MDM Capabilities Overview: What Can MDM Do?

Part 1: What is MDM? What devices are supported?

Mobile Device Management (MDM): It is the controlling and management of mobile devices, including smartphones, tablet devices, rugged devices, kiosks, digital signare, and laptops. Generally, the MDM gets implemented using a third-party product comprising management features for specific vendors of mobile devices.

How does MDM work?

Before jumping to MDM capabilities, let's check how it works. An MDM solution depends on the endpoint software, which is known as an MDM agent, and an MDM server that stays in the cloud.

IT administrators construct the policies with the help of an MDM server's management console. After that, the server pushes the policies over the air to the MDM agent on the device. Now, the agent's role is to apply the policies to the device by interacting using the APIs (such as Android Enterprise) built directly into the device's operating system.

Similarly, an IT administrator can utilize the MDM software for devices to be managed with the MDM server.

Part 2: Core MDM software capabilities

Feature 1: Enrollment & Deployment

Four different ways for enrollment involves:

Feature 2: Mobile App Management (MAM)

Mobile App Management falls under one of the Mobile Device Management capabilities that involves appropriately providing the internally developed or commercially available mobile apps utilized in businesses.

It offers various controls at different levels, which helps in effective system administration. Some important functions include the facility of the app allow list, block list, installation, uninstallation, and more.

Furthermore, MDM's Mobile App Management capability offers Google Play Store management and configures the app with auto-update rules. The users also get the facility to test or schedule the release of the company-owned apps. This feature helps in effectively clearing the cache and monitoring better.

Feature 3: Device Compliance Policy

Another Mobile Device Management capability involves the device compliance policy. It helps to set up the rules and then manage how the devices should be utilized. In the policy feature, various configurations are available, including Password, WiFi, and APN. Every rule that is listed will be applied to the employee devices.

Information regarding system updations, system setting restrictions, and more exists. You will also get to effectively manage the device policy's USB, language, and volume settings. Besides, there is also mandatory storage encryption that will be helpful in protecting crucial data.

Feature 4: Kiosk Mode - Lockdown Device

In Kiosk Mode, Android devices get locked for a specific application or website. When a device has this mode, it gets restricted from accessing any other use of the setting. Therefore, the device turns into a particular device for a specific purpose. With MDM Kiosk mode, you can get the single or multi-app mode.

Moreover, with such device management capabilities, there is the facility for a customizable screen layout that will be displayed on your device. Besides, you can also limit the device functions, including Wireless network, volume, cellular data, hotspots, Bluetooth, and more. There is always a secure code for Kiosk mode.

Feature 5: Remote access & control

MDM also has a feature of remote access and control. It allows the administrators to access the full catalog device by presenting it anywhere in the world. The device could be anything like your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. The administrators have overall control over managing confidential company data and ensuring proper updates.

When it is about controlling the data from a remote location, it involves various facilities for the devices. Some of the examples involve a remote camera, remote wipe, remote reboot, remote screen lock, and more. Besides, remote controlling also deals with one or bulk file transfer.

Feature 6: Geofencing

Another excellent MDM software capability includes geofencing. It is a security feature that allows enterprises to define and enforce location-specific security policies on the devices. It is applicable to all the mobile devices of your organization. It effectively manages the devices and ensures the security of corporate data.

With the help of this MDM capability, the companies can effectively track the location and paths of the employee devices. It also offers the inclusion of giving alert notifications. Besides, auto remote operations are also available for the proper management with the MDM solutions.

Feature 7: User management

User management is one of the remarkable MDM capabilities that keeps control over all the activities happening with the devices. They can access it easily if there is any compromised device, people try to misuse the device, and more. These kinds of circumstances stay under the control of the IT team with mobile data security.

Furthermore, the users do not need to go for millions of logins for every task, and they can use a single dashboard of the MDM software. There is also complete control over the assigned roles and permissions. Also, there will be a practical facility for assignments to the device groups.

Feature 8: Others - based on the MDM software you use

Last but not least, MDM software capabilities are according to the option you choose for your enterprise. Every solution has its unique features along with the basic ones. If we take an example, it includes the notification for the force read. There can also be a function to use the devices with the black screen mode.

Many MDM software offers an automated workflow to smooth the overall business operations for every candidate. Another excellent option that many software offers is reporting. It means there will be an easy approach to reporting anything for a feasible work environment.

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Common question about MDM

Can MDM support both company-owned and byod devices?

Maverick

Yes. MDM can effectively support company-owned and BYOD devices. These solutions have the MDM software capabilities to manage mobile devices in a secure way regardless of ownership. It enables businesses to make their mobile workforce productive by enforcing policies, ensuring data security, and more.

Does MDM support all mobile operating systems?

Maverick

Usually, Mobile Device Management software supports an extensive range of mobile operating systems. It includes Android, iOS, and even Windows mobile. However, the support can vary according to the MDM provider chosen and the extent of their features for the OS.

Can MDM separate personal and corporate data on devices?

Maverick

The answer is yes! Mobile Device Management capabilities involve properly separating the personal data from the corporate data on the devices. MDM allows enterprises to access work profiles and its data on devices. It ensures that the corporate data will stay isolated and secured from the device owner's personal information. You can learn more in Android Work Profiles.

Does MDM require physical access to the device to manage it?

Maverick

No. There is no such requirement of physical access for an MDM solution for managing the devices. It is designed specifically to manage the employee devices from remote locations properly. It effectively configures, monitors, and secures mobile devices from anywhere. Also, in Android MDM, you can utilize zero touch enrollment to configure device settings without the admin intervention.