Increasingly companies are turning to mobile device management software (MDM) to simplify and manage security across their mobile devices. In this blog we’ll be taking a look at why MDM software has become important and how a few MDM brands are leading the way.

What is MDM software?

MDM software is a type of management or security technology that allows IT administrators to manage and secure corporate or personal mobile devices. MDM software is also referred to as MDM clients, MDM solutions or MDM servers. Such software can function across multiple operating systems. And it can be used to monitor and manage a wide range of digital devices. MDM is including mobile application management functions – read more about the difference between MDM and MAM here.

In today’s world so much work is conducted via mobile devices because of how portable and sophisticated they have become. While the portability of mobiles is a great advantage, it also presents some challenges for organizations that deal with sensitive communications and data.

Why do you need MDM software?

If you want to take full advantage of smartphones in the workplace, you must also contend with the various risks such as data leaks and unauthorized data access. MDM software simplifies the challenge of managing mobile devices. It allows you to be flexible with your approach to your fleet of mobiles.

If you find an MDM solution that suits your organization, your system administrators will be able to exert full control of how your mobile devices are used.

You need MDM software because it can:

It enables you to manage multiple types of devices and OS

Some MDM software allows users to manage multiple operating systems such as Android, iOS, Windows, macOS and Chrome OS. Equally, MDM software enables businesses to monitor and manage a wide array of devices from iPhones, Windows phones and Android phones.

It makes deployment simple

MDM software can be deployed on-premises or in public or private cloud environments. Businesses can choose the deployment method that suits their business needs and leaves room for business growth. This strategy can then be easily adapted as business circumstances change.

It ensures integration is efficient and easy

Most MDM software can be seamlessly integrated with development tools, product management solutions, ticketing software, and a variety of other business technologies.

It protects your business

MDM software protects and secures your businesses and your interests by allowing you to control your employees’ access to data and ability to share company-related information.

Read also: Mobile Device Management and GDPR.

MDM software for iOS and Android

There are a host of different MDM solutions from which you can choose. Whether you work at a small business or a giant corporation, there will be MDM software that can suit your way of working and the type of mobile devices you need to manage.

A few MDM solutions for Android and iOS

Major players on the MDM market are MobileIron, VMware, Microsoft Intune or IBM MaaS360. Blackberry also offers MDM solutions. In the following, we introduce you to some more MDM manufacturers.

• Flyve MDM

Flyve MDM is an open source MDM solution that can be managed via a simple web-based controller. Flyve MDM has a number of key features including intuitive control over management tasks and self-enrolment as well as the easy retrieval of device information.

It is an MDM solution that is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. It has tremendous applications across a variety of devices. Flyve MDM also provides users with a feature that allows you to remotely lock devices. This ultimate level of control is ideal for organizations who are particularly concerned with levels of security and privacy on their mobile devices.

• Headwind MDM

Headwind MDM is considered to be one of the most powerful open-source MDM platforms on the market. It is the ideal solution for corporate device management across Android devices because it enables easy bulk enrollment, effective restriction of user permissions, and automatic mobile application management. At the moment Headwind is not available for iOS devices.

Headwind MDM describe their solution as a “corporate shell” for an organization’s Android devices.  This software provides administrators with a robust system of support. They can rely on Headwind to monitor and control how employees are using their Android mobile devices.

• ManageEngine MDM

ManageEngine MDM is a popular, free MDM solution that can be used to monitor and manage desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. It is supported on Android and iOS devices as well as on Windows, Mac OS and Chrome OS.

ManageEngine MDM has a number of standout features including remote device control, device scanning and out-of-the-box reports. It is designed to work immediately and features over two hundred customizable widgets enabling users to create unique dashboards and tailored reports.

As with other MDM software open source solutions, ManageEngine is flexible, practical and ideal for mobile security.

• SOTI MDM

SOTI MDM offers a complete suite of tools for iOS and Android devices. It can also be used for Windows, macOS and Linux device management.

Administrators can choose from on-premises or cloud installation options. Once everything is set up, SOTI gives administrators plenty of freedom to monitor, integrate, and control employee mobile devices to ensure consistent security and adaptability.

• Hexnode

Despite being one of the most affordable MDM software solutions on the market, Hexnode is also one of the best ways to manage your iOS and Android devices.

Like SOTI, Hexnode can be managed locally or via a remote cloud system. One of the key features of Hexnode is the ‘zero-touch enrolment’ which allows devices to be added to the MDM environment automatically. This is ideal for administrators that deal with plenty of mobile devices.

The MDM software for you

Hopefully, you now have a good idea of the purpose of MDM software. And you know more about the many different types of MDM solutions on the market today. Maybe you’re still not sure about MDM functions or MDM costs? Reach out to us any time.

When thinking about MDM software you also have to think about the kinds of mobile devices you’ll be using. To ensure you are making the most of the technology and maintaining the best possible security, you should focus on getting high-end smartphones that can be used for professional and personal purposes.

These devices can then be monitored, managed and protected by one of the MDM software solutions we’ve highlighted above.