What Is Mobile Device Management (MDM)?

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In this video, learn what mobile device management (MDM) is, how MDM works, MDM benefits, and why some organizations struggle to prioritize it.

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Transcript:

Mobile device management, or MDM, is the practice of enrolling, configuring, and securing portable devices in the workplace. Devices include smartphones, tablets, and laptops. MDM is used to install applications, set network preferences, activate user accounts, determine permissions, and decommission devices. It also helps IT admins customize mobile device settings, enforce user policies, and enhance overall cyber security. Different types of MDM platforms support different types of devices, capabilities, and operating systems.

How does mobile device management software work? For most MDMs, the process begins with enrolling devices in the software or server. You can enroll devices by registering them with vendor-specific programs such as Apple or Microsoft, or by manually adding them via emails, SMS, NFC chips, or QR codes. After enrollment, log into your MDM admin portal for a bird's eye view of what's happening and push configurations and applications to enrolled devices.

What are the benefits of MDM? One of the biggest motivators of implementing MDM is to reduce the number of security breaches, but other benefits include having a bird's eye view of organizational network security, controlled updates, encrypted communication, and enhanced convenience. You'll also get to enjoy increased efficiency, housekeeping, and peace of mind. Experts predict the MDM market will increase 24% over the next five years as more organizations prioritize cybersecurity for remote work. Of course, deploying any new type of technology isn't without its challenges.

Common challenges of mobile device management. Here are the most common roadblocks you may encounter. Challenge number one: network access control. Employees now use both company issued and personal mobile devices for work. This hybrid approach makes it difficult to regulate network access without jeopardizing security. Fortunately, network access control tools, like those found in the JumpCloud directory platform, allow admins to enforce security policies that both users and devices must comply with to receive access. Challenge number two: data security. The more personal devices you connect to your network, the more entry points cyber criminals have to infiltrate your systems. Unfortunately, smartphones and tablets pose heightened security risks because they often contain less comprehensive anti-malware software. Challenge number three: user experience. MDM solutions with overly vigilant settings could flag frequently used software as vulnerable and hinder the productivity of your employees.

Challenge number four: migration. Software migration can also be challenging. It's not unusual for admins to underestimate the costs and time needed to locate, migrate, and organize data into a new system. You also have to exercise caution not to lose or corrupt data. Challenge number five: bring your own device, or BYOD, policies. You must frequently onboard and offboard devices as remote employees acquire new devices and discard old ones. Additionally, it's almost impossible to keep up with the entrance of new mobile devices with new technologies in the marketplace. Challenge number six: lack of skilled workers. Lastly, there's the issue of getting skilled workers to handle MDM deployment. According to the World Economic Forum, only 27% of small and 29% of large companies have the digital talent necessary to fill available roles. The good news is that you can overcome these challenges with the right MDM software, policies, and best practices in place. Check out our other video on mobile device management best practices for a smooth deployment here.

Cost of mobile device management. To get the most out of any managed mobility solution, you must also understand the costs involved, especially with the immense pressure of reducing departmental spending in the face of inflation, supply chain issues, and competing budgetary requests.