Mobile Device Management (MDM) Systems - The Best Guide

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Mobile Device Management (MDM) is a protective layer for all your team's devices, whether smartphones, tablets, laptops, or IoT devices. As hybrid work becomes more common, IT teams must ensure these devices are properly configured, consistently updated, and safeguarded against security risks. 

IT admins can efficiently manage and secure devices from anywhere. It's not just about locking things down; it's about providing employees with the right tools to do their best work, regardless of location. In this guide, we will elaborate on everything related to it, such as MDM meaning, working, benefits, and much more. 

What is a Mobile Device Management System?

Mobile Device Management (MDM) is a solution that helps IT teams oversee and secure the smartphones, tablets, and other devices that employees use for work. Simply put, it ensures that all devices are well-organized, protected, and functioning properly, all from one central dashboard.

MDM plays a crucial role within larger systems that manage all kinds of devices, whether employees work in the office, at home, or remotely. It streamlines the process by allowing IT teams to control mobile apps, manage access to company data, and ensure secure file sharing, thus protecting everything. 

With MDM, companies can easily ensure that their devices remain up-to-date, secure, and compliant with company policies. This allows employees to work from anywhere while ensuring their devices and company data are safe. Moreover, MDM provides an extra layer of security, protecting sensitive company information from potential threats.

Mobile Device Management Working

So, how does MDM actually function? Here’s how it works: 

With MDM, employees might either receive a company-issued device, such as a smartphone or laptop or use their device for work purposes. If employees use a personal device, MDM ensures they can securely access company emails, files, and apps. It also protects them with features like VPNs, GPS tracking, and password-protected apps.

Furthermore, MDM software constantly monitors how these devices are used and keeps track of any important company data. In fact, with more sophisticated MDM solutions, advanced tools like AI and ML can use to detect potential security threats and prevent malware. For example, when a company gives an employee a laptop or smartphone, it comes pre-configured with the necessary security settings, apps, and software. This gives businesses complete control, allowing them to track, monitor, and remotely wipe the device if it’s lost, stolen, or compromised.

What are MDM Policies?

Now, let’s turn to MDM policies. These policies set the guidelines for how businesses will manage and secure their mobile devices. MDM policies help ensure that devices are used correctly and remain safe from potential threats. When setting up their policies, companies typically ask key questions such as:

• Do devices require a passcode to unlock?
• Should cameras be disabled on company devices to enhance security?
• Is connecting to secure Wi-Fi networks necessary for work purposes?
• What level of customization should employees have for their devices?
• Do certain devices need to be restricted to specific geographic locations (geo-fencing)?

By creating clear MDM policies, businesses can ensure that their devices are protected, compliant with company rules, and used appropriately to safeguard sensitive information.

Features of Mobile Device Management

Mobile Device Management (MDM) may sound like something only tech experts deal with, but it’s actually an incredibly helpful tool for businesses that need to keep their mobile devices secure, organized, and functioning properly. In today’s world, where smartphones, tablets, and laptops are essential to nearly every job, MDM is a guide for IT teams, ensuring devices are safe and employees have the tools they need to do their work effectively. Let’s explore why it’s important.

1. Security:

• Strong Passwords: To begin with, MDM ensures that every device has a strong password. However, it makes it more difficult for unauthorized users to access sensitive information.
• Remote Lock & Wipe: If a device is lost or stolen, MDM can lock it remotely and, if needed, wipe the data completely. This helps safeguard valuable business information.
• Encryption: It also encrypts your data, scrambling it into a code that can only be decoded by authorized users. This extra layer of protection keeps everything secure.
• Malware Detection: Additionally, MDM is always scanning for malware and harmful software that could compromise your device and prevent it from causing damage.
• Jailbreak Detection: Lastly, if someone attempts to tamper with the device’s security (like jailbreaking an iPhone), MDM will detect the breach and alert the team immediately, giving you peace of mind.

2. Device Management

• Device Inventory: Moreover, MDM helps you keep track of every device in your network. This way, IT teams know exactly which devices are being used, by whom, and for what purpose.
• Device Setup: Another benefit is that it makes setting up new devices much easier. With the right configurations (Wi-Fi, apps, etc.) pushed automatically, employees can start working appropriately.
• App Management: Similarly, MDM gives businesses control over which apps are installed, updated, or deleted, ensuring that only approved apps are on company devices.
• Content Control: Furthermore, it helps ensure that only the right people can access sensitive files and information. This minimizes the risk of a data breach or accidental data loss.

3. Location Tracking

• GPS Tracking: If you lose a device, MDM can help you locate it by using GPS. This means you don’t have to panic when something goes missing.
• Geofencing: In addition, it allows you to create a virtual "fence" around a specific location, such as your office building. If the device leaves that area, you’ll receive an instant alert.

4. BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): 

• Managing Personal Devices: Many employees prefer to use their own devices for work. Fortunately, MDM allows businesses to securely manage these personal devices without risking company data.
• Separation of Data: Additionally, MDM ensures that work-related data is kept separate from personal content (like photos or messages). This way, there’s no overlap or confusion between the two.

5. Compliance: 

• Enforcing Security Policies: One of the main roles is to ensure that devices follow company security rules, such as strong passwords or encryption. This keeps your business secure and compliant with industry standards.
• Compliance Reporting: MDM can also generate reports showing whether devices are following the company’s security guidelines. This helps businesses comply with regulations and avoid costly fines.

6. Easy Enrollment and Setup

• Quick Enrollment: Setting up new devices is a breeze with MDM. Employees can enroll their devices into the system quickly and easily, without needing advanced technical skills.
• Remote Configuration: Moreover, IT teams can configure devices remotely, which saves valuable time and avoids the hassle of manually setting up each device.

7. Additional Useful Features

• Device Diagnostics: It can also run diagnostics to check if a device is facing any issues, such as battery problems or performance slowdowns, and notify the team so it can be fixed quickly.
• Access Control: Additionally, MDM controls who has access to certain apps, data, or systems based on their role within the company. This ensures only authorized individuals have access to sensitive information.
• Identity and Access Management: Furthermore, it ensures that only the right people can access specific resources. This limits the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access.
• Privacy Settings: Finally, MDM gives employees the ability to manage their privacy settings, giving them control over what personal information is shared. Meanwhile, it still keeps company data secure.

Benefits of Mobile Device Management

MDM is vital for businesses that want to stay secure and efficient. Here’s how it helps:

• Security: It protects your business data through strong passwords, encryption, and app control, keeping your information safe.
• Reduced Downtime: With real-time monitoring, fast device setups, and automated processes, MDM minimizes downtime and keeps things running smoothly.
• Productivity: The MDM platform enables employees to work more effectively by providing remote access to apps and tools, regardless of location.
• App Control: IT can control which apps use, ensuring security and efficiency across all devices.

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Best MDM for Small Business

Below, we’ve highlighted five top MDM solutions for SMBs. Moreover, we’ll highlight their key features, pricing, and pros and cons to help you choose the best fit.  

• Scalefusion: Supports Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux. Ideal for businesses with mixed devices, plus 24/7 IT support.

Pricing:

• Starts at USD 2/device/month, billed annually. Offers a 14-day free trial.

Pros:

• User-friendly dashboard.
• Cost-effective for SMBs.
• Remote troubleshooting and on-premise deployment.
• Strong post-sales support.

Cons:

• No ChromeOS support.

2. Workspace ONE: Automates device management with VMware AirWatch, handling updates and security policies.

Pricing:

• Starts at USD 3.78/device/month, with a free trial.

Pros:

• Highly customizable.
• Easy to manage.
• Seamless device experience.

Cons:

• Limited app integrations.

3. Miradore: Simple, affordable MDM for SMBs with easy setup and scaling.

Pricing:

• Starts at USD 2.75/device/month, with a 14-day free trial.

Pros:

• Quick setup.
• Scalable for growth.
• Budget-friendly.

Cons:

• The free trial lacks full features.
• No Linux support.

4. Ivanti: It offers strong security and automation for efficient device management.

Pricing:

• Custom pricing. Contact sales for a quote.

Pros:

• Strong security.
• Easy-to-use interface.

Cons:

• Post-sale support may be challenging.

5. Microsoft Intune: A secure, cross-platform solution, great for businesses already using Microsoft products.

Pricing:

• Starts at USD 8.25/user/month, with a 1-month free trial.

Pros:

• Expert Microsoft support.
• Excellent security.
• User-friendly.

Cons:

• Higher pricing, especially for large teams.

Choose the solution that fits your business needs and budget, with most offering free trials for testing. 

What does an MDM Tool do?

You might wonder, “Is Mobile Device Management (MDM) just software?” The answer is a bit of both. MDM does involve software, but it's not just software. It’s a complete solution that combines software, processes, and security policies. MDM helps businesses manage and protect the devices employees use. This includes company-issued devices like phones, laptops, and personal devices used for work.

In short, MDM lets businesses track, secure, and protect their devices and data from one platform. While it’s similar to mobile security, MDM focuses mainly on managing the devices. On the other hand, mobile security is centered on securing users and their actions across those devices.

Concluding Words

In short, Mobile Device Management (MDM) is a personal assistant to manage all the devices your business relies on. This is particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized businesses, as it streamlines the management of various devices. With MDM, you can easily safeguard your data, control the apps your team uses, and even track devices if they’re lost or stolen. Furthermore, MDM ensures you stay in control and protect sensitive business information, all while keeping operations running smoothly. 

Frequently Asked Questions