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 a type of software that helps IT teams control and secure mobile devices like laptops, smartphones, and even Internet of Things (IoT) devices. These devices can be managed either through a local system or in the cloud.

MDM lets IT administrators set up device settings, install updates, and add apps. Most importantly, it allows them to enforce security rules, whether the devices are owned by the company or by employees. As remote work grows, more businesses are becoming mobile-first, which means they rely heavily on mobile devices to keep things running. That’s why managing and protecting these devices has become so important.

Most of the time, MDM is used on company-owned devices. It often works alongside tools already built into mobile operating systems. A good MDM program can create reports, back up files, and send alerts if a security policy is broken. This gives IT teams the ability to respond quickly to possible data breaches.

MDM is also part of a larger system called Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM). EMM includes tools like Mobile Application Management (MAM) and Identity and Access Management (IAM). The main goal of MDM is to keep data safe across all mobile devices while still letting employees stay productive.

How MDM works

MDM software works using a client-server model. This means both the client (the mobile device) and the server (the management system) must work together to keep everything running smoothly.

The process begins when devices are enrolled into the MDM system. Once enrolled, each device connects to a central MDM server. This server acts as a hub where IT administrators can set rules and policies using a management console.

A client app, installed on each mobile device, talks to the MDM server. It receives instructions and applies the rules that the IT team sets. This setup allows the server to control mobile devices by sending commands through the device’s built-in APIs.

Many MDM providers host the servers themselves, but some also offer software that companies can install and run on their own. Mobile device management lets administrators handle all devices from one central dashboard.

From this portal, they can do everything they need—like applying updates, setting up security rules, managing who can access what, and making sure all the devices stay up and running.

Comparing cloud MDM to on-premises MDM

Organizations that choose to use mobile device management (MDM) software can set it up in one of two ways: cloud-hosted or on-premise.

Cloud-hosted MDM is easier to manage and requires less upkeep. A cloud or SaaS (Software as a Service) provider hosts the system on its own servers, not the company’s. This setup is popular with small businesses and large companies that want to save time and effort by outsourcing.

On-premise MDM is more hands-on. The company installs the software on its own servers and manages everything itself. This includes setup, maintenance, and security.

This approach is best for large organizations that need full control of their data and want to keep everything in-house for added security.

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 support BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), as this trend has changed how people work. With BYOD, employees use their personal devices - like smartphones or tablets - to access company systems and data. This makes the workplace more flexible and convenient.

However, using personal devices also brings new risks. MDM software helps solve these problems by giving IT teams the tools to manage and secure employee devices.

Zero-touch enrollment

Mobile device management solutions often include a feature called zero-touch enrollment (ZTE). This allows IT teams to set up devices for management before users ever turn them on. When an employee powers up the device for the first time, it automatically joins the company's MDM system. At that point, it loads all the pre-set apps, security rules, and settings.

ZTE makes setup fast and easy. It helps ensure the device is ready to use right away, with all company requirements in place. This feature is especially useful when companies need to roll out many devices at once.

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

Most mobile device management (MDM) vendors offer over-the-air (OTA) features to help manage devices. These tools let IT teams send updates to mobile devices remotely. As a result, devices stay up to date with the latest software and security patches.

MDM software also allows IT staff to adjust and apply different settings on mobile devices without needing to handle them in person.

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 useful feature of an MDM solution. It lets IT staff quickly find technical issues on a device using a remote management console. With this feature, teams can spot and fix problems right away—often without needing to touch the device in person.

Why is mobile device management important for enterprises?

Mobile device management (MDM) helps businesses manage and secure mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. The main goal is to make it easier to control how these devices are used within an organization.

One of the biggest reasons companies use MDM is to protect sensitive data and reduce the risk of security breaches. Mobile device management lets businesses limit which apps employees can use and block unsafe websites. This control helps prevent access to harmful content and adds a layer of protection for company data.

Mobile device management also brings other important benefits beyond security. It can track how mobile devices are used across the organization. These usage reports help business leaders make smarter decisions about budgets, resource planning, and areas that need improvement.

With MDM, businesses also have more control over software updates. They can decide which version of an update to roll out and when. This avoids bugs and disruptions from unexpected updates. In addition, MDM helps companies follow industry rules by managing who can see or use company data. This supports compliance and helps avoid legal problems in the future.

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.