What is mobile device management?
Connect and support peopleIn recent years, mobile devices have been indispensable across all parts of life. In turn, more and more of them are being used for work. On the one hand, this means greater efficiency and flexibility for businesses, who can work across all kinds of devices on the go. However, on the other hand, it also opens businesses to increased security and compliance risks. Here, we explore the need for mobile device management, what it should look like, and its main benefits.
What is mobile device management?
At its simplest, mobile device management (MDM) is a way for companies to track the devices and software it uses. Usually, this is achieved by introducing additional security protocols. These allow IT departments to manage and safeguard company devices and business data.
The number of devices in the world is growing all the time. In fact, we humans are now outnumbered by internet-enabled devices. Little wonder, then, that we’re also using more and more devices — not to mention pieces of software — for work.
As a result of this situation, mobile device management has become a kind of non-negotiable for businesses of all kinds. It helps them to enjoy the benefits of increased device diversity, while also keeping them so safe.
Some key components of mobile device management
Of course, there is wide variety in the way businesses are choosing to manage their mobile devices. Every business is different and has unique IT needs. That said, there are common features to most approaches. Let’s look at some of them now.
Device enrollment
For IT managers, it can be a real struggle to ensure that the IT being used can change quickly enough to cater to the demands of a growing company. Ideally, it should be possible to add new mobile devices to drive efficiency and support growth.
As a result, one of the central features of most reliable MDM solutions is the ability to onboard new devices with ease. If the MDM solution is truly up to scratch, this should all be able to simply onboard, enroll, and provision your devices over-the-air, including all apps and security settings.
Application management
Of course, it’s not only that we have loads more devices though — we’re also using more and more third-party applications to get our work done. If you’re part of an IT team, you’ll know how hard it can be to track what is being used, and by whom.
Being able to update, manage, and remove applications across your IT fleet is a must-have feature of any MDM solution. This will allow you to keep track of what’s being used, if they’re up to date, and if they meet your company security and compliance standards.
Enforce security policies
And now we turn to the elephant in the room: security. Probably the most important feature of MDM is the ability to enforce security measures across all devices and software in your company.
One of the ways of doing this is by introducing conditional access policies. These are automated policies that regulate access to devices or software based on criteria like time, location, or user. One familiar example here is a database that’s only accessible at the company’s IP address.
Other ways of enforcing security policies across your mobile devices might involve security measures to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with security regulations, including password protection, remote locking, and wiping.
Configuration management
The last key feature of leading mobile device management solutions is the ability to see how and what your devices are running at any given time. This helps you to ensure their optimum functioning and by extension, that of your business.
But what exactly do I mean by this? This might include any number of strategies, among them configuring and managing device settings, including Wi-Fi, email, and VPN. By making sure your devices are running as best they can, you can achieve greater efficiency and decreased running costs.
The main benefits of mobile device management
24/7 control of your mobile devices
The main benefit of robust mobile device management is clear: You’ll know exactly what’s going on across your IT fleet. Armed with the full picture, you’ll be better placed to make informed decisions about your business.
Not only this, but MDM will allow you to simplify the onboarding, enrollment, and management of mobile devices. All the information is there for you, ideally with a single application.
Security and compliance without the hassle
With this full view comes another huge benefit, enhanced security, and compliance. By being able to track a growing IT fleet, you’ll be able to make sure they meet your security standards. This will help prevent cyberattacks, data leaks and unauthorized access.
IT compliance also becomes more and more challenging with an explosion in devices and software. Many third-party apps do not meet GDPR requirements, but your employees might use them anyway. With a solid MDM solution, you’ll be able to maintain policy and standards across all managed devices. Ultimately, this can help you to avoid punitive fines.
Finally, mobile device management can allow you to safeguard your devices. With it, you can protect yourself from the growing number of threats in the mobile work environment. Device encryption, conditional access, remote lock, and wipe capabilities can help keep your business and clients safe.
Easy deployment of apps and updates
A huge benefit of managing your mobile devices is that you’ll be able to push out apps and updates instantaneously.
For one thing, this can make onboarding processes a whole lot easier. Instead of having to manually download or configure applications, your employees will have everything done for them in advance. Not only that, but you’ll be able to take a personalized approach. They’ll feel at home right away.
Of course, all of this can boost your security too. You’ll also be able to set the settings on all apps and updates, meaning your mobile devices are secure at every point across your fleet.
More efficiency
Which brings us nicely to our next key benefit, greater efficiency. With a mobile device management solution, all users will automatically receive software updates. This allows mobile device users to work more efficiently than before. It saves time and money on manual updates, increasing overall productivity. And isn’t that what technology should do?
Flexibility in line with new kinds of hybrid and remote work
Lastly, a dependable mobile device management solution helps you to embrace remote and hybrid work. The pandemic was a game-changer for how we live and work. A recent Pew Research Center survey confirmed this. It found that about a third (35%) of US workers with jobs that can be done remotely are working from home all the time.
This trend is going nowhere, as younger generations in particular see the benefits of remote work. With a mobile device management solution, you can keep in step with this trend and attract talent — without compromising on security or efficiency.
Summary
At this point, the importance of a reliable device management solution is clear. There are so many benefits — too many to cover here — including boosted efficiency, improved security and that all-important full picture of your IT fleet.
Really, mobile device management is a must for any companies using mobile devices. With it, you’ll be able to grow safely and sustainably. With total peace of mind.
TeamViewer’s Remote Management solution delivers just that. Now with a sophisticated Mobile Device Management (MDM) add-on powered by Ivanti, you’ll be in full control your IT fleet. New devices, updates, compliance issues: no problem.