Best Mobile Device Management (MDM) Solutions
Discover the best Mobile Device Management (MDM) Solutions with features such as device compatibility, remote management and application analytics.
Written by
Caitlin Harris
Technical Review by
Laura Iannini
Quick Summary
Rippling employee role changes automatically trigger device, app, and policy updates across the platform for organizations want their identity, access, and device policies to automatically adjust when someone joins, changes roles, or leaves.
NinjaOne MDM single console manages endpoints, mobile devices, servers, and VMs together for organizations already using or considering NinjaOne’s broader endpoint management platform.
Cisco Meraki Systems Manager remote app deployment and OS updates eliminate physical device handling completely for IT teams handling large device fleets across multiple sites.
Mobile device management has shifted from desktop control fantasies to operational necessity. Your workforce carries phones, tablets, and laptops across offices, homes, alongside coffee shops and airports. Securing them without creating friction or giving away control remains the core tension.
You need something that enforces your security policies without requiring manual intervention for every device. Something that integrates with your identity stack, supports BYOD without chaos, and gives you visibility into what’s actually running on endpoints. Get it wrong, and you’re either managing a nightmare of manual policy tweaks, or blocking legitimate work with over-aggressive controls.
We evaluated multiple MDM solutions across Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and ChromeOS environments. We evaluated deployment speed, policy configuration depth, integration with identity providers, remote management capabilities, and real world user experience. We reviewed customer feedback to understand where marketing claims diverge from operational reality. The results show clear patterns: some solutions excel with specific device types or use cases, while others promise unified management but stumble on platform-specific controls.
This guide gives you the testing insights and decision framework to match the right MDM platform to your device ecosystem, team size, and security requirements.
Our Recommendations
We found that the top options here excel at different goals. Pick based on your team’s priorities.
- Best For organizations want their identity, access, and device: Rippling. Employee role changes automatically trigger device, app, and policy updates across the platform Ships pre-configured devices directly to new hires, cutting IT setup to near zero Device logistics limited to US, Canada, and UK; ordering only US and Canada.
- Best For organizations already using or considering NinjaOne’s: Single console manages endpoints, mobile devices, servers, and VMs together Remote lock, wipe, and geolocation tracking are easy to configure and deploy Network monitoring capabilities are limited compared to dedicated tools.
- Best For IT teams handling large device fleets across multiple: Cisco Meraki Systems Manager. Remote app deployment and OS updates eliminate physical device handling completely Single dashboard manages 200+ sites with consistent visibility across locations MDM certificate expiry requires ongoing attention and can disrupt device management.
- Best Alternative 1: Citrix Endpoint Management. Single console manages all device types without separate tools Microsoft integration accelerates deployment for existing M365 environments Containerized apps confuse users juggling work and personal contexts
- Best For IT teams managing mixed device fleets across Android,: Hexnode. Single policy engine covers six operating systems without per-platform rebuilds Smart Kiosk mode locks shared devices to approved apps and secure browsing Advanced automation and workflow orchestration needs development for large enterprises.
NinjaOne MDM works best for organizations already using or considering NinjaOne’s broader endpoint management platform. If you’re managing laptops, servers, and mobile devices across the same environment, this gives you one console for everything.
One Console, All Your Endpoints
We found the unified approach practical. You’re not jumping between tools to manage Windows endpoints and then switching to something else for iOS devices. Policy enforcement, remote lock, wipe, and geolocation tracking all work from the same interface.
The platform handles security controls without the complexity you’d expect. Remote wipe and data loss prevention features are straightforward to configure and deploy.
Right Fit, Right Situation
We think NinjaOne MDM makes the most sense if you’re a mid-sized organization or MSP that wants mobile device management bundled with your broader IT operations platform. If you need standalone MDM with advanced mobile-specific features, you might find dedicated solutions more capable.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers consistently highlight how fast they get productive. The learning curve is minimal, and the interface is clean enough that technicians aren’t fighting the tool. Teams report saving significant time once everything is configured to their environment.
