What does mobile device management help with?
MDM programs help with finding a scalable solution to regulate portable devices. A mobile device management tool must be able to execute effective solutions across multiple mobile service providers and operating systems. A centralized platform is especially helpful for MSPs who spend a lot of time securing phones and tablets for their customers, or MSPs that have too many devices to handle manually.
From a security standpoint, mobile device management software automatically enhances network security with encryption and containerization capabilities. With MDM, MSPs can partition personal user information away from the company side and encrypt certain information so that even if a hacker gets through the partition, they will not be able to gain entry. If someone’s personal device is stolen or they leave the company, MSPs can remotely remove corporate data from their system without affecting any of the personal data surrounding it.
Here’s a condensed list of mobile device management features to look for when making a decision for your MSP:
- A cloud-based service to facilitate easy and automatic updates
- 24/7 automatic monitoring
- Scaling capabilities to account for users entering and exiting the network
- Remote disconnection, configuration, and data wiping functions
- Enhanced logging and reporting functions for IT standards compliance purposes
Remote monitoring management is a type of sister software to mobile device management that also helps MSPs secure mobile devices, client endpoints, and corporate networks. RMM platforms securely connect to servers with a few clicks so MSPs can more efficiently detect issues, deploy patches, and manage network devices.
SolarWinds RMM is a single solution that offers MSPs everything they need to oversee a whole host of mobile devices.
What are the benefits of MDM?
The key benefits of mobile device management include, but certainly are not limited to:
- Ease of remote management
The primary benefit of mobile device management is that it allows MSPs to monitor and manage portable devices from wherever they are. In a sense, MDM is built to beat mobile devices at their own game. This agility reinforces healthy devices and bolsters the ones that might need a little help.
Remote management also enhances network security by making it possible to disable certain users, even if said users are not on-premises. Updated regulations also populate themselves across all devices on the network, which contributes to seamless protection and support.
- Bring your own device support
The second most important benefit of MDM is how well suited it is to the BYOD movement. Traditional technologies reject any unknown devices that have not been previously recognized, which is a huge problem for companies full of employees bringing two to three separate devices from home.
Mobile device management understands that not all unknown devices are threats and helps MSPs keep an eye on them to balance security and flexibility. With MDM, companies do not have to choose between network security and employee freedoms.
- Controlled device updates
Everybody puts off software updates until the last possible moment from time to time. Unfortunately, employees who are too relaxed about updates jeopardize the security of the overall network by doing so. Hackers can take advantage of the holes left behind by insufficient updating or patching to gain access to confidential information.
Mobile device management allows MSPs to centrally control updates and apply system changes to devices across the network with just a few clicks. This function also facilitates compliance with government regulations—for example, HIPAA patch management requirements for healthcare organizations or the GLBA Safeguards Rule for financial institutions—and makes it easier to protect data.
- Increased network security
Along those same lines, MDM best practices are critical for increasing network security. A large part of this is due to the automatic updating capabilities and security features already mentioned. With MDM, MSPs can easily apply updates across hundreds of devices, encrypt confidential corporate information, and build a barrier between personal information and company data.
In addition, mobile device management’s remote capabilities make it easier to regulate security from afar. Imagine an employee is away at a technology conference and does not realize they have left their work phone in the hotel lobby until they are three hours into an eight-hour flight. A mobile device management platform can remotely locate, lock, and wipe data from a device to protect sensitive information in the event that it is lost or stolen.
- Reduced IT needs
When MSPs use a mobile device management platform, they significantly reduce their IT administration needs. Since MDM automates many of the time-consuming and labor-intensive processes involved in monitoring an entire fleet of mobile devices, resources and manpower are freed up for more sophisticated projects.
- Improved regulatory compliance
Operating in accordance with IT standards and guidelines is of the utmost importance to MSPs. However, it can be difficult to make sure that all devices are in compliance when there are simply so many devices to keep track of. With mobile device management, compliance initiatives can be managed from one unified console, which facilitates better protection while working within the legal requirements.
Interested in learning more about the benefits of mobile device management? Explore our product suite to see how you can take advantage of mobile device management. Our remote monitoring and management tool is a great place to start.
