What is mobile device management software, and what does it do for your business?

Mobile devices are proving to be indispensable in the era of hybrid work. These powerful, portable, and generally affordable tools can be used for a variety of tasks such as accepting payments, creating presentations, and monitoring social media engagement.

But mobile devices are not without security risks. For instance, an employee may misplace or lose a tablet that contains important files or has high-level business data access. Mobile device management (MDM) software can minimize such risks while ensuring that every device connected to your network is running optimally.

Here’s what you need to know about MDM software and why your business needs it.

What is mobile device management software?

Mobile device management (MDM) software enables IT teams to monitor and manage mobile devices connected to the company network, including smartphones, tablets, and even Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

IT administrators typically use a management console to configure and set up security policies, such as what apps can be downloaded to which device and which app features will be accessible to particular end users. These policies are then applied to devices connected to the corporate network, ensuring a standardized implementation of security protocols.

Microsoft Intune is one of the most popular solutions that focus on MDM, but there are various choices in the market that will suit your business needs and budget. Consult with a reputable IT solutions provider to know which MDM solution is best for your organization.

Why does your business need an MDM solution?

Using an MDM solution primes your business for mobility, making it more agile and adaptable to any disruption. It also simplifies mobile endpoint management and offers several benefits, including the following:

• Faster setup – MDM software can automate various tasks like configuring Wi-Fi settings or installing core business apps. This makes it faster to set up a mobile device, so your employees can start using it right away. And because your IT staff spends less time configuring devices and installing updates, they will have more time to focus on more important assignments.

 

• Increased efficiency – Your IT admin can configure and deploy personalized policies for your staff based on their roles. They can also customize these policies according to the needs of a department or a team, which helps improve workflow efficiency.

 

• Improved productivity – MDM solutions let you manage which apps your employees can access during work hours. You can create policies that blacklist productivity-draining apps or sites so that your staff will have fewer distractions and can better focus on their tasks.

 

• Easier compliance – Achieving compliance for different standards such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) is easier with an MDM solution. MDM software enables an organization to centralize compliance efforts, access accurate compliance reporting, and even adapt to regulatory changes.

 

• Enhanced security – MDM solutions protect data in all three stages: at rest, in use, and in transit. When data is at rest, MDM software can enforce strong passcodes on devices and encrypt devices to deny unauthorized access. While corporate data is being used, an MDM solution can prevent it from being saved or shared on third-party apps and services. And while data is in transit, it can be transmitted securely with MDM policies such as virtual private network configurations and global HTTP proxies in place.

 

• Remote management – With an MDM solution, you can manage mobile devices over the air with no user intervention and without affecting employee productivity. This is particularly important for businesses that implement remote working or hybrid working, as it allows IT admins to monitor and manage mobile devices that are outside the company’s premises but are connected to its network.
   
  Another important benefit of MDM software is that it enables your IT admin to completely wipe data stored in lost or stolen devices or remove company data from employees' personal devices. This guarantees that unauthorized individuals cannot access your data even if they get ahold of a device that was once used to connect to your network.

The right MDM solution can help mitigate security risks while ensuring your mobile devices’ optimal efficiency. If you’re interested in knowing more about mobile security or how to safeguard your data, we have the eBook for you. Download your FREE copy now! You can also call us at 647-697-7710 — our IT support representatives are always ready to give you a hand.