Strengths
- Single console manages endpoints, mobile devices, servers, and VMs together
- Remote lock, wipe, and geolocation tracking are easy to configure and deploy
- Free unlimited onboarding and support reduces implementation friction
- Cross-platform coverage handles Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS
Cautions
- Some users report that network monitoring capabilities are limited compared to dedicated tools
- Some customer reviews note that the software dashboard feels basic and needs more depth
JumpCloud MDM is a cloud-based platform for managing and securing mobile devices across Windows, Linux, macOS, and iOS environments. It’s built for mid-sized to large enterprises that want MDM integrated into a broader identity and device security stack rather than running it as a standalone tool.
Centralized Control Across Diverse Device Fleets
We found the interface keeps management tasks straightforward without sacrificing depth. You can configure and push policies, deploy software to individual devices or groups, and pull detailed reports on device health and security from a single console. The reporting gives you a clear picture of fleet status without digging through multiple dashboards.
Where JumpCloud MDM stands out is its integration with JumpCloud’s wider security suite. User directory and identity tools connect directly, so device management and access control stay in sync rather than operating as separate functions.
What Customers Are Saying
Users praise the intuitive interface and the clarity of the reporting tools. Software distribution to diverse device fleets is consistently highlighted as a strength. Some users note that complex policy configurations require additional setup time to get right.
Who Should Consider It
We think this fits mid-sized to large enterprises managing diverse device fleets that already use or plan to adopt JumpCloud’s identity and security tools. The tighter the integration with the broader JumpCloud ecosystem, the more value you get. If you run a single-OS environment or need a standalone MDM without wider platform dependencies, simpler dedicated tools will serve you better.
Strengths
- Unified console with JumpCloud identity eliminates context-switching between tools
- Clean interface makes policy configuration accessible without extensive training
- Device health reporting covers compliance basics without overwhelming detail
- Software distribution to groups simplifies fleet-wide deployments
Cautions
- Cannot push software installations directly, limiting automation options
- Some customer reviews note that no mobile admin app restricts management flexibility on the go
Cisco Meraki Systems Manager
Meraki Systems Manager is a cloud-based endpoint management platform built for IT teams handling large device fleets across multiple sites. If you’re already in the Cisco ecosystem, this slots in naturally with your existing infrastructure.
Fleet Management Without the Footwork
We found the remote management capabilities transform daily operations. Push app updates, wipe devices, change home screen layouts, all without touching the hardware. For schools and enterprises managing hundreds of devices, this eliminates the old cart-and-cable routine entirely.
The automation engine handles policy deployment based on OS, location, user group, and compliance status. Duo integration for two-factor authentication works out of the box, which matters if you’re standardizing on Cisco’s security stack.
Right Fit Assessment
We think this works best for mid-to-large organizations already invested in Cisco infrastructure, particularly education and distributed enterprises. The free tier offers a legitimate starting point before committing to paid licensing.
What Users Actually Experience
Customers running large iPad fleets report major time savings on routine management tasks. The “single pane of glass” dashboard gets consistent praise for handling 200+ sites without becoming unwieldy.
Strengths
- Remote app deployment and OS updates eliminate physical device handling completely
- Single dashboard manages 200+ sites with consistent visibility across locations
- Native Duo integration simplifies two-factor authentication for Cisco shops
- Automation handles policy enforcement based on location, user, and compliance status
Cautions
- Some users have reported that MDM certificate expiry requires ongoing attention and can disrupt device management
- Some users mention that older device compatibility creates friction during mixed-fleet deployments
Citrix Endpoint Management
Citrix Endpoint Management gives enterprises a single platform to manage devices, apps, and security policies across their entire fleet. It works standalone or plugs into Citrix Workspace if you’re already in that ecosystem.
One Console for Everything
We found the unified dashboard cuts down on tool sprawl. You get mobile device management, software distribution, compliance monitoring, and security enforcement in one place. Over-the-air provisioning and self-service enrollment make deployments straightforward.
Microsoft Integration Matters
The integration with existing Microsoft management tools stood out during our review. SSO capabilities work well, and we saw this significantly speed up mobile device deployment workflows. Micro-VPN and MFA enforcement are built in rather than bolted on.
Data streaming performs smoothly over remote connections.
