Mobile Device Management Overview
January 31, 2025 12:48:49
What is MDM (Mobile Device Management)?
MDM, or Mobile Device Management, is a software application used to manage endpoints in an organization, such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, and more. With an increasing number of employees using these devices, businesses of all forms and sizes are turning to MDM to enhance data security and improve productivity.
What does MDM mean?
Mobile Device Management (MDM) is the process of managing everything related to mobile devices. MDM includes storing basic information about the mobile devices, determining which applications can be stored on the device, locating the device, and protecting it in case of loss or theft. Many businesses use third-party mobile device management software (such as Mobile Device Manager Plus) to manage their mobile devices. MDM has evolved into Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM).
Mobile devices now have more capabilities than ever, leading many businesses to adopt mobile-first or purely mobile workforces. In these environments, both personal and corporate-owned mobile devices are the primary tools used to access or interact with business data.
As many businesses shift to cloud-based infrastructures, the usability of mobile devices has contributed to their replacing traditional desktop computers, as shown in the following diagram (Figure 1):
Mobile Devices: Portable by Nature
Mobile devices are inherently portable, ensuring that work can be done anywhere, including at home or even during commutes. While the portability of mobile devices offers many advantages, they also come with their own set of challenges, such as unauthorized data access and data leaks, highlighting the importance of managing these devices. However, the variety of manufacturers, operating systems (OS), and device types makes managing mobile devices more difficult.
If you want to leverage portability to increase work efficiency without compromising security, you need to establish an appropriate mobile device management system to simplify the management of mobile devices.
For system administrators managing mobile devices, a good MDM application can make a significant difference. MDM solutions enable you to efficiently manage all types of devices in your enterprise by compiling everything you need in one place. It allows you to manage the applications installed or removed on devices, configure basic settings on the devices, and set up devices for specific purposes, such as POS systems.
Why is Mobile Device Management (MDM) Important?
Mobile Device Management (MDM) is crucial for businesses committed to enhancing professionalism.
Easy to Deploy
MDM solutions can be deployed on-premises, private clouds, or public cloud environments. Enterprises can choose the deployment method based on their specific business needs.
Efficient Integration
Many MDM solutions seamlessly integrate with helpdesk ticketing software, app development tools, and other business solutions.
Managing Multiple Device Types
Simplified mobile device management involves managing multiple operating systems, such as iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, tvOS, and Chrome OS, as well as various device types like tablets, laptops, and smartphones.
How Does Mobile Device Management (MDM) Work?
MDM uses a client-server architecture, where devices act as clients, and the MDM server remotely pushes configurations, applications, and management policies to the devices (OTA, Over-the-Air). IT administrators can remotely manage mobile terminals like laptops, tablets, and smartphones through the MDM server. It utilizes available notification services to communicate with managed devices.
Benefits of Using MDM Solutions
Time-Saving Automation
Save time by automating repetitive tasks, such as configuring Wi-Fi settings on devices or prompting users to install certain apps.
Increased Efficiency
Configure customized policies for your business to improve workflow efficiency.
Improved Productivity
Leverage a variety of policy combinations, such as blacklisting non-business applications during work hours, to ensure employees focus on productivity.
Ensure Compliance
With just a few clicks, you can meet complex compliance standards like GDPR, HIPAA, ISO, PCI, and CJIS.
Enhanced Security
Protect business data on mobile devices, preventing it from being shared or stored on third-party services.
Remote Management
Manage wireless devices (OTA) without requiring user intervention, ensuring no disruption to work efficiency.
MDM Industry Use Cases
Let's take a closer look at MDM applications across various industries:
Healthcare
As most healthcare organizations transition to Electronic Health Records (EHR), the use of mobile devices is more popular than ever in healthcare. However, ensuring the security of personal health information (PHI) stored on mobile devices while complying with regulations like HIPAA can be challenging. MDM solutions help meet compliance standards while keeping PHI secure and preventing unauthorized access.
Transportation
Many businesses are embracing mobility, and the transportation industry is one market that can benefit from MDM. MDM allows businesses to track cargo and vehicle locations, and maintain historical records of routes taken. It also enables businesses to lock devices to specific apps and/or settings to prevent misuse and ensure optimal efficiency.
Education
The transition to the digital age has had a major impact on the education sector. As more schools adopt tablet-based learning, managing these devices to ensure they are used solely for educational purposes is crucial. Fine-grained restrictions allow administrators to disable basic device features like cameras and limit access to certain websites.
Retail
Thanks to digital signage, mobile POS (mPOS), and self-checkout features, mobile devices have a significant presence in retail. Some retail businesses use mobile devices built for specific needs, while others use standard devices like smartphones and tablets with internal apps and a combination of policies. MDM solutions can manage both dedicated devices (like rugged devices) and standard mobile devices (like smartphones).
Services
As most businesses in the service industry shift towards purely mobile or mobile-first workforces, the use of mobile devices (especially employee-owned devices) is higher than ever. MDM solutions help manage personal devices (BYOD management) and internal applications while ensuring these devices comply with the security standards set by your business.
