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    The MDM Market: How Large and Small MDM Solutions Differ

    Mobile workData security
    July 1, 20264 min read
    The MDM Market: How Large and Small MDM Solutions Differ

    MDM software comparison

    IT managers planning the rollout of MDM software (Mobile Device Management) usually face a real problem: choosing the right vendor is like taking a shot in the dark. When you compare the functions of different MDM providers, the features of individual solutions on the MDM market look almost identical. So how are you supposed to know whether the MDM from Blackberry, Ivanti, or Microsoft (Intune) is the best fit? Or is the solution from a smaller (and cheaper) software house like Cortado perhaps enough? Questions upon questions.

    MDM (Mobile Device Management) comparison


    Which one to choose? Selecting an MDM software is tough.

    Basic MDM differences

    At first glance, the vendors' offerings barely differ – whether it's an international software giant or a mid-sized German IT company. It shouldn't really be a surprise that the MDM market looks like this. That's because the basic functionalities access standard iOS and Android interfaces, and the core features are needed in almost every use case. Examples include a containerised workspace that separates private and business data, as well as the ability for remote access and management (Remote Lock/Remote Wipe).

    Screenshot: A work container on Android on the right.
    The containerised apps can be recognised by the small blue briefcase icon. The private area is on the left.

    However, there are still major differences between the cheaper, smaller systems and the large MDM vendors – for example, in the metadata layer and batch functionality. Here are five aspects you should thoroughly check before deciding on a specific MDM.
    MDM market comparison
    Which one packs more punch? At first glance, all MDM softwares look the same.

    MDM difference 1: Batch migration

    Batch migration means migrating mobile devices into a new system en masse. In the best-case scenario, you simply upload an Excel or CSV file with the devices' IMEI numbers to onboard them. With "large" solutions, this is easily done. With MDM software from some smaller vendors, this crucial feature is missing. This means you have to add each device individually. Moving devices to specific profile settings cannot be done in batches either, but has to be done one by one, in specific detail. Both are annoying and time-consuming.

    MDM difference 2: Active Directory

    If the mobile device management programme supports integration with the company's Active Directory, all IMEI numbers are automatically matched up with all your master data. This is incredibly practical. Make sure you check if the solutions on your shortlist offer this feature.

    MDM difference 3: Security layers

    Some MDM solutions, such as IBM MaaS360 and the Blackberry Enterprise Mobility Suite, offer additional security layers. These increase mobile security by detecting mobile malware on the devices early on and analysing the health of your entire smartphone fleet ("Fleet Health"). Cybercriminal attacks on mobile devices can therefore be fended off much faster.

    MDM difference 4: Device compatibility

    The list of supported vendors/devices is an important point, perhaps even one of the most critical in your entire mobile strategy. Some small MDM providers limit their compatibility to specific manufacturers. If you then want to use other devices because they are particularly suitable, robust, popular, cheap, etc., you're often in for a rude awakening because smartphones from Huawei or Xiaomi, for example, cannot be integrated. Problems are also known to happen with wearables (smart watches) and certain tablets. It's better to double-check this too.

    MDM difference 5: Unified Endpoint Management

    Last but not least: Since Windows 10, the trend of managing all active clients in a company via a single platform (UEM = "Unified Endpoint Management") remains unbroken. This means desktop PCs, laptops, and mobile devices are managed centrally. In our experience, the "big three" do this very reliably: Ivanti, VMware, and Microsoft Intune.

    MDM market overview

    You can find some of the best-known names on the MDM market in this highly non-exhaustive list:

    You can find an exhaustive list in this MDM market overview by Capterra.

    A final tip for your MDM project

    If you're currently dealing with the implementation of MDM software, here is one fundamental tip for you:

    Test extensively!

    Most vendors offer trial licences – you should definitely take advantage of this! It's best to test with a tech-savvy group, so you check the actual requirements and get qualified feedback.

    Do you have any more questions about the MDM market?
    We look forward to your comments!

    Do you have any questions about MDM in general?
    Have a read of our MDM whitepaper.