What is Multi Device Management? 5 Best Cross-platform MDM

Managing devices within an organization can be very complicated. Take the retail industry as an example. A retail company may have different types of devices, such as digital kiosks used in the stores, barcode scanners used by their employees, and mobile phones/tablets used by delivery personnel. Not only the quantity but also the OS diversity can increase difficulties in device protection and management.

Therefore, quite a few enterprises look for an extensive device management platform to cover their complex requirements, like, a centralized dashboard that with capabilities of deploying large-scale devices and supports Android, iOS, and Windows systems.

Multi-platform MDM (mobile device management) solutions help with it.

In this article, we will explore more about multi-device management and list the five best software.

Part 1: What is Multi-device Management?

Multi-device management is a solution that is based on MDM (mobile device management), and to address more needs on deployment methods and system compatibility.

It equips the organization with a set of tools to secure, manage, and control diverse mobile devices.

Part 2: Difference between MDM and UEM

Multi-device management can sometimes be regarded as UEM (Unified Endpoint Management) for managing devices with different systems. In fact, this viewpoint is not wrong. Multi-device management relates to both UEM and MDM. However, defining which one is more relevant to multi-device management is never the key. The point is, whether MDM or UEM is compatible with the device OS you require.

Understanding the difference between the two can help you choose the appropriate device management software. So, read on.

MDM and UEM are similar concepts to an extent as both deal with the management and control of multiple devices at the same time. UEM includes all the capabilities and functionalities of MDM with the additional functionalities for more endpoints.

If an organization has a requirement to securely manage mobile devices and tablets, MDM is the right choice. However, if the organization has a requirement to manage mobile devices, PCs, and other IoT devices, UEM meets the requirement better.

Part 3: 5 Best Multi-platform MDM

This section covers feature details and pricing plans of the six best multi-platform MDM solutions. These include:

1 Google Workspace

Google is one of the top choices when it comes to a secure, trustable, and extensive MDM solution for multi-platform device management.

Google MDMcomes with support for the following:

• Mobile devices running Android, iOS & iPadOS
• Laptops/PCs running Windows, macOS & ChromeOS

In addition to that, the following are some of the eminent features of Google MDM solution:

• Allows setup and enforcement of password policies on the connected devices.
• Allows encryption of data stored on the device.
• Allows the remote access and remote wipe of connected devices.
• Allows the configuration of application settings.
• Allows the control of application installation permissions.

The pricing plan of Google MDM starts at $6 per user per month.

2 Microsoft Intune

Microsoft Intune is another significant MDM solution that is trusted by numerous individuals for its extensive and effective functionalities.

This solution supports the following device types and operating systems:

• Mobile devices that run Android, AOSP, iOS & iPadOS
• Desktop computers that run Windows, macOS & Linux
• Virtual endpoints
• Other IoT devices

Apart from that, the following are some of the significant Microsoft Intune features:

• Simplified application management because of its built-in app experience.
• Comes with the integration of a Mobile Threat Defense service.
• Has a web-based admin center to have a centralized dashboard to manage and control devices.
• Automates policy deployment for applications and security.
• Optional add-on features of Endpoint Privilege Management, Remote Help, and more.

Microsoft Intune has three pricing plans with a starting price of $8 per user per month.

3 VMware

The following device types and operating systems are supported by VMware:

• Mobile devices that run Android and iOS
• Computers that run macOS, Windows, and ChromeOS

Some of the significant features of VMware include:

• Allows the protection and security of sensitive data.
• Comes with easy access and Single Sign-on capabilities.
• Monitors compliance and the device's operation status in real time.
• Easy management by having a single point for application deployment.
• Manage and lock devices remotely.

VMware has four pricing plans for its Workspace ONE MDM. The starting price is $1.66 per device or $3 per user per month.

4 ManageEngine

ManageEngine is an efficient MDM solution that ensures employees' productivity and the organization's security. The solution supports the following device types and operating systems:

• Mobile devices with Android and Apple system
• Computers with macOS and Windows system

In addition to that, the ManageEngine MDM has the following features:

• Comes with a single console to manage all mobile devices.
• Allows containerization to separate the personal and professional data.
• Comes with the ability to enforce security policies across the devices.
• Remotely control and troubleshoot the device issues.
• Allows the management of application licenses on mobile devices.

ManageEngine has different pricing plans for standard and professional editions. However, the standard edition plan for the device range of 25 used by one technician is free.

5 JumpCloud

JumpCloud is a centralized MDM solution focusing on Apple devices. But, it also supports the following device types and operating systems:

• Mobile devices that run Android, iPadOS, and iOS
• Computers that run Windows and macOS

The following are a few of the important features:

• Comes with the ability to effectively manage BYOD and COPE devices.
• Allows the enabling of the Zero-Touch Enrollment mechanism.
• Customizable experience across different devices.
• Fast and secure remote onboarding.
• Allows to apply configurations to one device or group of devices with ease.

JumpCloud has five pricing plans with a starting price of $9 per user per month when billed annually ($11 per user per month, in the case of the monthly billing option).

Part 4: Use Cases of Multi-Device Management

Multi-device management stands as an optimal choice for organizations having employees from different departments and using different devices to carry out their work. Such enterprises may adopt device policies like BYOD, COPE, CYOD, or both. Thus, multi-device management is best used for:

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Management

BYOD states that the employees bring their own devices for work usage. In such scenarios, certain control mechanisms are set up on the employee's device to ensure the security and protection of the company's data.

Corporate-Owned, Personally Enabled (COPE) Management

This policy states that the device is owned and provided by the company itself for work usage. However, the device is also available for personal use. In such a scenario, certain restrictions are enabled on the device for protection and security.

Choose Your Own Device (CYOD) Management

CYOD is an alternative to BYOD and suggests that employees choose a device from the pre-defined list of approved devices by the company. CYOD is a part of the COPE management system. This narrows down the choice of devices for the employees, making the handling of security relatively easier.

Part 5: How does Mobile Device Management Work with Multiple Devices?

With the right MDM solution, managing multiple devices is not difficult. All you have to do is to follow three steps:

1. Choose the MDM system and set up the centralized console for the IT admin.
2. Enroll all the devices via the centralized console.
3. Manage devices collectively by grouping them for distinctive functionalities.

Having an MDM solution will equip you with the following features, take AirDroid Business for instance: