Most people think that sticking anti-virus software on their computer is enough. But it isn’t. Every device that connects to your network is a potential weak point. Every user is a possible leak. You need endpoint management tools to protect those devices, which are officially known as endpoints in the world of cyber security, and your business.
Endpoint management works to:
- Manage your company devices
- Monitor use on company devices
- Secure company devices
You’ve put a lot of thought into what devices are right for your business. Now, it’s time to manage, secure, and protect your company with the right mobile management solution.
MDM and EMM: an introduction
To understand whether MDM or EMM is right for your business, you must first decide which devices you’ll manage. For example, you could try out device leasing and benefit from having the latest model phones.
Alternatively, you could buy your employees’ devices outright or set up a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policy. You could even have a combination of the three.
Many factors will go into this decision, starting with cost-effectiveness or budget forecasting. Product profitability analysis could create more accurate budgets and financial forecasts. With this improved budget forecast, you can better understand which device options are right for your business today.
Once you know the type of devices you need to manage (and your level of access), it’s next time to pick the mobile management system. Here are just a few things to consider:
- Built-in device management capabilities
- Whether employees work remotely with their devices or not
- Your existing endpoint security
Apple devices, for example, come with built-in MDM capabilities, allowing you to securely set up, configure, and command the devices you lend out to your staff. You can easily set policies, monitor compliance, or remotely lock or wipe devices.
There are a lot of benefits of MDM, and businesses know it. That’s why the overall market share is set to increase by 27.1% by 2029, rising from $10.86 billion in 2024 to an expected $35.31 billion by 2029.
The increased reliance on devices and the Internet of Things has meant that mobile device management is bigger than ever, and if you haven’t already set up your MDM solution, now is the time.
What is MDM?
Mobile device management, or MDM, can be a bit confusing because it’s both a level of mobile device management and a catch-all phrase for all solutions. MDM, at its core, is a simple method to manage, secure, and monitor the devices used at work.
Once installed and set up, administrators can remotely install, update, or even remove apps or user access entirely remotely. You can remotely add mobile collaboration tools to devices to boost productivity and enable seamless work from home or office, for example. You can also set user access restrictions and other security policies to protect your network from endpoint risks.
One of MDM’s primary uses is to set devices to “kiosk” mode. This means that the apps and what users can do on the phone or device are limited to what they need for work.
What is EMM?
EMM does everything that MDM can do, but it does it on a more extensive range of devices (in type and sheer volume), which is why it’s called enterprise mobile management. This allows you to easily manage and secure all devices, including BYOD tools.
EMM, of course, does provide more benefits than simply managing more devices at once. It also enables easier document sharing and supports more in-depth collaboration tools. EMM works to secure email for those interested in security, allowing you and your teams to use marketing and email tracking tools more confidently.
EMM is also preferred if you allow BYOD or have a hybrid approach. The advanced configuration capabilities mean it’s possible to apply policies and manage applications remotely, even on personal/work devices.
How to decide which solution is right for your business
EMM wins hands down in terms of capability, but it can also be more expensive and challenging to set up, meaning it’s not worthwhile if you only have a few devices you want to manage. So, in general, this makes MDM a better fit for small businesses — but choosing which option is right for your business isn’t always so simple.
For example, say your business is at that awkward cusp between being a small business and a medium-sized business. This can make it more difficult to decide which management solution is best. To help, use these tips:
Include each system in your financial model to compare the cost benefits of each option
When deciding on any sort of system-wide solution, you must understand the overall financial impact it will have on your business. You can easily do this with a financial modelling system like OneStream.
This solution can help you understand the economic benefit of MDM or EMM for your business, not just generally, but on a rolling basis that reacts to trends and financial periods.
Consider the devices that you want to manage
Another consideration regarding which type of MDM and the level of device management you choose depends on the devices you want to manage.
If you give Apple devices out to your staff, for example, you can use Apple’s own MDM solution. This simplifies your requirements and works seamlessly with Apple Business Manager, allowing you to create and manage Apple IDs for each user.
On the other hand, if you have a BYOD or a hybrid approach to the devices your employees use, you’ll need a third-party solution. In this case, the number of devices you need to secure and the level of security you need will impact your decision.
Be aware of how many devices you need to manage
If you operate a small business, you can often get away with a simple MDM solution. However, the larger your business is, the more you’ll want to look into EMM instead.
In some cases, you may even need to go one step further to what’s known as unified endpoint management (UEM), which is recommended if you use a robust IoT network. This is common among manufacturing companies.
What are your security needs?
Another way to determine which solution is right for you is to consider the level of security your business needs. In general, every company should have at least a basic level of protection and limited user access. If your employees regularly deal with sensitive data, you may need stronger security than what an EMM can offer.
Additional tips for securing your endpoint devices
MDM and EMM are great tools for increasing security and limiting breaches in your endpoint devices. It’s not, however, the only method available to secure your endpoint devices. It’s always best to have backup plans for your backup plans when it comes to your business.
Set up 2FA
One of the easiest ways to secure any endpoint — from your employees to your customers — is to set up 2FA. You can verify phone numbers, for example, to prevent leaks and limit the impact of data breaches.
Train staff
The simplest way for a hacker to access a heavily protected system is simply by exploiting your staff. That’s why it’s essential you regularly train every single staff member on the latest scams and how to protect themselves.
For example, you should train your workforce so they can identify smishing and avoid becoming a victim.
Track device usage
Tracking device usage, especially with an AI-powered system that can monitor large quantities of real-time data, can help you spot anomalies in a user’s device immediately. This way, if someone steals one of your employee’s phones or gains login access, you know when to remotely lock or wipe the device to protect your business.
How to ensure your mobile management solution continues to be right for you
Things change. Your business might expand, and, as a result, the sheer number of company devices will increase. As time passes, your existing system may not be right for you, and it will be time to switch to something else.
Considering the risk to your endpoints, however, you should switch to the next-level mobile management system before you need it. Setting up an EMM (or even the next level, the unified endpoint management (UEM) takes time, so knowing in advance can help you prepare and plan for a smooth expansion transition.
The good news is you can often understand when you need a higher level of mobile management simply by tracking demand. Just look at these simple but effective demand planning KPI examples.
If sales or demand projections exceed your expectations, it’s likely time to start hiring — which means more employees, more devices to manage, and a higher demand for an EMM or even a UEM system.
Everphone’s managed services for MDM don’t just include license management—we also offer MDM consulting, MDM training and help you manage your MDM instances. Find out more here.
Secure your devices with the right device management solution
Mobile device management is absolutely essential for businesses today. Not only can they work to protect your business from cyber threats, but they also help boost productivity and collaboration.
Ultimately, whether you choose an MDM or EMM solution boils down to the scope of your business. So, make sure that the solution you choose fits your needs and your budget.
Just remember to follow up with additional security and privacy steps to improve your network and device security. With a combined focus, you’ll be able to lend out work equipment or bring on personal devices with peace of mind.
