{"id":49659,"date":"2017-02-17T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-02-17T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/7-tips-for-selecting-an-enterprise-mobile-device-management-solution\/"},"modified":"2017-03-17T12:13:03","modified_gmt":"2017-03-17T12:13:03","slug":"7-tips-for-selecting-an-enterprise-mobile-device-management-solution","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/7-tips-for-selecting-an-enterprise-mobile-device-management-solution\/2\/32394","title":{"rendered":"7 Tips For Selecting an Enterprise Mobile Device Management Solution"},"content":{"rendered":"

Enterprise mobile device management<\/a> (MDM) is an administrative aspect that deals with deploying, monitoring, securing and managing smartphones<\/a>, tablets<\/a> and laptops<\/a> used in the workplace. Its prime objective is to enhance security and functionality of mobile devices<\/a>, while simultaneously securing the corporate network as well.\n<\/p>\n

When enterprises are busy scaling up their business, mobile device management solutions that ensure robust enterprise mobility<\/a> become quite essential. The surging needs of industry-ready MDM solutions have propelled the emergence of a wide spectrum of options in the market. As a result, selecting the right one<\/a> from the vast array of MDM solutions can really be a tough ordeal.\n<\/p>\n

So, if you are confused about procuring the right MDM solution for your organization, these 7 tips will help you nail it!\n<\/p>\n

1. Reflect On Your Enterprise Mobility Needs and Awareness<\/span><\/h2>\n

First, your MDM selection process must be a part of your mobility strategy. Elements like scope, size, data access<\/a> and scale have to be addressed. Moreover, aspects like budget, management and security must play key roles before considering any MDM solution. It\u2019s strongly recommended to plan for a limited pilot deployment before moving ahead with any large-scale implementation of any enterprise MDM solution.\n<\/p>\n

Secondly, if you are planning to leverage the bring-your-own-device<\/a> (BYOD) concept, it will definitely add a new level of concerns, especially when enterprise data ownership<\/a> and the employer’s security application running on an employee’s personal device are in the picture. Therefore, adequate awareness about enterprise mobile device management<\/a> and its role in enterprise security has to be well thought through.\n<\/p>\n

2. Contact Multiple Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) Service Providers<\/span><\/h2>\n

EMM<\/a> is actually a cluster of ever-evolving innovations, so simply going with the big players may not necessarily yield the best results. As a beginner, you need to understand your goals and challenges. Today, BYOD<\/a> continues to gain higher levels of acceptance in enterprises. Hence, targeted or customized demand should be a key requirement in fast-moving businesses. For example, containerization<\/a> of organizational data, mobile application management<\/a> (MAM), mobile content management (MCM), etc., are a few premium attributes of an ideal enterprise mobile device management application, so it\u2019s advisable to evaluate solutions from multiple vendors and make your decision accordingly. (For more on BYOD, see 3 BYOD Costs Companies Often Overlook<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

3. Onsite Deployment Or Hosted Service: Budget Matters!<\/span><\/h2>\n

Today, almost all MDM solutions on the market are of a hosted server capacity, using cloud-based technologies. If you are somewhat constricted on time and money, a hosted solution can be a safe bet. Troubleshooting and upgrading to the latest versions are quite handy with a hosted solution, as the hosting company is responsible rather than you. That results in operational cost reductions.\n<\/p>\n

An onsite deployment can be customized with advanced capabilities, but will cost a lot and may be more difficult to fit into the budget.\n<\/p>\n

4. Scalability and Flexibility: Pillars Of An Advanced Enterprise Mobility<\/span><\/h2>\n

Be sure to shortlist an MDM solution that supports all the existing devices in the system and is scalable enough to accommodate more devices in the future. Moreover, you should think beyond just smartphones. Consider a solution efficient enough to keep pace with the growing trend of advanced technologies in the security and wearable<\/a> industries as well.\n<\/p>\n

Consider the following parameters before selecting a MDM:\n<\/p>\n