Best Mobile Device Management (MDM) Software

Best MDM software in India includes ManageEngine MDM Plus, Meraki, XenMobile, MobileIron, and Kaseya. This software keeps your business data protected and ensures your company retains control over confidential information.

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List of 20 Best Mobile Device Management Software

Showing 1 - 20 of 41 products

High Performer | 2024

Leading Mobile Device Management for Enterprises

ManageEngine MDM Plus is a highly comprehensive MDM software. It allows organizations to effectively manage and secure their mobile devices and data in each device. It also allows its users to enforce security policies, remotely configure devices, administer usage of every device, patch and push updates, etc. It is one of the best mobile device management software with all these features. Read ManageEngine MDM Plus Reviews

Apple Device Management and Security Platform

Kandji is an MDM software that is specifically designed to manage and secure Apple devices and the data stored in them. It offers advanced functionalities like real-time device administration, updating devices remotely, security updates, compliance checks, etc. Kandji enables organizations to maintain strong control over their device usage, making it one of the best mobile device management solutions. Read Kandji Reviews

The only platform for device management and predic

Esper is an advanced MDM software that offers a cloud-based console with which devices can be managed centrally across different locations and departments. The platform allows administrators to monitor device health, deploy applications, frame and deploy policies, etc. In addition, it enables organizations to reduce administrative overheads and enhance efficiency, making it one of the best mobile device management platforms. Read Esper Reviews

Emergents | 2024

Winner of Gartner Choice Viewer Award 2019

Hexnode UEM is one of the most powerful MDM software. It offers IT admins a centralized platform to perform many tasks like device provisioning, remote troubleshooting, application management, distribution, etc. In addition, Hexnode also offers an advanced analysis that allows organizations to make an effective decision that is data-driven. Learn more about Hexnode UEM

Category Champions | 2024

Best Multi-Platform Kiosk Solution in the Market

Scalefusion is the most powerful MDM software with which businesses can effectively manage their devices. It offers many features like framing and deploying security policies, configuring device settings remotely, etc. Moreover, it offers a real-time analysis that assists businesses in optimizing their device usage and enhancing productivity. Read Scalefusion Reviews

Ivanti IT Asset Management (ITAM) is an MDM software that allows organizations to streamline their asset management process. It offers robust functionalities with which organizations can improve their operational efficiency. In addition, the platform is easy to adapt and supports a wide range of IT assets, making it the best mobile device management platform. Read Ivanti IT Asset Management Reviews

Category Champions | 2024

SureMDM is a high-end MDM software. It allows users to conduct multiple device management processes from a centralized platform. Moreover, devices with different operating systems, like Android, iOS, and Windows, are supported on the platform. It offers robust features, making it one of the top MDM solutions providers. Learn more about SureMDM

Category Champions | 2024

SOTI ONE is a robust MDM software designed to streamline mobile device management. In addition, it allows users to manage the applications and data securely and efficiently. Regardless of the device type, with SOTI ONE, organizations can manage the entire mobile deployment from a single console. Hence, it is one of the best MDM software available. Read SOTI ONE Reviews

Emergents | 2024

Easy device management on the cloud

Miradore is a cloud-based MDM software. It offers comprehensive smartphone, tablet, and other mobile device management solutions. The prime feature of the software is real-time inventory management, ensuring that all the devices are accounted for. It also allows the effective administration of updates and compliance. The advanced features offered make it one of the best MDM solutions providers. Learn more about Miradore Online

Emergents | 2024

Delivers smarter workspace experience

XenMobile is an MDM software that allows organizations to securely manage mobile devices, applications, and data. With XenMobile, organizations can frame and establish policies, configure applications, and monitor activities effectively. It is one of the few mobile device management tools that offer containerization, i.e., it separates business data from personal data. Learn more about XenMobile

Contenders | 2024

GDPR Compliance Supported operations

AppTec360 is a feature-rich MDM software. It offers a highly secure framework to organizations in managing their mobile devices. The platform offers a centralized platform from which multiple types of devices of different OS can be managed. It is a device management software that allows businesses to automate mobile device provisioning and enforce security policies. Learn more about AppTec360

