The advancement in technology especially in the field of telecommunication has created a huge emphasis on the aspect of Bring Your Own Devices (BYOD). Nowadays, it is common to find enterprises issuing mobile devices to employees for conducting business transactions. Such devices are normally enforced with unique security features that ensure confidentiality and privacy.
Company data is crucial, and its protection is a priority for any business. Therefore, the adoption of Mobile Device Management platforms is almost inevitable for all enterprises. However, before settling on a Mobile Device Management platform, it is important to consider the features associated with the particular service provider as the nature of service tends to vary.
What is Mobile Device Management
A Mobile device management software allows monitoring of the issued mobile devices. The management process primarily involves security enhancement for all devices. In addition to security management features, Mobile Management Device platforms have Mobile Application Management capabilities so as to achieve a full Enterprise Mobility Management service.
The Mobile Application Management feature helps to manage the information that is transmitted between apps that have been installed on the issued mobile devices. The increase of instant messaging applications makes it necessary to ensure that communication through such means is managed and secure.
Most of the available mobile management platforms help enterprises to achieve end-to-end security. In this case, the network, data, applications, and devices are all monitored using a single platform.
Cloud-based Mobile Device Management
Adoption of the cloud technology has lately been a huge consideration among most enterprises. In the same manner, using cloud-related software is suitable as it allows for mobility and constant monitoring. A cloud-based MDM server is remotely hosted on the cloud service provider's infrastructure, and access is achieved through the internet.
Additionally, devices connect directly to the server where information is uploaded and backed up. The remote MDM server may be connected to the enterprise network where other services such as email server incorporation can be undertaken. The advantage of using cloud-based MDM includes:
Open Source MDM platforms
- Faster deployment, since the MDM can easily be set up. Additionally, achieving a defined mobile security platform is far less less complicated than other options.
- Requirements of the MDM can be incorporated into the cloud hastily. Even when the MDM has many features, it can simply be linked to the organization's network.
- Less need of continuously upgrading the MDM platform each time the service provider releases a new version.
- Cheaper to invest in a cloud-based MDM platform as there is no need of acquiring dedicated hardware, software, and operating systems related to the in-house MDM platforms.
The use of open source Mobile Device Management platforms should be undertaken with particular goals in mind. Open source platforms mean that they are free to use, and the source code can be obtained then customized to fit specific requirements of an organization. MDM tools such as Google Android Device Manager, Apple Configurator, and Miradore Online are among the typical open source platforms.
However, it is important to understand that each MDM tool allows different functionalities to be achieved. For instance, Miradore avails clients with cloud-based functionalities, Apple Configurator can only be used with IOS platforms, and the Google option manages handsets that have version 2.3 or later of the Android OS. On the other hand, open source MDM platforms whose code can be customized include Android SDK, Sample iOS MDM Server, and WSO2 Enterprise Mobility Manager Framework.
Most Popular MDM platforms
VMware AirWatch
It is an Enterprise Mobile Management platform and can manage a huge number of mobile handsets that have different operating systems. The platform also has an easy to understand interface and allows devices to be linked to the AirWatch cloud to ensure easy management.
BlackBerry UEM
It offers advanced security functionalities beyond what is provided by Apple and Android, and it is mostly used by government officials. Blackberry UEM provides multi-platform incorporation as there is the need for managing different types of mobile devices at once. It provides users with a suitable network, but does not have the cloud option.
IBM MaaS360
It is provided by IBM and is most suitable due to the strong security features that accompany the platform. Additionally, it is very cheap and allows customization of the platform.
Mobileiron
It is very suitable as it does not end up bringing many complications to the general structure of the business. Other distributions of the MDM are Mobileiron Core, which allows the definition of app priorities, and MobileIron Sentry that allows implementation of secure gateways.