Watch the Learning Curve
Customers flag interface confusion consistently. The containerized apps create friction, with users mixing up personal and work environments on the same machine. Mobile performance can drag, especially on Android devices that need password re-entry after updates.
Analytics and detection capabilities fall short for some organizations.
What Customers Are Saying
If you’re already running Citrix Workspace, this is a natural extension. We think enterprises with complex device fleets will get the most value. Smaller teams or those needing strong threat detection should evaluate whether the tradeoffs work for your environment.
Strengths
- Single console manages all device types without separate tools
- Microsoft integration accelerates deployment for existing M365 environments
- Over-the-air provisioning simplifies large-scale rollouts
Cautions
- Some customer reviews flag that containerized apps confuse users juggling work and personal contexts
- Some users have noted that the mobile performance issues require device restarts and password re-entry
Hexnode
Hexnode is a unified MDM platform built for IT teams managing mixed device fleets across Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, tvOS, and FireOS. It stands out for organizations juggling BYOD policies alongside company-owned hardware.
Policy Management Without Platform Headaches
We found Hexnode’s platform-agnostic approach practical. You write one policy and push it across device types without rebuilding rules for each OS. The Smart Kiosk mode locks devices to approved apps and secure browsing, which works well for shared devices or public-facing kiosks.
Remote troubleshooting covers the essentials: encryption enforcement, remote lock and wipe, automatic lockdown triggers, and screen monitoring.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers consistently praise the onboarding experience. Getting devices enrolled and policies applied happens quickly, even across large fleets. The bulk policy application saves hours when you’re managing hundreds of endpoints.
Right Fit Depends on Your Fleet
We think Hexnode works best for Apple-heavy or mixed environments where BYOD complexity is your main challenge. Healthcare organizations and enterprises with diverse device types will find the cross-platform policies valuable.
If you’re primarily Windows, investigate the endpoint management depth before committing. The support team is responsive during trials but customers report less engagement post-purchase. For the right use case, it delivers solid MDM fundamentals without enterprise pricing complexity.
Strengths
- Single policy engine covers six operating systems without per-platform rebuilds
- Smart Kiosk mode locks shared devices to approved apps and secure browsing
- Device onboarding handles large fleets with minimal manual intervention
- Strong Apple DEP integration simplifies iOS and macOS enrollment
- Location tracking and compliance dashboards surface issues proactively
Cautions
- Some users have reported that according to some customer reviews, advanced automation and workflow orchestration needs development for large enterprises
IBM MaaS360 with Watson
IBM MaaS360 is an AI-powered endpoint management platform built for enterprises juggling diverse device fleets. It handles everything from iOS and Android to ChromeOS, Windows, and rugged devices, all from one console.
Watson’s AI Does the Heavy Lifting
We found the Watson-powered AI changes how you work with policies. Instead of navigating hundreds of toggles, it summarizes existing configurations and explains their impact. It can analyze a policy and recommend improvements based on your goals while showing you what those changes actually mean.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers consistently praise the centralized dashboard for managing BYOD environments. The security controls and remote management capabilities reduce IT effort while keeping devices compliant.
The interface takes getting used to. New admins face a learning curve, and advanced features need time to configure properly. Support response times vary, some users report delays. Documentation could go deeper in places.
Right Fit for the Right Team
If you’re running a large, mixed-device environment and want AI-assisted policy management, MaaS360 delivers. Smaller teams or those needing quick deployment may find the complexity frustrating.
We think this works best for enterprises with dedicated IT resources who can invest time in setup. The AI features pay off once you’re past initial configuration. MacBook support has gaps with newer OS versions, something to verify if Apple devices dominate your fleet.
Strengths
- Watson AI summarizes policies and recommends security improvements based on your specific goals
- Single console manages iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, and rugged devices
- Remote screen-sharing troubleshoots issues without on-site visits
- Mobile threat management detects and remediates malicious apps automatically
Cautions
- Some users mention that the interface complexity creates a steep learning curve for new administrators
- According to some user reviews, Advanced feature configuration requires significant time investment
ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus
ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus is an MDM solution covering device, app, and security management across one of the broadest device ranges in its category. It targets enterprises needing extensive control over large, mixed-OS fleets, with a free tier available for smaller teams managing up to 25 devices.
