What Is MDM (Mobile Device Management)?

In many of our modern work environments, employees rely on company-owned devices, like smartphones, tablets, and laptops, for work purposes. However, if these digital devices are left unmanaged, they could pose a threat to the security of your enterprise data and applications. This is where MDM (mobile device management) solutions are helpful. In this article, learn what MDM is, how it works, and why organizations should prioritize it.

What is MDM?

Mobile device management, or MDM, is software that allows IT administrators to remotely manage, control, and secure all mobile endpoints, including laptops, smartphones, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. These mobile devices are managed either on-premise or in the cloud.

MDM enables IT professionals to set up device configuration, run updates, install apps, and, most importantly, enforce security policies on these devices, whether they're self-owned or company-supplied. With the rise of remote work, many businesses now consider them to be mobile-first enterprises, creating a need for MDM. Businesses must fully manage, monitor, and secure mobile devices across their managed networks while still allowing employees to continue their work successfully.

In most cases, MDM is largely deployed in company-owned devices. It's often used in conjunction with mobile operating systems' built-in management regions. A quality MDM software program can automatically generate reports, back up files, and send policy violation alerts, allowing an IT department to immediately react to any signs of a data breach.

MDM is a core part of enterprise mobility management (EMM), which uses both mobile application management (MAM) and identity and access management (IAM). Essentially, the purpose of mobile device management is to safeguard data on mobile devices across the infrastructure while allowing IT control and productivity.

How MDM works

MDM software uses the client/server model to function. That means that both the client and the server must work together in a data center to achieve cohesion.

With most MDM software, the process starts with enrolling devices in the mobile device management system. Once enrolled, the devices then connect to a central MDM server. The server provides a platform for IT administrators to configure and assign policies through a management console.

The client installed on each mobile device communicates with this MDM server. It receives commands and enforces the policies pushed from the management console. The client-server combination helps implement commands to the mobile endpoints through the device's own APIs.

Many MDM servers are maintained by the MDM provider, though some also offer locally installable server software. Mobile device management allows administrators of a company to manage all devices from a single central portal. Through the portal, administrators can perform all necessary tasks: applying updates, setting security configurations, managing user access, and generally ensuring that these remote devices work properly.

Comparing cloud MDM to on-premises MDM

Organizations choosing to invest in mobile device management software have two deployment methods to choose from: cloud-hosted and on-premise hosting.

Hosting through the cloud offers a streamlined, low-maintenance solution. An external cloud or SaaS (Software as a Service) provider is responsible for hosting the organization's data rather than the organization itself. They do this through the use of servers managed by major cloud infrastructure providers. Cloud MDM often appeals to smaller businesses and larger enterprises seeking to boost efficiency through outsourcing.

On the other hand, an on-premises deployment method demands a more hands-on approach. The organization leases the software but remains responsible for installing and running the software on its own servers. This model demands an internal team dedicated to the maintenance, security, and management of the MDM infrastructure.

Onsite MDM is best suited for larger organizations with stringent requirements to retain all data internally for heightened control and security measures.

Features of MDM software

Whether you're rolling out mobility through your organization's device or your own, there are many benefits to using mobile device management. Consider these management features of the software.

Support for bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies

An MDM solution must be able to support BYOD, as the emergence of these policies has transformed the traditional workspace into a more flexible environment. The practice allows employees to use personal devices, such as mobile phones, to effortlessly tap into company resources.

This convenience, however, doesn't come without its own set of challenges. MDM software addresses the unique downsides that BYOD produces by introducing tools for the administration of mobile devices.

Zero-touch enrollment

Mobile device management solutions have a zero-touch enrollment (ZTE) feature. ZTE enables IT administrators to pre-configure devices for management before they're physically in the hands of the end users. Once an employee powers on the device for the first time, it automatically enrolls in the organization's MDM solution, applying all pre-determined configurations, security policies, and necessary applications.

This significantly enhances the user experience by ensuring that devices are ready to use immediately with all necessary corporate controls in place. Zero-touch enrollment is particularly helpful for organizations deploying devices at scale.

Security policies

Cyberattacks continue to be successful as mobile endpoints are used as entry points by hackers. Phishing attacks are among the biggest threats that organizations face.

The MDM software tools come with robust security controls to help keep corporate assets safe. These features include:

• Encryption. It encrypts data on mobile devices to protect it from unauthorized access in the event that a device is lost or stolen.
• Password enforcement. It employs security policies such as MFA, passcode requirements, and VPN settings on mobile devices for data access.
• Remote wipe and lock. The MDM solutions allow administrators to remotely wipe a mobile device, which is useful in deleting all corporate information from a device if it's lost or stolen.
• App management. MDM controls which apps an employee can install on mobile devices. This prevents employees from installing malicious apps that could compromise corporate data.

Device management

To manage devices, most MDM vendors offer over-the-air (OTA) features. Mobile device management software is used to deploy OTA updates to mobile devices. That way, mobile devices will always run the latest security patches and software updates and companies can manage devices remotely.

In addition to this, IT uses MDM software to configure a variety of settings on mobile devices.

Location tracking

Location tracking software allows companies to know the whereabouts of their IT assets across Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows devices. It makes it easy for a company to track its issued devices.

An organization also gets comprehensive location reports that devices have traversed over a given time.

With this feature, IT experts set up alerts or quarantine when devices enter designated geographic fences.

Remote troubleshooting

Mobile troubleshooting is another beneficial feature of an MDM solution. It enables staff to remotely detect technical issues on a device directly from a management console in no time. With remote troubleshooting, users discover technical problems that arise and fix them quickly.

Why is mobile device management important for enterprises?

The goal of mobile device management is to, as the name implies, simplify the management of devices. Organizations that use MDM solutions benefit in various ways.

One of the biggest motivators for the use of mobile data management is to secure data by reducing the number of security breaches that occur in an organization. Because you can restrict your employees' devices to only use certain apps and decide which websites are okay to access, it provides greater control and protection against dangerous sites.

Mobile device management also offers other benefits for businesses beyond security. The software provides detailed analytics on mobile device usage within the organization. These insights are useful in making informed decisions on resource allocation, budget planning, and identifying areas for improvement.

When a business has full visibility into its mobile ecosystem, it's then easier to control updates on devices enrolled in the MDM system. The business can choose which update version they want devices to push. It also helps businesses adhere to industry regulations; by controlling data access, the approach checks compliance to avoid legal troubles down the line.

Challenges of implementing MDM

Mobile device management continues to see significant advances. As we move towards an increase in remote positions, the need for this technology will likely keep rising. However, developing new technology isn't without challenges. Consider the roadblocks you may encounter when implementing mobile device management.

• Data security. The more personal devices that you connect to networks, the more vulnerable you become to cybercriminals. Portable devices are at a high security risk because they contain less anti-malware software.
• Network access control. Many people use both company and personal devices to perform the work tasks allocated to them. Unfortunately, this makes it harder to regulate network access without compromising security.
• Migration. Software migration can be costly. The process needs resources and time to migrate data into a new system.

Frequently asked questions

How does MDM enhance employee productivity?

Mobile device management provides employees with safe access to important resources on their mobile devices. This way, they can better perform their work.

What platforms and types of devices does mobile device management support?

It supports a wide range of platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS devices.

What is the difference between MDM and MAM?

Mobile application management (MAM) is similar to mobile device management (MDM) as both ensure the safety of a company's sensitive data. However, the biggest difference is that MAM focuses on managing specific mobile apps while MDM focuses on managing entire mobile devices.