Software by baramundi Software USA

Baramundi Management Suite is an MDM software that assists in managing different types of mobile devices. Besides managing mobile devices, IT administrators can deploy software updates, configure security, and track device usage. It is one of the best mobile device management solutions, streamlining the management process and enhancing security. Learn more about baramundi Management Suite

Software by Rippling

Rippling is an MDM software designed for Apple and Windows devices. It is a cloud-based device management software offering many features that streamline the process. Moreover, it offers a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for amateurs to adapt to the platform quickly. Read Rippling Reviews

POS & CRM Software for Cell Phone Repair Shops

RepairDesk is an MDM software that allows businesses to optimize their device management process. It enables organizations to monitor and secure their mobile devices from threats like data theft and breaches. As it is a cloud-based platform, the admins can perform all the tasks remotely, making it one of the best mobile device management software. Read RepairDesk Reviews

Contenders | 2024

Making mobile management easy in 10 industries

Cisco Meraki is an advanced MDM software that offers a centralized console to its users for efficient operability. With this platform, IT professionals can deploy policies, configure devices, monitor assets, and take effective security measures. Moreover, it offers advanced automation and supports devices with all operating systems. All these features make it the best mobile device management platform. Learn more about Meraki

Software by Moki Mobility Inc

Moki Total Control is an MDM software that is easy to use and highly efficient in offering device management solutions. The platform is easy to deploy and offers advanced features like remote device management, application distribution, analytics, policy framing, enforcement, etc. Overall, it is one of the top MDM solutions providers. Learn more about Moki Total Control

Emergents | 2024

Streamline devices management and increase product

A comprehensive mobile device management solution designed for businesses to manage, control and secure Android devices, helping businesses enhance mobility and productivity via remote monitoring and remote control and etc. Read AirDroid Business Reviews

Most Reviewed

Emergents | 2024

SimpleMDM is one of the best mobile device management tools that simplify the organization’s task of managing devices. It offers flexibility to IT administrators in monitoring device usage and configuring security settings remotely. In addition, it offers an intuitive UI and easy-to-use framework. Overall it is the best MDM software for organizations that follow the BYOD system. Learn more about SimpleMDM

Best security software by Trend Micro Incorporated

Trend Micro is an MDM software that offers extensive transparency and device management solutions. IT personnel can effectively keep track of device usage and track lost or stolen devices. In addition, it offers features like anti-malware protection, app reputation scanning, URL filtering, etc. All these factors make it the best device management software. Read Trend Micro Reviews

Emergents | 2024

Endpoint Protector by CoSoSys is an enterprise-grade Data Loss Prevention (DLP) solution that protects sensitive data from leaks, theft, and exfiltration, helping companies to mitigate insider threats and reach compliance with data protection regulations. Read Endpoint Protector by CoSoSys Reviews

Mobile Device Management Software Guide

These days, employees perform several functions using mobile devices as part of their job. It could be a sales team or customer service team talking to customers in the field or an operation team working on the project in the field.

They all are given company tablets and smartphones to record the data and communicate with the admins sitting in the office. Companies want to manage and protect the mobile device fleet without compromising user satisfaction. The MDM solution achieves it.

Modern MDM solutions offer advanced control over applications, content, and security, empowering employees to work on managed devices without concerns. MDM software also effectively oversees the corporate environment on personal devices.

This buyer’s guide will help educate you on selecting the right fit for the company.

What is Mobile Device Management?

Mobile device management service is the process of remotely provisioning, securing and monitoring mobile devices like laptops, tablets, and smartphones using a centralized console.

This centralized management platform is called the MDM solution or the MDM software. Powerful MDM solutions support the management of commercial, custom-built, and rugged mobile devices.

An MDM solution offers centralized management of diverse devices, irrespective of their OS or device ownership type. It is a comprehensive solution with multi-OS support to manage company-owned and BYO devices.

MDM solutions address the gaps in enterprise mobility management and allow businesses to remotely gain granular control of their devices.

What Is Mobile Device Management (MDM) Software?

Mobile devices like smartphones and tablets have become integral to an employee's work life. Companies give out devices to their staff to perform certain functions. Mobile device management (MDM) platform allows enterprises to manage the devices provided to their staff.

Using MDM, the IT department can control the device completely by defining what kind of apps can be downloaded, defining security policies, and applying other restrictions to protect the company and the employees.