Deep Control Across Every Layer of Device Management
We found the remote troubleshooting capability is where this platform earns its place in enterprise environments. You get full unattended access, screen viewing, chat, restart, wipe, and shutdown from a single console, which cuts resolution time significantly compared to tools that require physical access or separate remote support software.
App management goes beyond basic distribution. Kiosk Mode locks devices to authorized apps only, and work/personal app separation keeps corporate data containerized without restricting personal use. The drag-and-drop report builder lets you schedule automated reports in PDF, CSV, and XLS formats without writing queries or involving a developer.
Device support runs wide: Android, Windows, ChromeOS, iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, IoT, and more. Policy configuration covers peripheral settings, VPN, data encryption, role-based access controls, single sign-on, and third-party backup restrictions.
What Customers Are Saying
Users highlight the intuitive interface and remote control capabilities as standout strengths. The breadth of supported device types is consistently noted as a differentiator. Some users report that complex policy configurations require significant customization to implement correctly.
Who Should Consider It
We think this fits enterprises managing large, mixed-OS device fleets that need granular control over apps, policies, and remote troubleshooting in one platform. Small businesses can start with the free 25-device tier and scale up. If your environment is relatively uniform or your MDM requirements are lightweight, the depth of configuration here will exceed what you need.
Strengths
- Free tier supports 25 devices with full functionality for small team evaluation
- Remote wipe and stolen device marking work reliably across platforms
- Single console manages Android, Windows, iOS, macOS, and ChromeOS together
- Mobile app enables field technicians to update tickets with photos instantly
- Kiosk Mode locks devices to approved applications without complex configuration
Cautions
- Some customer reviews highlight that Apple device management requires external tools for advanced compliance profiles
- According to customer feedback, Encryption and serial number reporting contains accuracy gaps needing manual verification
Microsoft Intune
Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based unified endpoint management platform built for organizations already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem. If you’re running M365, Azure AD, and Defender, this slots right in.
Deep M365 Integration Changes the Game
We found the real value here is how tightly Intune connects with Conditional Access, Defender for Endpoint, and Purview. You’re not bolting on another tool. You’re extending what you already have. The granular configuration options let you align policies precisely with your security requirements across Windows, iOS, alongside Android and shared devices.
Autopilot stands out for zero-touch deployment. New devices get configured and enrolled without IT manually imaging anything. For organizations with BYOD policies or hybrid workforces, this removes significant friction.
Sync Speed and Reporting Need Work
Users consistently flag slow device syncs and action delays. When you push a policy, you might wait longer than expected to confirm it landed. Reporting feels incomplete out of the box. The standard Power BI integration gives you high-level data, but getting detailed device inventory requires extra work.
Troubleshooting capabilities are limited when things break. Log gathering isn’t intuitive, and Azure outages directly impact your ability to manage endpoints.
Right Fit for Microsoft Shops
If you’re not already deep in the Microsoft ecosystem, we think you should look elsewhere. The value proposition depends heavily on that the integration. But for M365 organizations, the total cost of ownership and centralized management make this hard to beat. Pricing runs $4-10 per user monthly depending on your tier. The learning curve is steep, but the payoff is real once your team gets comfortable.
Strengths
- Autopilot enables true zero-touch deployment, reducing IT imaging workload significantly
- Tight integration with Defender, Purview, and Conditional Access creates unified security posture
- Granular configuration profiles support complex policy requirements across device types
- Competitive pricing at $4-10 per user per month for organizations already in M365
Cautions
- Based on customer feedback, Device sync speeds frustrate admins when pushing time-sensitive policy changes
- Based on customer reviews, Reporting and inventory tools require significant customization to be useful
Rippling
Rippling combines HR, IT, and device management into a single platform where employee data drives everything else. It’s built for organizations that want their identity, access, and device policies to automatically adjust when someone joins, changes roles, or leaves.
Employee-Aware Automation That Actually Works
The standout here is how employee context flows through the system. When someone moves from engineering to sales, their device configuration, app access, and security policies update automatically. We found this eliminates the manual IT tickets that pile up during reorgs.
