Best Mobile Device Management (MDM) Software

What is mobile device management software?

What are the standard features of mobile device management software?

What are the benefits of mobile device management software?

Who uses mobile device management software?

The following professionals most commonly use mobile device management software:

• Internal IT Teams use MDM for advanced supervision and integrate it into security strategies to prevent unauthorized access.
• Healthcare professionals turn to MDM to secure devices for in-home health aides and patient monitoring and to ensure compliance with regulations like HIPAA.
• Transportation and logistics sector employees rely on MDM for rapid device enrollment to guarantee adherence to standards like the electronic logging device (ELD) rule.
• Educational institutions utilize MDM for remote configuration, app installation, and a secure learning environment with usage restrictions.
• Retail and service industries securely deploy mobile devices for various roles, like Single-App Kiosk mode and customization options for brand consistency.
• Government employees use MDM to secure devices and data, enhancing operational efficiency while meeting stringent standards.
• Small businesses opt for cloud-based MDM tools for device tracking and remote management, enhancing efficiency without needing in-house IT specialists.
• Managed service provider institute automated and secure processes using MDM. They proactively manage customer devices through a centralized portal for enhanced service delivery.

Mobile device management software pricing

Mobile device management software providers offer pricing plans to cater to the diverse needs of businesses. While specific details vary among providers, here are common pricing plans associated with MDM software.

• Per-device pricing: Charges are based on the number of devices the MDM software manages. This suits businesses with a predictable number of devices that require management.
• User-based pricing: Costs are determined by the number of users or employees who require device management. User-based works for businesses with a fluctuating number of devices per user or multiple devices per user.
• Cloud-based vs. on-premises: Cloud-based MDM solutions often follow a subscription model with pricing based on the number of devices or users. On-premises solutions may involve a one-time licensing fee or annual maintenance costs.
• Trial periods: Some providers offer free trial periods for businesses that want to test the MDM software before committing to a paid plan.

Software and services related to mobile device management software

Related solutions and services that can be used alongside mobile device management software include:

• Mobile application management (MAM) software: Mobile application management (MAM) solutions pair well with MDM tools and focus on the actual device applications instead of the overall device. They let companies deliver and manage necessary applications to mobile devices, helping secure any company data that might flow through them.
• Enterprise mobility management (EMM) software: The summary of MDM and MAM enterprise mobility management (EMM) solutions cover the basic needs of organizing and tracking a company's mobile devices. These tools function particularly nicely for smaller businesses that might not have many endpoints but heavily utilize mobile devices in their workflow.
• Endpoint management software: Another valuable partner to MDM tools, endpoint management solutions help companies secure mobile devices and other endpoints. Businesses use them together to view their mobile devices comprehensively.
• Unified endpoint management (UEM) software: UEM encompasses all of MAM, MDM, and endpoint management functions under a single platform. These products are typically employed at the enterprise level, where the number of individual endpoints is in the thousands.

Challenges with mobile device management software

Some common challenges with mobile device management software are:

• Device compatibility: Not all MDM solutions cover every mobile OS or device hardware. To prevent compatibility issues, ensure that the selected MDM software supports specific mobile OS and devices used by the company.
• Provider compatibility: Compatibility challenges extend to data providers like ISPs or telecom companies. Ensuring compatibility with all potential vendors can prove to be cumbersome.
• Data security and privacy: Transmitting sensitive corporate data via personal mobile devices raises security and privacy concerns. Some MDM solutions may not fully safeguard against breaches.
• Vendor lock-in: MDM solutions from major tech companies may lead to vendor lock-in, limiting flexibility when supporting third-party applications. This restriction hinders the organization's software choices and may require integration-specific APIs.
• Complexity: MDM solutions can be intricate and pose challenges in setup and maintenance. Technical expertise is often necessary, which may be lacking. Investing in training or dedicated IT support becomes essential to overcome these difficulties.
• Cost: Implementing and maintaining an MDM solution incurs a notable cost, typically involving monthly or annual fees based on the number of managed devices. 

Which companies should buy mobile device management software?

Industries across various sectors can benefit from implementing mobile device management software. Here are a few sectors where MDM is particularly advantageous.

• Healthcare: Healthcare providers use mobile devices extensively to access and update patient records, monitor recovery, and deliver treatment. The privacy and security of this sensitive data are paramount, necessitating MDM platforms. 
• Retail sector: Mobile devices serve diverse purposes, from information kiosks to mPOS systems and inventory tools. MDM solutions offer real-time information for better efficiency and coordination. They simplify tasks, track inventory, and improve decision-making. MDM ensures security by protecting sensitive retail data.
• Education: The education sector employs many mobile devices for students and teachers, including tablets and smartphones. MDM software creates a safe learning environment by giving educators control over user activity, limiting access to approved websites and apps, and preventing exposure to inappropriate online content. 
• Warehousing and logistics: Mobile devices like rugged tablets, handheld scanners, and wearable devices are integral to warehouse operations. MDM platforms efficiently manage these devices to ensure workers get updates, patches, and monitoring capabilities. 
• Transportation: In transportation, mobile devices are used for navigation, communication, and remote operations. MDM software becomes essential for configuring, updating, and managing these devices remotely. It helps troubleshoot issues, locate devices, and ensure secure communication, mainly when devices go offline or encounter technical problems.