How Does Mobile Device Management Work?

There are two key components of the MDM platform -

  • MDM Agent: this is installed on the employee’s device.
  • MDM Server/Management Console: This is installed on the cloud or premise and used by IT managers to manage the devices and the app.

Before mobile devices are shipped to employees, the devices are configured with the MDM agent and connected with the server with all the policies, apps, and configurations installed. Device manufacturers like Apple and Samsung offer a service where they can configure the devices and ship them to your employees directly.

IT managers have an admin dashboard to perform all the actions and view the reports. Admin can easily push any app update, policy changes, or view reports from the server. Whenever an IT manager sends any new command from the server, the message goes to the devices, and the device will make the changes using its built-in API.

Smartphone OS like Android and iOS provide API access to MDM platforms to control the devices.  Installing an MDM server on the cloud does increase the time and cost. Most of the MDM companies now provide a SaaS model so you can use their cloud infrastructure for the server.

Who Uses Mobile Device Management Solutions?

MDM solutions are designed for IT admins to manage countless enterprise devices remotely. System administrators or IT admins are a vital part of every business.

Even SMBs who cannot always afford an in-house IT team leverage third-party managed IT services to streamline their operations.

Mobile Device Management software simplifies the cognitive IT load. Here’s what Modern-day MDM solutions help IT admins achieve.

  • Reduced on-site visits
  • Wider visibility of remote devices
  • Simplified inventory management
  • Over-the-air device provisioning
  • Enhanced data security measures
  • Confidence in managing BYO devices
  • Automation of redundant IT tasks
  • Improved monitoring with reports, analytics, and alerts

Industry Use-Cases of Mobile Device Management

MDM solutions are designed to ease IT efforts and have widespread applications in diverse industries. Here’s how various business sectors implement MDM  solutions:

Mobile device management solutions help the hospitality sector implement tailored and secured digital kiosks to enable instant bookings and faster checkouts. Moreover, it helps improve brand awareness with creative advertisements and logos.

Users of MDM Software

  1. Logistics and transportation

    Modern-day logistics and transportation businesses use diverse mobile devices to stay in touch with their fleet drivers and track their shipments in real-time.

    Mobile device management solutions help logistics businesses provide company-issued smartphones and tablets tailored for work-specific use to their drivers.

    The logistics industry is increasingly using Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to track their shipments, record driving time, hours of service, and prevent drivers from speeding. MDM solutions help logistics businesses manage their ELDs efficiently.

  2. Education

    Digital education relies on various technologies. It is common for students to use mobile devices like laptops and tablets in the classroom and at home.

    Schools and universities can ensure that their students use mobile devices and the internet safely with the help of MDM software. In addition, teachers can share assignments and learning material over the air.

    School IT admins can restrict the use of specific learning apps and websites to prevent distraction and exposure to inappropriate content. In addition, thousands of student devices can be provisioned with parental control settings within just a few hours, saving massive IT time and effort.

  3. BFSI

    Security is the prime factor for the banking and finance industry. With the BFSI sector going digital, mobile security needs to be strengthened to create a secure corporate network.

    MDM solutions help the BFSI industry use extensive security configurations to secure their devices against data theft and make the business ready with public and private apps.

  4. Healthcare

    Telemedicine and m-health have revolutionized the healthcare industry. Mobile devices have enabled healthcare professionals worldwide to connect with their patients remotely, saving time and improving healthcare accessibility.

    Several hospitals deploy mobile and custom devices to instantly gather patient feedback, book appointments, and download healthcare reports.

    MDM solutions help hospitals to turn commercial devices into dedicated healthcare devices by locking them in a single-app mode. This helps them keep track of all the managed devices.

    The modern world is cautious about data privacy. This is why there are several data protection laws around the world, such as HIPAA.

    MDM software helps the healthcare industry keep patient health information private and prevent data leakage.

  5. Hospitality

    Hospitality involves a variety of businesses, including hotels, restaurants, entertainment, and travel. These businesses revolve around creating memorable customer experiences.

  6. Retail

    Besides hospitality, another major industry that runs on excellent customer service is retail. Modern consumers expect great product quality and fast in-store service.

    MDM solutions help retail businesses to implement public-facing kiosks for efficient order placement and display of product catalog, POS, and mPOS systems for faster payment and reduced queues.

What are the Benefits of Mobile Device Management Software?

Businesses are now implementing Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to protect data and mobile devices used by employees. Here are some key benefits organizations should consider while opting for MDM.

Benefits of MDM Software

  1. Easy application management

    With MDM, Company’s IT admins can upload, update or delete the apps directly into the employee’s smartphone/tablet. MDM also makes it easier for Admins to upload the new version of the apps quickly on the team’s device. With traditional app stores, uploading a new version of the app requires review and approval from Apple and Google App Stores, which takes time. With MDM, apps can be published on the company's internal servers.

  2. Protection against data breaches

    MDM software makes it very easy to manage and protect the data. With MDM, admins can enforce two-factor authentication policies, enforce the type of network devices can connect to, and also encrypt communication from the devices. If the devices are stolen, admins can wipe the apps and data completely from the devices so they can't be misused.

  3. Mobile expense management

    Buying and managing mobile devices can increase the monthly bill substantially. MDM can track unused devices and assets. MDM can also troubleshoot devices remotely, reducing maintenance costs. MDM reports help management see the ROI.

  4. Device and app management

    When companies buy devices and apps for their employees to perform work tasks, they also want to manage what actions can be done with the company assets. With MDM, this becomes very easy by clicking a button in MDM. IT managers can create a list of apps that can be allowed or blocked. They can also see the log history of devices and apps to see any risky behavior.

  5. Improved device visibility

    If an employee has not updated the device or the app with the latest version, admins can easily see it and force the employee to update the app/device. With MDM, admins can easily monitor which devices are more vulnerable to data breaches and also track the location of the devices.

  6. Enhance business efficiency

    IT  managers can easily manage mobile devices and apps and enforce company-wide policies easily from a centralized system. You don't have to individually follow up with employees to ensure company policies are followed. Employees also feel safer with MDM since they know any notifications or activity on the devices has to be company-work related.

What are the Common Features of MDM Software?

With the growing use of mobile devices in the corporate world, MDM software has become indispensable. Most MDM providers offer similar core capabilities to help IT admins simplify mobile device management and keep their corporate data secure.

Features of MDM Software

  1. Remote device management

    Managing countless company and employee-owned devices belonging to diverse OS types remotely is as cumbersome as it sounds. Remote device management software like MDM helps IT admins leverage a single centralized console to manage, secure, and monitor their devices remotely.

    Onboard existing and new devices to the MDM software with zero-touch enrollment, configure corporate policies, and push them on all your devices remotely. This reduces the time and effort spent manually configuring every device individually, thus enhancing IT efficiency.

  2. Application management

    Businesses implement many public and in-house mobile apps to simplify remote work and improve employee productivity. Mobile device management helps IT admins provision countless devices with the right set of apps with minimal end-user intervention.

    Application management involves several tiny processes that eventually consume a lot of IT time.

    With MDM solutions, IT admins can restrict employees’ devices to pre-selected apps to minimize distractions, track app updates, create app configs and track app data usage remotely, and better manage mobile devices.

  3. Content management

    As the walls between physical office spaces and remote working are blurring, most businesses rely on digital documents and cloud-based storage rather than bulky paper-based documents. Mobile device management software helps businesses securely exchange files and documents of diverse formats over the air.

    With this, remotely working employees can obtain the latest updates and information from anywhere in the world. This also helps IT manage content like images, videos, and presentations on unattended devices like digital signages and kiosks.

  4. Data security

    Security threats are growing at an alarming rate. With modern-day business trends like remote working and BYOD mobile device management, corporate data has become more vulnerable to hackers.

    Securing employees’ devices with extensive data protection policies is crucial before handing them in for use. MDM solutions help IT admins configure comprehensive security policies such as VPN mandates, passcode policies, conditional email access, and data encryption to protect sensitive business data.

    In extreme cases, such as losing or stealing employees’ devices, IT admins can easily track the devices with real-time location monitoring and remotely lock and wipe them. This ensures that no unauthorized persons gain access to the confidential data stored on lost or stolen devices.

  5. Compliance monitoring

    Tracking countless devices of a distributed workforce is complicated. Mobile device management empowers IT admins with improved visibility of their inventory with the help of comprehensive reports and analytics. IT admins can configure compliance-based alerts and schedule detailed reports for predictive analysis and identifying errors at an early stage.