Device setup is hands-off. Ship a laptop directly to a new hire, and it configures itself based on their role, department, and location. The platform handles Apple and Windows equally well, not the usual afterthought support for one or the other.
What Customers Are Saying
Users consistently praise the unified approach. Having HR, payroll, and device management share the same data source eliminates the sync issues that plague multi-tool setups. The pre-built compliance templates for SOC 2 and ISO 27001 save teams significant documentation time.
Right Fit Depends on Your Footprint
If you’re US, Canada, or UK-based, the physical device logistics are compelling, ordering, shipping, retrieval, and warehousing without vendor management. Outside those regions, you lose this advantage.
Strengths
- Employee role changes automatically trigger device, app, and policy updates across the platform
- Ships pre-configured devices directly to new hires, cutting IT setup to near zero
- Equal Apple and Windows support without one platform feeling bolted on
- Pre-built SOC 2 and ISO 27001 templates work immediately without heavy customization
Cautions
- Based on customer feedback, Device logistics limited to US, Canada, and UK; ordering only US and Canada
- No Linux or server management support
Scalefusion
Scalefusion is a unified endpoint management platform built for organizations juggling mixed device fleets across Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux. It’s particularly strong for retail, alongside education and field operations where you need tight control without heavy IT overhead.
Fast Deployment That Actually Works
We found the enrollment process refreshingly straightforward. Apple DEP, Android Zero-touch, and Google Workspace integrations mean devices can ship directly to end users pre-configured. No staging, no manual setup.
The kiosk mode locks devices to approved apps only. We saw this working well for single-purpose deployments like retail checkouts or student tablets. Users get exactly what they need and nothing else.
Security Controls Without the Complexity
Role-based access, factory reset protection, and screen capture blocking are all baked in. Wi-Fi settings and website block lists can be pushed remotely, which helps when you’re managing hundreds of devices across multiple locations.
Remote screen mirroring and health reporting give you visibility without needing boots on the ground. For schools using Apple School Manager, the integration handles Managed Apple IDs and prevents personal account sign-ins cleanly.
What Customers Are Saying
Users consistently highlight the speed of deployment. One team managing thousands of devices got configs pushed and devices production-ready in minutes. Retail operations report that the app restrictions have cut down on misuse significantly.
Some users mention the dashboard can feel cluttered when managing multiple profiles. Advanced configurations aren’t always intuitive on first pass, though most say it gets easier with familiarity.
Who Should Consider This
If you’re managing diverse device types across locations and need quick rollout with solid security controls, Scalefusion fits well. We think it’s especially worth evaluating for education and retail use cases. Larger enterprises with complex compliance requirements may want to verify advanced configuration options upfront.
Strengths
- Devices enroll and configure in minutes through zero-touch enrollment integrations
- Kiosk mode effectively locks devices to approved applications only
- Supports five operating systems from a single management console
- Apple School Manager integration handles student device restrictions cleanly
Cautions
- According to some user reviews, Dashboard navigation can feel cluttered when managing multiple device profiles
- Some users report that advanced security configurations may require additional setup time initially
Other IT Management Services
We researched lots of mobile device management solutions while we were making this guide. Here are a few other tools that are worth your consideration:
Creates a complete inventory of your mobile devices and enables you to create profiles and enforce security policies.
Effective Android, Apple, and Windows device management in a single platform.
What To Look For: MDM Solutions Checklist
When evaluating MDM solutions, we’ve identified eight essential criteria. Here’s the checklist of questions you should be asking:
- Device Coverage: Does it handle all your device types equally well, or does it have second-class support for some? Can it manage Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android from one console? Do you need ChromeOS or Linux support? Will you manage them successfully, or will you end up with bolt-on tools?
- Enrollment Speed: How long does device enrollment take? Can you use zero-touch enrollment with Apple DEP or Android Zero-touch? Can devices ship directly to users and self-configure, or do they need IT involvement? Does enrollment happen in minutes or hours?
- Policy Complexity You Can Handle: Can you write policies once and push them across device types, or do you need to rebuild rules for each OS? Are policies configured through a visual interface, or do you need to write code? Can you manage group-based policies without managing individual devices?
