Why is Mobile Device Management important?

The past decade has brought a massive influx of mobile technology into the workplace, first via corporate device programs and now through personal device policies (aka, BYOD). More and more companies are choosing to allow their employees to gain access to their corporate email, corporate intranet, SharePoint etc. Whilst this enables far more flexibility for an employee to be productive it also presents big security risks. If this data was to get into the wrong hands there would be serious consequences for a business, not only for their reputation but also a financial loss. It is safe to say then, with this sort of data being exposed a certain degree of security is required to prevent the worst from happening!

Flexible working requires MDM Security

To enable the kind of freedom owning a corporate phone has, the corporate network and corporate data needs to be protected. Mobile Device Management (MDM) is a solution that will help with this kind of dilemma. MDM can help streamline issuing mobile phones whilst ensuring mobile devices across the enterprise remain safe. All the mobile device management/configuration is done over-the-air so there is minimal configuration required from your IT. Most vendors will support the main phone vendors – iOS, Android and Windows Mobile.

MDM Automation eases IT burden

Implementing an MDM solution does not have to mean more work. Automation can be an underfunded IT department’s best friend. Small tedious tasks like software updates can be automated with most MDM solutions, removing some of the burden from the over utilized IT department. This kind of automation can also cut costs. Having fewer people working on mobility can lower IT overhead costs. In fact, some MDMs like Apple’s iPhone Configuration Utility are free and work well for a small-scale MDM solution.

Proper MDM Implementation = Increased Security

Security has always been a concern when it comes to mobile devices on the network and the security landscape is changing, almost daily. Implementing an MDM solution will help with these security concerns. There are a few solutions that will help with mobile policy enforcement like using a passcode to unlock the phone. In the case of a user losing their brand-new iPad 3, a MDM solution can wipe the device over the air to help prevent data loss or prevent an unauthorised user from getting at the data.

Need any help with your organisation’s Mobile Device Management and security? Contact us