  6. Remote support

    Despite careful planning and extensive security configurations, technical errors cannot be ruled out. When remote employees encounter device errors, they tend to spend hours waiting for support to arrive. IT admins can overcome this challenge by offering instant remote troubleshooting via the MDM platform.

    Modern-day MDM solutions offer powerful features like remote cast and control and ITSM ticketing for faster issue resolution and minimal downtime. This can help in managing mobile devices more efficiently.

What to Look Out for in an MDM Provider

MDM providers are third-party service providers that empower businesses with a comprehensive platform to manage their enterprise mobility. Businesses can leverage an MDM solution on a subscription-based pricing model to streamline their remote device and create unified endpoint management.

There are several MDM providers in the marketplace. However, it is important for businesses to analyze their business requirements first and select an MDM solution provider that offers a feature set that aligns with their needs.

Always pick an MDM provider after thorough research. Your MDM provider must offer a clear pricing plan with no hidden setup, training, or support charges. Prefer MDM providers that offer you a free trial period with access to enterprise-grade features to try the software hands-on before investing in it.

Top 5 Mobile Device Management Software Comparison

Name
Free Trial
Demo
Starting Price

SOTI MobiControl

14 Days

Yes $4/device/month

VMware AirWatch

7 Days

Yes

$4/device/month

Citrix XenMobile

14 Days

Yes

$2.25/device/month

Hexnode UEM

7 Days

Yes

$5.40/device/month

ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus

15 Days

Yes

$495/year

The market offers a range of Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions, many of which seamlessly integrate with other network administration functionalities. We present a list of the top MDM solutions, encompassing both cloud-based services and on-premises tools, ensuring you have access to the best options available.

1. SOTI MobiControl

Soti Mobicontrol

SOTI MobiControl is an Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) solution designed to provide comprehensive visibility and precise control over the whereabouts, activities, performance, and security/compliance risks associated with your virtual mobile devices in the business environment.

Features
  • Full lifecycle device management
  • Express enrollment and provisioning
  • Geolocation features
  • Universal operating system support
  • Advanced iot management
  • Secure content management
  • Flexible application management
  • Accelerate your business 10x
  • Flexible deployments
  • Complete visibility into soti mobicontrol performance
  • Quickly update zebra devices
  • Strengthen your brand
  • Support for android 11 cope devices
Pros
  • An excellent solution that eliminates concerns about data loss for field personnel.
  • Seamless deployment and an intuitive user interface facilitate effortless device management.
  • It offers remote wiping and tracking features.
  • Implementation is straightforward, ensuring simplicity and ease of learning.
Cons
  • The system's navigation is challenging, and available support documents are scarce.
  • Soti support is necessary for issue resolution and to gain proficiency with the system.
  • They took long response times, leading to frustration.
  • When failures occur, the Soti company fails to take responsibility for its software's shortcomings.

Pricing

  • The pricing of SOTI MobiControl starts from $4 per device per month. The pricing for on-premise versions is $72 per device per year plus $18 for maintenance and support.

2. VMware AirWatch

VMware Airwatch

VMware AirWatch offers enterprise mobility management (EMM) software designed to safeguard corporate applications and data accessed from any device, regardless of the network being used.

Features
  • Protect corporate apps and data on any network
  • Complete app lifecycle management
  • Increase mobile productivity
  • Productivity apps
  • Self-service portal
  • One identity
  • Device choice
Pros
  • It provides a convenient and secure way to utilize all applications offered by the company.
  • This program is a lifesaver, offering a user-friendly interface and a visually appealing design.
  • The transition from the legacy MDM platform has been well received by all our end-users, leaving them extremely satisfied.
Cons
  • The architecture of VMware AirWatch can be challenging for IT admins.
  • Setting up regions and departments with specific devices can also be complex.
  • Occasionally, freezing issues occur during updates.
  • Furthermore, errors have been encountered when attempting to back up to another computer.

Pricing

  • The free trial is also available, and pricing starts from $4/device/month
  • VMware AirWatch green management suite: $267.80/year
  • VMware AirWatch orange management suite: $314.15/year
  • VMware AirWatch blue management suite: $391.40/year
  • VMware AirWatch content locker advanced: $252.35/year

3. Citrix XenMobile

Citrix Xenmobile

XenMobile Server is one of the best enterprise mobility management solutions deployed on-premises, providing complete mobile device management (MDM) and mobile application management (MAM) capabilities.