- Integration With Identity and Access: Does it work smoothly with your identity provider, Entra ID, Okta, or others? Can you sync user groups and automatically apply policies based on organizational membership? Does it integrate with your conditional access or zero-trust strategies?
- Remote Management Capabilities: Can you remotely wipe, lock, or restart devices? Can you see what apps are installed on endpoints? Can you troubleshoot issues without visiting the device? Can you monitor battery, storage, and security status across the fleet?
- BYOD Support: Does it handle personal devices without seeing personal data? Can you enforce work profiles on Android and iOS? Can you selectively wipe only work data when someone leaves? Can you restrict what personal apps can do?
- Reporting and Compliance: Can you see which devices are non-compliant and why? Can you generate audit-ready reports for compliance audits? Does the platform have pre-built compliance profiles for HIPAA, GDPR, or SOC 2?
- Deployment Overhead: How long does initial setup take? Do you need to hire consultants, or can your existing IT team handle it? How many years of maintenance and policy tuning are you signing up for? What’s the total cost of ownership beyond licensing?
Weight these criteria based on your environment. Organizations running primarily Windows should verify macOS and mobile support doesn’t feel like an afterthought. Schools and retailers need fast enrollment and kiosk mode. Enterprises managing BYOD need strong personal/work separation. Microsoft-first you should evaluate whether Intune’s integration justifies learning another complex console.
How We Compared The Best Mobile Device Management (MDM) Solutions
Expert Insights is an independent editorial team that researches, tests, and reviews cybersecurity and IT solutions. No vendor can pay to influence our review of their products. Our Editor’s Scores are based solely on product quality. Before testing, we map the full vendor market for each category, identifying all active vendors from market leaders to emerging challengers.
We evaluated 10 MDM platforms across Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and ChromeOS environments. We evaluated each solution in controlled settings simulating real enterprise conditions. We assessed enrollment speed, policy configuration depth, support for mixed-device BYOD scenarios, remote management capabilities, alongside integration with identity platforms and real world operational stability across different device types.
Beyond hands on testing, we conducted extensive market research across the MDM market and reviewed customer feedback and interviews to validate vendor claims against operational reality. We spoke with product teams to understand integration capabilities, platform-specific limitations, and roadmap priorities. Our editorial and commercial teams operate independently. No vendor can pay to influence our review of their products.
This guide is updated quarterly. For full details on our evaluation process, visit our How We Test & Review Products.
The Bottom Line
No single MDM solution works for every organization. Your choice depends on your device mix, existing infrastructure, and whether you want device management converging with identity, HR, or security tools.
If you’re deep in Microsoft’s ecosystem, Microsoft Intune delivers zero-touch deployment and unified security controls with Conditional Access and Defender.
If you want device management driven by HR data, Rippling automatically updates device policies when employees change roles. The pre-configured device logistics in US, Canada, and UK cut IT setup time dramatically.
For mixed-fleet management without ecosystem lock-in, Hexnode handles six operating systems with one policy engine. Fast enrollment makes it especially strong for education and retail.
If you’re in the Cisco ecosystem, Cisco Meraki Systems Manager transforms large-scale device management with remote app updates and policy automation. For Android and Windows environments, ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus delivers solid value at competitive pricing, just expect workarounds for Apple compliance.
For rapid multi-location rollouts with kiosk-locked devices, Scalefusion excels with zero-touch enrollment and single-purpose device controls.
Read the individual reviews above to dig into deployment specifics, platform-specific tradeoffs, and the integration details that matter for your environment.
FAQs
Everything You Need To Know About Mobile Device Management (FAQs)
Device management is the process of monitoring, managing, and securing the mobile devices connected to your company’s network, including both personal and corporate-issued devices.
Device management solutions give you a unified view of all the mobile devices within your company’s network. Usually, you have to install the Mobile Device Management agent on all mobile devices—the best MDM solutions offer an option for remote users to install this agent themselves. Once the agent is installed, the MDM solution can monitor the device’s health and security posture.
With an MDM solution, you can also define policies for device configuration, manage the applications installed on a device, and remotely troubleshoot any issues that a user is having with their device—all from a single, centralized management console.
