Mobile Device Management: What It Is and Why Your Business Needs It 

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Remote work is becoming the norm, with employees accessing company accounts from various devices and networks. To keep up with the demands for speed, flexibility, and innovation, businesses must also address the associated risks.

Managing, monitoring, and protecting company devices remotely is essential to secure data and maintain productivity. That’s where mobile device management (MDM) comes in. Let’s take a closer look at this service: what it is, how it works, and why it’s crucial for your organization.

What Is Mobile Device Management?

Mobile device management (MDM) is a service that allows businesses to monitor, secure, and otherwise manage company devices such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops that are being used remotely. Its main purpose is to protect the organization from accidental leaks, breaches, or other cyberattacks and ensure that company devices are being used appropriately.

Key Functions of MDM

Mobile device management can include a variety of features depending on your needs. Here’s a look at the most common services:

• Asset Inventory: Evaluate your current devices, including number, type, model, software status, wear and tear, etc.
• Provisioning: Configure devices for remote management and set them up according to company regulations.
• Software Management: Launch updates and patches regularly to keep devices secure and efficient.
• Cybersecurity: Implement security measures such as password protection, data encryption, or remote wiping in case of theft or loss.
• App Management: Control which apps are allowed on company devices to prevent inappropriate use or potential security risks.
• 24/7 Monitoring and Reporting: Keep track of device usage, performance, and any potential issues in order to address them promptly.
• Help Desk Support: Troubleshoot interruptions or glitches both on company-issued devices and on bring your own device (BYOD) setups.

Why Do I Need MDM?

In a business environment where remote work, cyberattacks, and reliance on tech systems grow more prominent every day, you can’t afford to be without the benefits of careful mobile device management.

Advanced Security

Because businesses can secure devices connected to their network, control permissions, launch cybersecurity programs remotely, monitor usage, etc., the risk of data breaches or malware infiltrations is greatly reduced with MDM. Even physically stolen devices present less of a risk because they can be locked or wiped remotely to prevent unauthorized access.

Reduced Costs

Being able to support and control devices remotely, including running automated updates and repairs, reduces the workload on your IT team and the resulting expenses. Additionally, device tracking makes it easy to locate lost devices, eliminating replacement costs, and heightened security reduces the risk of compliance fines or cyberattack recovery costs.

Enhanced Productivity

Effective MDM means quick resolutions and decreased downtime for your remote employees. With better support for both company and personal devices through streamlined updates and troubleshooting, operational hiccups will be limited, and your team members will be able to work seamlessly with few interruptions.

Implementation: Challenges and Tips

When you first start MDM, there can be some hurdles that make it difficult to launch your new program smoothly.

In BYOD setups, the variety of devices and operating systems makes it hard to ensure consistent configurations and keep up with updates. More systems also mean more repairs, maintenance, and support, adding logistical and financial challenges. As your business grows or changes, updating or adding devices to monitoring systems can be a hassle.

To overcome these obstacles, we recommend the following tips:

• Start with a detailed evaluation of all of your current devices, what systems they currently use, what model they are, and any other information that will make setting up their credentials easier.
• Make a careful plan, establish detailed security policies, and stick with them. This includes device access permissions (e.g., whitelisting and blacklisting), enter and exit strategies, etc.
• Run software updates and patches frequently and consider setting up an automated schedule so your devices stay efficient and secure at all times.
• Train your team members on the new system and how they can practice mindful security while working on remote devices.

The best way, however, to push past any snags and make your MDM seamless is to partner with an IT company. They have experience working with a variety of devices and business models, knowledge of current trends and threats, and access to advanced tools you can use to better monitor, protect, and manage your devices from anywhere.

Cure Your Mobile Device Headaches with Twintel

Our team at Twintel has years of experience helping businesses like yours take care of their mobile devices. We know the high value of your data and systems, and we have all of the necessary expertise and tools to help you preserve your workflows, safeguard information, and make remote work safer and easier than ever.

Chat with one of our team members for more information about our MDM services—you’ll love the quality, professionalism, and efficiency you just can’t find anywhere else.