How to choose mobile device management software

Choosing a mobile device management software depends on the business needs, preferences, and work type. The following explains the step-by-step process buyers can use to find a suitable mobile device management software:

Identify business needs and priorities

Consider whether the focus is safeguarding sensitive data, enhancing productivity, or achieving a balance between the two. For instance, an effective MDM solution can increase productivity by limiting employee access to specific distracting applications. 

Simultaneously, establishing robust password requirements and encryption features fortifies defense against unauthorized access, further safeguarding sensitive data. The company must frame goals to address specific challenges that have measurable outcomes.

Choose the necessary technology and features

Selecting the essential technology, MDM involves careful consideration of four indispensable factors:

• Remote device management: AnMDM solution must empower administrators to efficiently oversee and control devices remotely to guarantee uninterrupted functionality and quick issue resolution.
• User experience and ease of use: An effective MDM solution should prioritize a user-friendly interface to facilitate straightforward navigation and configuration.
• Multi-platform support for BYOD Policies: An MDM solution must be versatile enough to accommodate various operating systems and device types to maintain compatibility with different devices.
• Application management: The organization ought to be able to more easily enforce policies, roll out updates, and optimize application usage with a comprehensive MDM solution.
• Reporting and analytics: To enable proactive measures and strategic planning, an MDM solution should provide full insight into device usage, security metrics, and performance data.

In addition to these core features, the value of integrations cannot be overstated. Smooth integration with third-party tools and services enhances the MDM solution's capacity to extend beyond traditional device management and fosters a comprehensive and cohesive IT ecosystem.

Review vendor vision, roadmap, viability, and support

Evaluating an MDM vendor involves meticulously examining its vision and roadmap to ensure it matches the organization's trajectory and can adapt to evolving technological landscapes. Prioritizing these aspects ensures effective deployment and ongoing adaptability to dynamic needs.

A vendor who offers comprehensive support from onboarding to setup assistance contributes to an easy integration process. Furthermore, an extensive knowledge base and community empower users to find context-specific solutions. 

Evaluate the deployment and purchasing model

It's imperative to understand the organization's budget constraints and the IT team's capabilities in terms of initial setup and ongoing maintenance.

Whether on-premise or cloud-based, the deployment model should align with the organization's preferences and requirements. An on-premise solution may offer greater control but could demand more resources. On the other hand, a cloud-based solution often provides flexibility and scalability, which reduces the burden on internal IT departments. 

The purchasing model should also be transparent and meet the budgetary constraints. Whether it's a subscription-based model, perpetual licensing, or a combination of both, the finance team must understand the total cost of ownership and the scalability of the pricing structure. 

Put it all together

Choose an MDM solution prioritizing data security, user-friendly design, and multi-platform support. Evaluate vendors based on alignment, support, and integration options and consider on-premise tools for control or cloud-based for flexibility. For a comprehensive solution, align the purchasing model with budget and scalability needs.

Implementation of mobile device management software

How is mobile device management software implemented?

The team responsible for implementation needs a comprehensive communication plan to set up the MDM platform successfully. They must Initiate the communication plan early and emphasize transparency and overcommunication to clarify what MDM is and how teams will use it.

Address potential hesitation by offering alternatives, such as giving them corporate devices or financial incentives for compliance. Make sure to discuss the requirements for a password, rules for password complexity, device encryption, and the limits of corporate access.

Additionally, differentiate between Android and iOS. For Android, use the Android Enterprise framework during provisioning to convert phones into business-ready devices with a focus on preventing data leakage. For Apple devices, register on the Apple ABM portal to obtain an ABM organization ID to prepare all supervised devices for MDM enrollment. 

Mobile device management software trends

• Rising mobility: The pervasiveness of mobile devices continues to grow, especially in the corporate world. Mobile endpoints are on the rise, and with them, the need for effective tracking and management strategies.
• Privacy and security emphasis: With increasing scrutiny on data privacy and security, MDM software is a crucial layer of protection for corporate and individual user data. The evolving regulatory landscape underscores the importance of full mobile data security measures.
• BYOD evolution: The sudden shift to remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic led to the inevitable rise of bring your own device (BYOD). While IT policies may have become more flexible, well-ordered MDM has become paramount for managing personal devices.
• Integration with virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR): The integration of MDM with VR is revolutionizing industries like field service and maintenance. Augmented reality AR tools, facilitated by MDM, allow technicians to overlay digital information on physical equipment to enhance precision and collaboration. These technologies require high performance, high bandwidth, and high-security management to support immersive experiences in various business applications.
• AI-driven innovation: Artificial intelligence (AI) is steering innovation in MDM, enabling automation, optimization, and personalization. AI-powered MDM analyzes device usage patterns, identifies threats, optimizes performance, and provides proactive support.
• Zero-trust security model: Adopting a zero-trust security model in MDM assumes that every device, network, or user is inherently suspicious. Along with continuous monitoring and verification, this model uses the principle of least privilege to prevent data breaches and reduce the risk of insider threats.

Researched and written by Tian Lin

Edited and reviewed by Aisha West