What is a Mobile Device Management (MDM) system and why is it needed? Are there alternatives to an MDM system? We answer these and other questions in this blog article:
The term “Mobile Device Management” (MDM)
MDM is the centralized management of smartphones, tablets and similar devices by administrators. The heart of this solution is asset management and the control of mobile devices. By using such a system, all devices are inventoried and the administration can define global guidelines and access rights.
MDM as part of a mobile strategy
It can therefore be said that MDM is a software solution that secures access from mobile devices to the company network. Further development of MDM solutions to include components for Mobile Application Management (MAM), Mobile Content Management (MCM) and Identity and Access Management (IAM) for a wide range of mobile devices and platforms is called Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM).
EMM/MDM solutions also require apps, such as PIM (Personal Information Management) apps, in order to access company data (e.g. email, contacts or calendars).
The Unified Endpoint Management (UEM). UEM solutions include EMM solutions and additional client management tools for PCs, wearables, smartphones, tablets and other IoT devices.
The most important questions about MDM at a glance:
Why do you need an MDM solution?
As almost every employee now uses a smartphone or tablet, data security is essential when using a mobile device for business purposes. With the help of an MDM system, precautions can be taken to back up data and possibly encrypt data on the device and during transmission. This protects sensitive data from unauthorized access. The management of mobile devices can be compared to a company’s computer network: here too, devices can be added or removed by the administrator as required.
What are the weaknesses of an MDM?
Most MDM systems can be quite expensive. be. However, if you compare the costs of an MDM with the costs incurred in the event of a potential loss of company data, it quickly becomes clear that installing an MDM or investing in another solution for secure mobile working is the more cost-effective option.
Another point to consider when installing an MDM system is that sufficient qualified IT staff are required to act as administrators. MDM systems are sometimes very complex and time-consuming to manage.
However, a mobile device management system alone does not solve all security requirements. For secure mobile working, a Container solution advisable – either in combination with an MDM system or without.
Is there an alternative to MDM solutions?
In addition to the standard MDM systems, there are also alternatives that are much easier to use. The simplest and most secure option for mobile working is the SecurePIM App!
SecurePIM offers you maximum data security through containerization. All company data is stored in the app container on the mobile device and is encrypted both on the device and during transmission. Other apps or malware cannot access the data in the container.
The security settings can be made using the SecurePIM Management Portal. The user-friendliness also leaves nothing to be desired; complex encryption processes are fully automated in the background. Secure communication is intuitive and requires little effort on the part of the user – this is also guaranteed by the fully integrated SecurePIM Messenger Module.
Advantages of SecurePIM
SecurePIM gives you access to your data at any time and from anywhere. The data is protected so that no one but you can access it.
SecurePIM can be used by employees on all mobile devices, whether smartphone or tablet. As the app operates independently of all other applications and connections on the device, it can be used privately without any problems. Not only is it easy and intuitive to use, but it can also access up to three email accounts. To make access even easier, the device can be unlocked with Touch ID/fingerprint or facial recognition. This guarantees not only secure but also fast access. Documents can also be easily edited online and offline.
SecurePIM is also a relief for IT! You have full control over company information without violating the privacy of your employees. The innovative structure guarantees simple configuration and rollout in the existing infrastructure. SecurePIM can be used both in the cloud and on-premise.
Those responsible for security and compliance also benefit. Thanks to the extensive security mechanisms such as encryption SecurePIM offers you optimum protectionthat enables you to work on the move within the framework of the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation(GDPR) possible. The data is not only secured within the container but also during transmission thanks to modern encryption technologies. The principle of the protected container is suitable for both COPE (Company-Owned-Personally-Enabled) as well as for BYOD (Bring-Your-Own-Device) scenarios. Business and private data are strictly separated on the same end device (iOS or Android) – another requirement of the GDPR.