It is part of Citrix Workspace solutions that combines mobility and endpoint management with virtualized applications and desktops, delivering a comprehensive experience without restriction.

Features
  • Endpoint management
  • Wireless internet access
  • Deployment management
  • Inventory management
  • Software management
Pros
  • The security control system of XenMobile solution is highly efficient.
  • It offers robust protection and a user-friendly interface.
  • It is easy to install and seamlessly integrates with other applications, ensuring smooth connectivity.
  • Also, SecureWeb XenMobile enables secure website access, eliminating the necessity for a VPN.
  • The tool excels in establishing reliable connections with various other apps.
Cons
  • Understanding which features can be utilized to ensure compliance with organizational access policies may require time and effort.
  • Troubleshooting logs can be challenging
  • They don’t have clear guidance or documented modules to aid in troubleshooting.
  • Deploying the solution across all mobile devices can be a complex task that presents difficulties.

Pricing

  • Citrix offers $2.25 per month per device or $2.89 per user for up to 10 devices.

4. Hexnode UEM

Hexnode

Hexnode is a renowned Unified Endpoint Management solution recognized for its excellence. It provides comprehensive device management and security solutions for Bring Your Device (BYOD) and corporate-owned devices. It extends its support to iOS, Android, fireOS, Windows, Macs, and Apple TVs.

Features
  • Automatic user/device recognition
  • Software management
  • Wireless internet access
  • Endpoint management
  • Synchronization scheduling
  • Deployment management
  • Inventory management
  • Data management
Pros
  • Hexnode provides excellent remote support for users.
  • It is a valuable tool for enhancing security on company cell phones and tablets.
  • Enrolling new devices is a breeze, and the control features are outstanding.
  • The Kiosk Lockdown feature is particularly impressive.
  • Installing Hexnode as a Device Owner is incredibly straightforward.
Cons
  • Setting up the system can become intricate.
  • Figuring out the specific steps required to accomplish certain tasks can be challenging.

Pricing

  • Hexnode UEM has 6 pricing editions, from a free trial to $5.40.

5. ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus

ManageEngine MDM Plus

ManageEngine MDM Plus is an Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) software designed to empower enterprises by leveraging mobility capabilities. It enhances staff productivity while ensuring robust enterprise security through a full set of features. Also available for both on-premise and cloud-based options.

Features
  • Endpoint management
  • Track status, assign actions, and control access to systems for devices within the organization.
  • Wireless internet access
  • Deployment management
  • Inventory management
  • Software management
  • Automatic user/device recognition
  • Data management
  • Synchronization scheduling
Pros
  • Setting up this solution was a breeze, with clear instructions and a seamless experience overall.
  • It offers excellent flexibility to development and operations teams.
  • It enables efficient deployment of apps, manages restrictions, enforces policies, and monitors activities.
  • The software continually enhances its capabilities by providing valuable options, such as announcement features.
Cons
  • The interface may appear slightly confusing initially and require some time to understand.
  • It is currently impossible to configure alerts for inactive devices with a custom duration.
  • When device communication fails during enrollment, there is currently no option to remove a staged device that remains in the "enrolling" status, causing it to persist in the device staged tab.

Pricing

  • ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus has not provided pricing information for this product or service. Contact them directly.

Challenges Faced in the Implementation of Mobile Device Management (MDM) Software

In today's world, mobile devices have become an indispensable aspect of our everyday routines. They hold significant importance in our professional endeavors, necessitating efficient management by organizations.

Mobile Device Management (MDM) aims to assist businesses in effectively handling employee smartphones, tablets, and laptops. However, despite its advantages, MDM also presents challenges that must be confronted and overcome. Here are a few challenges faced while implementing MDM software.

Challenges of MDM Software

  1. Device compatibility

    Some of the MDM platforms support either iOS or Android devices only, while some support all devices. IT managers should decide the MDM based on their device needs. The platforms supporting one type of device are cheaper than those supporting multiple Operating systems. You should compare the platforms to select the best MDM server for your company.

