What is Remote Management in MDM & Features
With the advent of remote working culture and the expansion of tech businesses across the globe, there is a crucial requirement for remote device management and control.
To understand this requirement better, consider a scenario of a tech enterprise with a team expanded over different regions of the world. However, it's difficult to ensure that all the employee devices are running on the latest versions of corporate software, abiding by the defined security mechanisms, and following the practices to keep data secure. This all can be done using the features of MDM remote management.
In this guide, we cover the capabilities, features, and popular tools for the remote MDM in detail.
The answer is through Mobile Device Management remote management features. In this guide, we will cover remote management, its tools, and what businesses can do with the features.
1What is MDM Remote Management?
MDM Remote Management is the ability of an MDM to allow users to remotely control its connected mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. In situations where businesses need control over their company devices but cannot access them physi789+cally, the ability to remotely manage them is a must.
Remote MDM is a feature of MDM programs and allows administrators to access their full device catalog from anywhere in the world, whether the device is Android or iOS. Administrators need this tool in order to maintain company data and confidentiality and ensure that proper updates are adhered to.
The features of MDM remote management also allow companies to ensure employee compliance, disallow non-work related activities on the devices, and install work applications onto the device for customization purposes. MDM remote management is a great tool for businesses to have in their pockets as they expand and make updates to company practices and policies, as devices can easily have new programs added in bulk.
2Key Features and Benifits of MDM Remote Management
The MDM remote management equips businesses with numerous features allowing better control over the usage and security of devices and applications. This section covers the six key features of remote MDM including remote monitoring, remote access, remote control, remote troubleshooting, remote management, and management of device settings.
1Remote Monitoring
When it comes to device control and management, remote monitoring is the foremost feature to look out for. Remote monitoring allows the admin to keep track of device status and performance in real time. This gives them better control over the device's health, allowing a proactive approach to the detection of issues.
Additionally, with continuous monitoring, the admin can ensure that the device is optimized for its performance and is abiding by the enhanced security mechanisms.
The feature of remote monitoring helps manage and control the devices, their activities, data, and security from a centralized dashboard.
2Remote Actions
Remote Access
Through using View Mode, administrators have several options for remote access to company devices. Admins may view device screens and enable real-time screen sharing for device troubleshooting and management.
Acquiring remote sound of the target device's surroundings is also possible with View Mode. Additionally, file transfers and the Remote File Management feature are found in the View Mode via the Desktop client.
Remote Control
With the MDM Remote Control features, admins may screen lock devices remotely through AirDroid Business by navigating Admin Console > Devices > Device List, then choose the device you would like to lock and select the ‘Lock Device’ option.
Also, as a safety feature, through Remote Control, admins also may factory reset and remote wipe devices. You will navigate to Admin Console > Devices > Device List and select the device you wish to reset. There will be a function listed as ‘Factory Reset,’ followed by a pop-up window that asks for password confirmation.
Rebooting and restarting the device is also possible with Remote Control features from an MDM such as AirDroid Business. Other features include changes to the keyboard and clipboard, controlling the device screen by using the return button, home button, tasks menu, and swiping up and down.
Additionally, remote control features also include the ability to control device volume level and take screenshots.
Remote Support & Troubleshooting
There are three unique troubleshooting options available for remote MDM through AirDroid Business. First and foremost, Black Screen Mode is a patented technology from AirDroid Business that darkens the device’s screen while an admin is working on the device. The screen is not darkened for the person who is accessing the device, but it will be for the end user.
Next, Remote Camera by AirDroid Business allows users to access a controlled device’s camera through their WiFi or cellular network and view the surrounding environment. To access Remote Camera, navigate to Admin Console > Devices > Device List. Once you have selected the device you would like to access the camera of, select the Remote Camera option.
3Remote Management
Device Provisioning and Deployment
MDM remote management enables you to register and enroll devices for configuration and monitoring in several different ways. The enrollment methods include enrolling via QR code, via Android Enterprise (afw#setup), via zero-touch enrollment, and via USB drive.
Each of these options is suitable for connecting devices that run Android 7.0 and up. If your Android is running an older version, your options may be slightly limited.
Provisioning and deployment of company devices can also be done in bulk. With zero-touch enrollment and Android Enterprise, bulk batch configurations are made very streamlined.
