When a company has ten computers and phones, managing each one by hand is a nightmare. And when one is lost along with company data, a serious risk arises. The solution is MDM, which manages devices centrally and remotely. Let us explain what it is and how it helps.

What MDM is

MDM (Mobile Device Management) is a tool for the central management of company devices, that is computers, laptops, phones and tablets, from one place. The administrator sets up devices, installs software, enforces rules and monitors status, all remotely, without running from desk to desk.

What MDM allows

  • Remote setup of devices and installation of applications.
  • Enforcing policies, for example a mandatory password, encryption or 2FA.
  • Remote locking or wiping of a lost or stolen device.
  • An overview of what devices the company has and what state they are in.

Why a company needs it

With a growing number of devices and remote work, manual management is unbearable and risky. MDM ensures that all devices meet the same rules, are up to date and protected. When a laptop is lost, you lock or wipe it with a single click, so no one reaches the company data.

A key feature: remote wipe

This is the most important from a security standpoint. When an employee loses a phone or laptop with company data, through MDM you lock or completely wipe it remotely. Without this safeguard, sensitive data would remain in the hands of a stranger.

BYOD: company and personal data kept apart

Many companies let people work from their own phone (the BYOD model, “bring your own device”). In that case MDM can separate the company and personal parts of the device. The company manages only work apps and data, and cannot see personal photos or messages. When an employee leaves, only the company profile is wiped, while personal data stays untouched.

What MDM is deployed with

The best-known tool is Microsoft Intune, which is part of several Microsoft 365 business plans and manages Windows, Android and Apple devices from one place. For the Apple environment there is Apple Business Manager and other solutions. The choice depends on which devices the company uses and which apps it needs to distribute.

MDM ties in with onboarding (a device prepared and set up on the first day) and with an employee’s departure (quick disconnection and wiping of access). Together they bring order to managing company devices.

Fast onboarding and offboarding

A big advantage of MDM is time. A new employee gets a device that, after sign-in, sets itself up and downloads the needed apps, without a technician running around all day. When someone leaves, a single command disconnects all access and wipes company data. That sharply reduces the risk of leaving an open door behind.

Who it suits

MDM makes sense already with a few devices and becomes a necessity as a company grows, especially if people also work from home or on the move. It also helps with compliance, because you can prove that all devices are encrypted and password-protected.

Want your company devices under control and secure? Get in touch, we will deploy and manage MDM for you as part of IT support for companies.

We will deploy and manage MDM for you

We handle setup, policies and remote wipe for your company devices, so you are covered if one is lost or an employee leaves. For homes and businesses in Liptov.

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This article is part of our Business IT overview.