In the ever-evolving landscape of modern business, effective device management solutions are a cornerstone of success. There are several different device management solutions available. You may hear them referred to with a few other acronyms. Unified Endpoint Management, or UEM, is the most modern workflow for managing and securing devices in an enterprise network. It encompasses mobile, fixed, or even advanced Internet of Things (IoT) devices. You may also hear this referred to as enterprise mobility management, mobile device management, or MDM services.
Device management is more than just a matter of convenience. It’s a necessity for maintaining security and optimizing return on investment. But which device management solution is right for your organization? When you narrow down your needs and select the appropriate device management solution, it’s critical to partner with a service provider to deploy and provide ongoing administration services. We help you evaluate your options and find the management solution that’s right for you.
Evaluating the Differences
Device management encompasses a spectrum of services and solutions. There are enterprise mobility management (EMM) providers, UEM providers, and mobile device management (MDM) services. We explore the distinctions between these options and how they align with your unique needs.
What is Mobile Device Management (MDM)?
Mobile device management is a well-established method of managing and securing devices. It allows verified administrators to control, secure, and enforce policies on smartphones, tablets, and other endpoints. MDM services provide device functionality from custom device enrollment, zero-touch rollout, profile management, and IT lifecycle support. The process typically involves one or a few different types of devices customized for a limited set of use cases.
Examples are mobile computing devices in retail and automated dispensing cabinets in healthcare organizations. Other examples of MDM include RFID handhelds for shipping and receiving in warehouses or distribution centers.
What is Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM)?
Enterprise mobility management builds on the principles of MDM to manage mobile devices, wireless networks, and other mobile technologies. The process addresses not only device management but also application management and content management. This means your business can allow employees to use their personal devices while ensuring that corporate data and applications remain secure.
What are the advantages of working with a qualified, experienced EMM provider? It takes the weight of supporting an enterprise device fleet and IT asset ecosystem off your plate. EMM offers all the benefits of MDM services. It also includes support for bring your own device (BOYD) ecosystems, application management, content management, and more.
What is Unified Endpoint Management (UEM)?
UEM is the practice of monitoring and managing all devices on a network using a single, unified tool. can be a cloud-based solution or an on-premise tool to monitor and manage devices.
The significant advantage of this solution is its flexibility. It can encompass personal computers or rugged handheld computers with scanners. It also works with phones, tablets, other devices, and software solutions. These technologies retain unique features, including operating systems and device images assigned to them for different use cases.
Making the Right Decisions
Properly translating your needs to the right device management method takes time. Here are some factors to consider when evaluating UEM, MDM Services, or EMM Providers:
How many unique devices do you have that need monitoring and maintenance?
Determining the number of devices you need can help you manage your operations effectively.
Are the endpoints mobile, fixed, or both?
Ascertaining whether your devices are mobile or fixed and how many you have of each will help determine the optimal solution.
Are you currently using bring your own device (BYOD), or will you adopt this method in the future?
You’ll have to consider whether employees or partners are allowed to use their own devices.
Other questions worth asking include:
- Do you need to remotely monitor and manage devices including software and content permissions?
- Is understanding device utilization important?
- Does your internal team have the bandwidth to monitor and support all mobile devices, printers, and IoT devices in real-time to mitigate threats?
Once you have an answer to these questions, you can make an informed decision about the type of services you need.
The Future of Device Management
While implementing and monitoring your device management, it’s a good idea to keep your eye on the trends happening in the industry. A rise in remote work and BYOD ecosystems means heightened security issues and more IT asset monitoring and maintenance. As business leaders look to adopt more automation, digital employee experience tools will help identify automation opportunities to improve operational efficiency.
From UEM to EMM, Informed Decisions Drive Business Results
Do you need assistance deciding which device management approach is best for you? Whether you need UEM, MDM services, or an EMM provider, device security and maintenance are paramount to success.
Understanding where you are in the maturation of your technology and lifecycle management is key to choosing the right device management strategy. For help evaluating where your organization stands and what path to take, contact us for a consultation.