Manage Apps Remotely
Another key feature of remote management is the ability to manage applications remotely. Through AirDroid Business, you can force install, uninstall, and install applications. Installing applications can be performed by navigating to Admin Console > Apps > App Library, then by uploading the App’s file and filling out the Rollout settings. After doing so, you may select a release time or opt to force installation.
To uninstall apps, navigate to the device, then view the App List of the device. Select the trash can icon next to the application you would like to uninstall to uninstall the application.
Other settings you may change through AirDroid Business’ remote management features are configuring app permissions, updating the app rules, test releases, scheduling release app versions, and setting an app blocklist and allowlist.
Manage Device Settings via Policy and Kiosk Mode
There are two modes that you can also use for more specific configuration details through AirDroid Business. These modes are known as Policy Mode and Kiosk Mode.
Policy Mode allows admins to make changes to password configurations, password removals, mandatory storage encryption, accessing developer mode, USB and Wi-Fi settings, Bluetooth, and APN.
Kiosk Mode allows admins to adjust single and multiple apps, make a website whitelist, and utilize the Kiosk Browser.
- Policy
- Kiosk Mode
Manage Workflow
AirDroid Business enhances device management efficiency through automated workflows, especially when immediate attention to alerts is not possible.
When a custom alert condition is triggered, the system can automatically execute a series of predefined actions to troubleshoot or proceed with the next steps. These automated actions include device reboot, screen off, switching to a configuration file, factory reset, sending notifications, and group transfer.
By leveraging these automated workflows, businesses can quickly respond to issues, ensuring continuous operation and security of devices while minimizing the need for manual intervention by administrators.
3Best Recommended MDM Remote Management Tools for iOS and Android
This section covers the details of recommended MDM remote management tools for iOS and Android platforms. These include Apple Business Manager, AirDroid Business, and ManageEngine.
For iOS (on iPad and iPhone) - Apple Business Manager
Apple Business Manager is a web-based solution that manages and controls Apple devices and content across the ecosystem.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Standout Features |
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| Pros |
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| Cons | Is unable to support Android devices. |
| Pricing | Apple Business Manager is free of cost. However, for device management, you need to link it with Apple Business Essentials or any other MDM platform. The pricing plans for Apple Business Essentials start at $2.99/device/month. |
| G2 Score | The G2 score detail for Apple Business Manager isn’t available. However, it is a preferred choice for Apple users. |
Reason of Recommendation
It’s recommended for businesses that have Apple devices in their ecosystem as it gives complete control over the devices, content, and people involved in the infrastructure.
How to Implement?
The main steps of setting up Apple Business Manager are as follows:
- Step 1: Sign up your organization by filling in the required details at: https://business.apple.com/
- Step 2: After signing up for your organization, verify the enrolment by signing in with your administrator account and navigating to the organization settings. You would be required to enter the D-U-N-S number of your organization to complete the verification.
- Step 3: Now that your administrator account is set up, you should add one more admin account for an additional security layer. Lastly, add your devices and user accounts to manage data across the infrastructure.
For Android - AirDroid Business
AirDroid Business is an extensive and renowned enterprise-grade MDM solution with the capabilities to manage and control Android devices.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Standout Features |
|
| Pros |
|
| Cons | The inability to support Apple devices and limited control over Windows devices is one of the downsides of the tool. |
| Pricing | It comes with three payment plans: Basic at $12/device/year, Standard at $21/device/year, and Enterprise at $33/device/year. Also, it offers a free trial of 14 days. |
| G2 Score | 4.8/5.0 based on 210 reviews. |
Reason of Recommendation
Efficient solution for organizations having Android endpoints in the infrastructure as it gives complete control and management of Android devices along with security features like remote control, remote wipe, kiosk mode, and more.
How to Implement?
The main steps of setting up AirDroid Business are as follows:
- Step 1: Create an account by filling in the required details at https://www.airdroid.com/mobile-device-management-free-trial/.
- Step 2: After email verification, provide your company details to complete the account setup process.
- Step 3: Once the account is set up, sign in to your admin console using the set credentials. From here, you can add devices, manage them, control content distribution, and configure security policies.
MDM Buyer's Guide
Enroll Android devices in bulk, manage apps, and remotely troubleshoot anytime.
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