The number of mobile devices used in the workplace continues to grow, and businesses and organizations need a practical and cost-effective way to manage, monitor and track devices. Mobile device management (MDM) solutions enable managing an entire fleet of mobile devices from a single platform. They also include features that can provide additional value to your clients in various ways, including these ten areas.
1Security
One of the biggest challenges businesses face with mobile device deployments is keeping their networks and data secure. Mobile device management solutions include features that enhance security, such as application blacklisting/whitelisting and malware detection. MDM solutions can also include jailbreak detection to identify devices that have been compromised, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks. MDM solutions can even prevent data loss, monitor outbound communications for sensitive information, and block transmission or alert the user or manager. If a device is lost or stolen, an MDM solution can allow you to lock or wipe it remotely.
2Access
Keeping data secure requires that only authorized personnel can access it. MDM solutions features include role-based access control that allows administrators to grant permission to specific functions depending on whether the employee is a device user, administrator or IT support. MDM solutions can also verify the user’s identity in several ways, including passcode and biometric authentication.
3Secure internet access and communication
An MDM solution can provide mobile users with a secure web browser and configure a VPN connection so the user can securely access the business network remotely.
4Encryption
Security features of leading MDM solutions include encryption, often at both the device and app levels. The solution can also encrypt emails and their attachments and may be able to work with mobile or desktop operating systems’ native encryption services.
5Where and when devices can be used
A mobile device management solution may include geofencing or time-fencing features that enable you to limit where and when a device or specific applications can be used. For example, a device may automatically lock when it leaves a facility, or social media applications may only be accessible during lunch breaks or after hours.
6BYOD Support
With more people using personal devices for work, businesses must find a way to balance individuals’ privacy with their need for security. MDM solutions address this issue in different ways, for example, by containerizing an area of the device for enterprise applications and data or by using mobile application management that lets users know their employers are only managing work applications but not their personal apps.
7Integration
MDM solutions may integrate with various security and business applications to facilitate more efficient management – it allows an administrator to apply all policies from a single dashboard rather than switching back and forth between platforms.
8Reporting
Reporting is a useful mobile device management feature, giving administrators insight into device status, security updates, noncompliant devices, usage, and device health. Additionally, audit logs can be streamed to a Syslog server to integrate with SIEM tools.
Some MDM solutions use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to detect unusual activity, such as content uploads, downloads, or suspicious user behaviors and send alerts.
9Usage monitoring
Some businesses may need to restrict mobile user activity to ensure enough bandwidth for mission-critical applications. MDM can monitor data usage and set limits that prevent large downloads or streaming.
10Device diagnostics
Mobile device management solutions can also include features that identify issues with malfunctioning devices and, in some cases, correct them remotely.
The time you invest in evaluating mobile device management solution features can save hours later through enhanced efficiency, greater mobile policy compliance, and fewer security issues leading to data loss.
To learn more about the features of specific solutions, see our Mobile Device Management Product Comparison.
