Why is there a sudden vibration in your right buttock? We can only assume it’s your trusty smartphone beckoning for your attention or something we should reserve for another blog. But if it’s indeed your smartphone, let’s give it the reverence it deserves, for devices like yours—whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, or laptop—empower your business by enabling flexible deployments of your workforce.
However, having just the devices isn’t enough. To ensure secure and productive remote and hybrid working, you need the magic of mobile device management (MDM) to make it all happen seamlessly.
That’s why we’re taking a step back to explore the basics of mobile device management. We have two reasons for doing so:
- It’s our blog, and we’ll call the shots.
- MDM can sometimes seem overly complicated, but trust us, it doesn’t have to be.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll demystify mobile device management basics and equip you with the knowledge to navigate it with ease. So buckle up and get ready to unlock the true potential of mobile devices in your business.
What’s Mobile Device Management, Anyway?
The first question to answer for mobile device management basics is, “What exactly is Mobile Device Management?” In a nutshell, it’s not a standalone entity but rather a collection of components that work together to empower you in managing your fleet of mobile devices, no matter where they are in the world. Think of it as having a central online dashboard that puts you in control. While MDM is not an out-of-the-box solution, some parts of it can be. Let’s whip up the perfect MDM recipe by discovering its key ingredients:
| What is MDM Actually Made Of? | |
| MDM Ingredient | What It Does |
| MDM Control Software, Apps, and Platforms | This component serves as the central hub for managing your mobile fleet. It enables various functionalities such as configuration, monitoring, and securing devices. |
| MDM Device Agents | These are software applications installed on each remote device, acting as obedient messengers that carry out commands from the central dashboard and relay important information back to it. |
| Containerization | Hint: it’s not for storing leftovers. With containerization, data, and files on devices are kept separate. This ensures a clear distinction between personal and corporate files, even on personal devices used for work purposes. |
| Over-The-Air Protocols and Technologies | These protocols and technologies facilitate seamless data transfer and communication between devices. For example, QR codes can enroll devices into your fleet, and push notifications can deliver software updates. |
| Device Configuration Profiles and Policies | This component provides instructions on how each device in your fleet should be configured. It covers antivirus software installation, Wi-Fi blocking, and more. |
| Security Options | Security is a paramount concern in MDM. It offers a range of options, such as automated encryption, whitelisting approved apps, blocking suspicious apps, and restricting connectivity to ensure the safety of your devices and data. |
| A Human | Amidst all the technical components, humans play a vital role in MDM. They determine the objectives to be achieved, configure MDM according to their requirements, initiate processes like onboarding automation, and respond to alerts and information provided by MDM. |
By understanding the various elements that constitute mobile device management basics, you can harness its power to effectively manage your mobile devices and optimize your business operations.
What Does MDM Actually Do?
What exactly does MDM do? Well, darling, it does a whole lot of things! This would be the fundamental next stop in our guide to understanding mobile device management basics. MDM is a versatile resource that can benefit various areas of your business. Let’s dive into its main applications:
- Consistent Device Management: MDM ensures that all devices in your fleet are deployed, maintained, and managed to a consistent standard. This helps streamline operations and maintain a cohesive IT environment.
- Online IT Asset Register: MDM provides an online IT asset register, which plays a crucial role in compliance and assists in effective IT asset lifecycle management. It gives you a comprehensive overview of your assets and facilitates efficient tracking and maintenance.
- Efficient Onboarding: With MDM, you can swiftly set up and provision new hires with the necessary tools and communications, regardless of their location. This ensures a seamless onboarding process and empowers employees from day one.
- Data Security: Protecting your company data is paramount, and MDM plays a crucial role in this aspect. It enables you to enforce security measures such as pushing software updates, remotely locking and wiping lost or stolen devices, implementing encryption, and revoking access for ex-employees. MDM has a whole arsenal of security features to keep your data safe.
- Remote Troubleshooting: MDM allows for remote diagnosis and troubleshooting of device issues. This saves time and resources by resolving problems from a distance, minimizing disruptions and downtime.
- Network Monitoring: MDM also helps in monitoring network activity, keeping a vigilant eye on your network infrastructure. It can detect and flag up potential problems, allowing you to take proactive measures to maintain a robust and reliable network.
With its versatility and wide-ranging capabilities, MDM proves to be an invaluable asset for businesses in optimizing device management, ensuring data security, and enhancing overall operational efficiency.
Mobile Device Management Basics: Is MDM Worth It?
Is a frog’s butt watertight? Well, let’s just say frogs have their ways of keeping water where it belongs. Now, let’s dive into why MDM is a game-changer.
Alright, we may sell MDM, but we believe in being honest because a) ethics matter, and b) our clients appreciate our transparency. MDM is absolutely worth it in countless ways that we can’t even begin to describe. But let’s give you a glimpse into why our clients swear by MDM:
Cost Savings
For startups and small businesses, maintaining an in-house IT team can be financially and operationally burdensome. The costs of salaries, benefits, and managing IT personnel can quickly add up. With outsourced MDM, you get a comprehensive solution that covers your IT operational and security needs, recruitment, compliance, business performance, and agility, often for a flat fee per seat per month. That’s a lot of benefits without the hefty price tag. Plus, MDM enables remote work, freeing you from the exorbitant costs of office rent, cleaning, insurance, and more.
Hiring Freedom
MDM breaks the shackles of traditional business models and opens up a world of possibilities. It grants you the flexibility to hire talent from anywhere, regardless of location. Whether you’re looking for cost-effective hires, specific skills, or niche expertise, MDM allows you to assemble a diverse team without being restricted by geographical boundaries. That highly skilled prima donna in Tokyo might just be willing to work for you if they can do it from the comfort of their home. This expands your talent pool and sharpens your competitive edge.
Compliance Made Easy
While MDM handles your day-to-day business operations, it also ensures compliance with a wide range of IT regulatory frameworks. By implementing MDM, you automatically check off numerous compliance controls, saving you time, effort, and potential penalties. For instance, our flavor of MDM checks off these bad boys:
MDM offers far-reaching benefits that positively impact your bottom line, operational efficiency, and overall business success. From cost savings and remote work capabilities to expanded hiring options and simplified compliance, MDM proves its worth time and time again. So, if you’re wondering whether MDM is worth it, the answer is a resounding “yes”!
Howzabout A Friendly Chat About Mobile Device Management Basics?
How about a friendly chat about mobile device management basics? We’d love to assist you in exploring the wonders of MDM and how it can enhance your business operations, bolster security, and streamline workflows. Give us a call, and one of our knowledgeable team members will be delighted to have a no-obligation conversation tailored to your specific needs. We’re passionate about MDM, and we’re fluent in both tech and human languages. So, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s connect to uncover the potential of MDM for your business.
Ignition is Silicon Valley’s best (and friendliest) IT security, compliance, and support team. Contact us now – chatting about IT support and cybersecurity is our favorite thing to do!