Mobile devices are a lucrative target for cybercriminals and can also be an easy target when not properly secured.
- Without multi-factor authentication, an attacker could steal their victim’s phone and sign into their corporate accounts.
- Without strong endpoint protection, such as antivirus and antimalware software, an attacker could install malware on a user’s device undetected.
- Without a secure remote access solution, such as a VPNor zero trust network access (ZTNA), an attacker could tap into a user’s unsecured Wi-Fi connection and spy on all their connections to the company network.
Mobile Device Management solutions give you comprehensive visibility of all the mobile devices connected to the company network and enable you to remotely manage and secure those devices, to protect them from these types of threat.
Mobile Device Management also allows you to monitor device health such as checking for updates. This not only helps prevent the exploitation of software and operating system vulnerabilities but also ensures that each device is running optimally, which boosts productivity. After all, nobody wants to wait for 10 minutes after they’ve turned on their tablet just to be able to load up their inbox.
All Mobile Device Management software solutions offer slightly different feature sets to meet specific use cases, but there are some features that you should look out for in any Mobile Device Management solution. These are:
- Device compatibility: Your Mobile Device Management software solution must be compatible with all the device types in your business and offer patching and updates for all the operating systems those devices are running.
- Remote monitoring and troubleshooting: You should be able to remotely troubleshoot user devices via a centralized management console, without having to visit users in person.
- Application management: You should be able to define which applications can be installed on user devices, as well as update those apps. This could be via an app store experience, remote software distribution, or a containerized “work mode” that keeps personal and work apps separate.
- Reporting and analytics: You should be able to generate and export reports into device posture including usage, compliance, patch status, and the presence of unauthorized apps.
There are three main types of endpoint management solution on the market: Mobile Device Management (MDM), Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM), and Unified Endpoint Management (UEM). While they do overlap somewhat in terms of functionality, there are some key differences you should know about before you decide which one to invest in.
- MDM solutions enable you to monitor, manage, and configure policies for all the mobile devices connected to your network. However, MDM software doesn’t allow you to manage on-prem devices, such as desktops. This means MDM is best suited to organizations with a high percentage of remote workers, or which don’t have a physical office with permanent workstations.
- EMM solutions use containers to secure the apps and data on a mobile device, enabling employees to switch easily between work and personal activities on one device. This is useful for businesses with lots of BYOD devices. However, while EMM was designed as an evolution of MDM, most modernMDM solutions also offer this app management functionality.
- UEM solutions enable you teams to monitor, manage, and secure all of the devices connected to your corporate network—both mobile and on-site—via one interface. Because of this, UEM is a strong solution for businesses using a combination of mobile devices, desktop PCs, and IoT devices.
Written By
Caitlin Harris is the Deputy Head of Content at Expert Insights. As an experienced content writer and editor, Caitlin helps cybersecurity leaders to cut through the noise in the cybersecurity space with expert analysis and insightful recommendations.
Prior to Expert Insights, Caitlin worked at QA Ltd, where she produced award-winning technical training materials, and she has also produced journalistic content over the course of her career.
Caitlin has 8 years of experience in the cybersecurity and technology space, helping technical teams, CISOs, and security professionals find clarity on complex, mission critical topics like security awareness training, backup and recovery, and endpoint protection.
Caitlin also hosts the Expert Insights Podcast and co-writes the weekly newsletter, Decrypted.
Technical Review
Laura Iannini is a Cybersecurity Analyst at Expert Insights. With deep cybersecurity knowledge and strong research skills, she leads Expert Insights’ product testing team, conducting thorough tests of product features and in-depth industry analysis to ensure that Expert Insights’ product reviews are definitive and insightful.
Laura also carries out wider analysis of vendor landscapes and industry trends to inform Expert Insights’ enterprise cybersecurity buyers’ guides, covering topics such as security awareness training, cloud backup and recovery, email security, and network monitoring. Prior to working at Expert Insights, Laura worked as a Senior Information Security Engineer at Constant Edge, where she tested cybersecurity solutions, carried out product demos, and provided high-quality ongoing technical support.
Laura holds a Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity from the University of West Florida.