that incorporates well with the macOS and iOS environment. VMware’s Office ONE UEM accomplishes this through integration with the Apple Device Registration Program.
Ivanti.
Ivanti Nerve Cells for MDM is a cloud-based UEM option that protects your information while enabling you manage over any iOS, macOS, Android and Windows-based gadgets in your network.
Codeproof.
Codeproof has multiple functions particularly for Android gadgets, consisting of combination with the Google Play Shop for simple registration and implementation of business apps. With this platform, you have complete control over the gadgets’ functions and elements to keep your organization information safe and secure and personal. You can find lost gadgets with the console’s GPS tracking features.
Sophos.
Sophos is understood for its advanced endpoint defense, which encompasses its MDM platform, permitting you to protect your business’s information with the exact same level of cybersecurity. Your company’s content is safe and encrypted behind the platform’s container, enabling you to clean it out if you believe the phone is taken or a security danger.
Miradore.
Miradore is one of the few MDM solutions with a totally free variation, so it’s a good choice for small businesses. Miradore supports iOS, Android, and Windows and consists of security, control, app management, and automation. For employees utilizing their own devices, Miradore can selectively erase all business information from their phones in the event of loss, theft, or termination of employment.
Hexnode.
Hexnode is an affordable MDM service that can run either locally or in the cloud. It has “zero-touch registration,” which permits gadgets to be contributed to the system automatically with certificates. If you desire to include desktops, printers and Internet of Things (IoT) hardware, a UEM upgrade is available.
Citrix Endpoint Management.
This MDM option from software application powerhouse Citrix comes with UEM performance. Unlike some others on this list, it supports Chrome OS and Linux. Because it needs Citrix Workspace, it’s a good service for present Citrix customers; otherwise, you will have that included expense.
