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Enterprise mobile device management (MDM) is an administrative aspect that deals with deploying, monitoring, securing and managing smartphones, tablets and laptops used in the workplace. Its prime objective is to enhance security and functionality of mobile devices, while simultaneously securing the corporate network as well.
When enterprises are busy scaling up their business, mobile device management solutions that ensure robust enterprise mobility become quite essential. The surging needs of industry-ready MDM solutions have propelled the emergence of a wide spectrum of options in the market. As a result, selecting the right one from the vast array of MDM solutions can really be a tough ordeal.
So, if you are confused about procuring the right MDM solution for your organization, these 7 tips will help you nail it!
1. Reflect On Your Enterprise Mobility Needs and Awareness
First, your MDM selection process must be a part of your mobility strategy. Elements like scope, size, data access and scale have to be addressed. Moreover, aspects like budget, management and security must play key roles before considering any MDM solution. It’s strongly recommended to plan for a limited pilot deployment before moving ahead with any large-scale implementation of any enterprise MDM solution.
Secondly, if you are planning to leverage the bring-your-own-device (BYOD) concept, it will definitely add a new level of concerns, especially when enterprise data ownership and the employer’s security application running on an employee’s personal device are in the picture. Therefore, adequate awareness about enterprise mobile device management and its role in enterprise security has to be well thought through.
2. Contact Multiple Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) Service Providers
EMM is actually a cluster of ever-evolving innovations, so simply going with the big players may not necessarily yield the best results. As a beginner, you need to understand your goals and challenges. Today, BYOD continues to gain higher levels of acceptance in enterprises. Hence, targeted or customized demand should be a key requirement in fast-moving businesses. For example, containerization of organizational data, mobile application management (MAM), mobile content management (MCM), etc., are a few premium attributes of an ideal enterprise mobile device management application, so it’s advisable to evaluate solutions from multiple vendors and make your decision accordingly. (For more on BYOD, see 3 BYOD Costs Companies Often Overlook.)
3. Onsite Deployment Or Hosted Service: Budget Matters!
Today, almost all MDM solutions on the market are of a hosted server capacity, using cloud-based technologies. If you are somewhat constricted on time and money, a hosted solution can be a safe bet. Troubleshooting and upgrading to the latest versions are quite handy with a hosted solution, as the hosting company is responsible rather than you. That results in operational cost reductions.
An onsite deployment can be customized with advanced capabilities, but will cost a lot and may be more difficult to fit into the budget.
4. Scalability and Flexibility: Pillars Of An Advanced Enterprise Mobility
Be sure to shortlist an MDM solution that supports all the existing devices in the system and is scalable enough to accommodate more devices in the future. Moreover, you should think beyond just smartphones. Consider a solution efficient enough to keep pace with the growing trend of advanced technologies in the security and wearable industries as well.
Consider the following parameters before selecting a MDM:
- Server capacities
- Accommodation of enough mobile device licenses
- Blocking or removing devices that no longer have security clearance
- Multi-device or multi-screen user access
5. User Feedback and Reviews: A Significant Groundwork For Buyers
The explosive growth of the mobile market has generated a plethora of MDM solutions. Most of the solutions are from new vendors, and at times, it can become quite confusing for a first-time buyer. In an ever-changing market, customers are prone to being bombarded by unrealistic commitments and assurances. It is strongly recommended to review the SLA and feedback from existing customers while evaluating an MDM solution.
6. Never Compromise On Security
Deployment of enterprise mobile device management is all about mobile devices, which ensures your organization’s functionality. Therefore, securing sensitive business data like customer information, corporate files and network credentials are of the utmost priority. Any security loophole can be a nightmare for the entire organization. (To learn more about mobile security, see 5 Things Mobile Virtualization Will Do.)
7. Integration Capacities: Key To A Successful Business
Compatibility with existing management workflows and tools is the most crucial aspect to consider while selecting an MDM solution. Today, businesses spend significantly on their existing systems in order to minimize cost and maximize productivity. Therefore, integration capabilities with current management systems, directory services, etc., is something that you must consider while selecting an enterprise MDM solution.
What’s the Solution?
42Gears’ Enterprise Mobility solutions have been chosen by thousands of organizations that are transforming their businesses for present and future mobility needs. Available as an on-premise or a cloud-based solution, its highly efficient tools like SureMDM, SureLock, SureFox and SureVideo are purpose-built to manage and secure data, mobile applications and devices for global enterprises.
SureMDM is a mobile device management solution for Android, Windows and iOS to secure, manage and monitor communication devices for dedicated use. SureFox allows its users to secure their browsing environment and prevent unauthorized usage of the device, while SureLock allows access to only required applications, preventing users from making unintended changes in the solution. Hence, it ensures responsible device usage with improved productivity and reduced maintenance cost. SureVideo is useful in delivering targeted content to audiences; it is used to display product information, news, advertisements or anything your business wants to deliver to customers.
While selecting the right enterprise mobility solution, you must not consider only what you are getting today, but where development is heading tomorrow. The selected mobile device management solution must be relevant to current and future scenarios as well. You must take the potential enterprise mobile device management applications through a trial period to monitor user reactions, usability and ensure an adequate level of support for your BYOD implementations.