  2. Employee resistance

    Like resistance to any new process in the company, most employees resist using MDM to manage the devices. Employees may see this as an invasion of their privacy. Management can ease their concerns by educating employees on how MDM will ultimately benefit the employees. Also, it can be implemented with less restrictive policies to reduce resistance.

  3. User experience impact

    Even though MDM systems provide robust security, they lack user experience for employees. IT admins can contact a custom app development company like Simpalm to build a customized user experience for apps. A customized app with links to other apps and functionality makes it easier for employees to perform their daily tasks.

  4. Implementation complexity

    Implementing an MDM server and managing it is not easy since you are trying to manage your employees' devices and apps. Companies have to spend several days training their IT team and employees on the MDM platform being implemented. The IT team has to create several training and troubleshooting resources for the employees to reduce implementation roadblocks.

  5. Provider compatibility

    Every MDM solution may not be compatible with all types of mobile devices and may not provide servers' SaaS capabilities. IT managers should decide whether to implement the MDM server on-premises or need a SaaS solution. The IT team should decide which devices need to be supported before deciding on the MDM provider.

  6. Network connectivity dependencies

    Devices managed by MDM are restricted from being connected with certain networks like company networks or maybe home networks. If any of these networks are down, employees can't use the devices for their functions. IT admins should have a backup network in place if primary networks are down.

  7. Constantly evolving mobile landscape

    Major mobile companies like Apple, Google, and Samsung keep launching new devices with various screen sizes and OS versions, forcing admins to upgrade the server, devices, and apps being monitored. This not only increases the financial burden but also increases the management efforts.

  8. Overlapping functionality

    Since the landscape of controlling devices and applications has grown beyond mobile devices, two other solutions: Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) and Unified Endpoint Management (UEM), have also come into existence.

    While MDM focuses on controlling company-provided mobile devices, EMM focuses on corporate and personal devices and other applications, and UEM focuses on PCs, laptops, sensors, and other endpoints.

    EMM encompasses all the features of MDM and mobile application management, security management, access management, and BYOD management.

    Sometimes it becomes difficult for companies to decide which solution to implement since they have several overlapping features. Smaller businesses tend to deploy only MDM, while large enterprises would deploy UEM and EMM. The IT team should evaluate their business needs, users, and cost to decide which type of solution fits them.

Upcoming Trends in MDM

Enterprise mobility is experiencing a high adoption rate globally. As a result, businesses are exploring workplace flexibility to tap into newer markets.

As mobility progresses, businesses are going to need technology that caters to their dynamic needs. This is why mobile device management is evolving rapidly, with newer trends surfacing every day.

The near future of MDM involves massive adoption of the zero-trust approach, which seems promising regarding data security and preventing unauthorized access.

The zero-trust approach demands authentication from every single person, whether they belong to the organization or not. This minimizes the attack surface and reinforces corporate security.

Another MDM trend that is set to redefine the mobility space involves AI and machine learning. The use of AI to understand employees’ device usage pattern help in identifying insider threats.

Similarly, sentiment analysis and automated reasoning enabled by AI algorithms can go a long way in optimizing public-facing devices and strengthening customer service.

AI also shows a promising role in anomaly detection and generating alerts ahead of time for enhanced quick fixes and seamless enterprise operations.

Software that Integrates with MDM Software

Many management software can integrate with MDM software to manage employee devices securely and efficiently to boost productivity. Here is a list of some best management software that can integrate with MDM.

MDM Software Integration

  1. Mobile Application Management (MAM) software

    Mobile application management (MAM) enables businesses to create their internal application catalog, functioning similarly to a public marketplace. It allows for validating specific applications, ensuring their safety and suitability for corporate use. With MAM, IT admins can gain the authority to control the deployment of applications on mobile devices, ensuring adherence to robust security policies.

  2. Unified endpoint management (UEM) software

    Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) is a complete software solution that manages and secures all types of end-user devices like desktops, laptops, smartphones, tablets, wearables, and sensors within an organization. It enables security and helps  IT teams to protect all endpoint devices using a single console, regardless of the operating system or location.

  3. Identity and Access Management (IAM) systems

    To ensure robust security in MDM, implementing an Identity and Access Management (IAM) system is crucial. IAM empowers enterprises to manage user identities associated with their devices. It enables comprehensive control over user access within the organization, utilizing features like Single Sign-On (SSO), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and Role-Based Access Control (RBAC).

  4. Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) platforms

    Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) contains services and technologies specifically developed to protect sensitive corporate data on staff mobile devices. By utilizing EMM, organizations can effectively protect their valuable data assets and devices while accommodating business needs.

  5. Mobile Threat Defense (MTD) platforms

    Mobile Threat Defense (MTD) software safeguards organizations and individual users against security threats that target mobile platforms. MTD protects against attacks tailored for mobile devices, such as malware, phishing, or network attacks that compromise a user's device.

  6. Network Access Control (NAC) systems

    Network Access Control (NAC) systems empower businesses to enforce strict controls over unauthorized or non-compliant devices and users attempting to access the corporate network. By implementing NAC, organizations can guarantee that only compliant devices can connect to the network, thus upholding corporate security policies.

What Is the Cost of MDM Software?

The MDM solutions are commonly offered through monthly or annual subscription licenses, which can be structured on a per-device or per-user basis. The pricing for these solutions varies depending on factors such as the features provided by the MDM software and the number of licenses required.

According to the 2022 Maximizing Mobile Value study conducted by Oxford Economics, an MDM solution costs between $3.25 and $9 per device per month. To put it in simple language, the cost per month can range from the cost of one coffee to the cost of one lunch. Given the value that MDM offers, these costs are very negligible.

Conclusion

The Growth of mobile devices and the increasing adoption of IoT devices have transformed the landscape of mobile device monitoring. After Covid, the remote work culture increased, and managing mobile devices and computer management became equally crucial.

To simplify the process of remote monitoring, MDM software solutions provide a centralized approach, enabling organizations to monitor all devices across their network from a single location.

It ensures comprehensive oversight and management of the diverse range of devices connected to the network, streamlining the monitoring process for improved efficiency. Implementing MDM also reduces the risk and makes life easier for IT managers.

FAQs

Mobile device management is not an option but a necessity for modern businesses for various reasons. Firstly, the growing rate of cyber crimes and insider data breaches result in lowered brand reputation and revenue.

Securing corporate data access by employees from remote locations on their personal devices is vital to business continuity. Next, managing countless mobile devices, both company-issued and employee-owned, is complex if all devices are not in the same location.

MDM solutions help enterprise IT admins provision devices, configure policies, monitor device performance, and offer instant remote support.

Depending on your business needs, you can either select an on-premise MDM solution wherein the MDM server is hosted within the organization or pick a cloud-based MDM solution wherein the MDM server is remotely hosted by a third party.

Cloud-based MDM solutions are preferable for modern businesses as they are accessible on the go and reduce infrastructure expenses for your organization.

There are several mobile device management solutions available in the market, such as AirDroid Business, Meraki, and XenMobile.

Scalefusion is one of the popular MDM solutions used by businesses of all sizes, especially SMBs. It is a powerful platform that offers multi-OS support and helps organizations manage their smartphones, laptops, tablets, and custom and rugged devices effortlessly.

Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions focus primarily on device-centric functionalities, while Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) encompasses both corporate and personal device management and a range of additional features. On the other hand, Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) expands upon these capabilities by unlocking advanced management potential, offering enhanced security and comprehensive management across all types of endpoints.

Imagine if your enterprise experienced a substantial growth this quarter, adding a thousand employees through hiring or acquisitions. Would your IT department be capable of effectively managing such a challenge? You can likely envision numerous struggles and potential failures to meet service level agreements (SLAs). These disappointments and unmet service expectations lead to a decrease in the respective end users for IT.

However, by implementing Mobile Device Management (MDM) comprehensively, you can empower the growth of your enterprise. With robust systems and streamlined processes in place, you'll be able to manage not just 100 users but also 10,000 users. As a result, your IT department will be seen as an enabler of growth rather than an obstacle standing in the way.

No, not all Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions are compatible with all mobile devices. Compatibility can vary depending on the operating system (iOS, Android, etc.) and device manufacturer.

MDM solutions typically support multiple platforms but may have limitations or variations in functionality across different devices. It is important to consider device compatibility when selecting an MDM solution for your specific mobile device ecosystem.

Last Updated: February 29, 2024