Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) involves people, processes and technologies that are used to manage mobile devices, networks and other mobile services within an organization. To put it simply, EMM is software that allows employees to safely use mobile devices and applications that are managed remotely by the company’s IT department. Today’s enterprises are dealing with an increasing trend of employees using mobile devices and enterprise mobility management helps improve productivity and security for these employees by allowing only specific applications to be used on specific devices, on an as needed basis.

NOT “One Size Fits All”

Organizations in different industries have different needs, and therefore systems that work for one may not be suitable for another. In certain situations, organizations may need the ability to lock a device down if it leaves a certain location while others may need the ability to completely wipe the device if it leaves that same area. The focus on EMM is expanding from just securing devices and apps to now also include broad strategies that allow employees to do more work while on the go without compromising safety. Continue reading to learn about the ways an EMM solution can secure vital information for enterprises.

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Critical Components that Comprise an EMM Solution

  • Mobile Device Management (MDM)

  • Mobile Application Management (MAM)

  • Mobile Content Management (MCM)

  • Mobile Information Management (MIM)

Each of these components manage devices and data differently, and when put together into a complete system, create an all in one EMM solution that is suitable for enterprises of any size.

Mobile Device Management (MDM)

Mobile device management (MDM) is one of the main components of a successful EMM solution. MDM refers to software that enables IT departments to secure and enforce policies on devices used in business, such as tablets or phones. Mobile device management is typically enforced by creating profiles for each device on the company’s network. Once the profile is created, the IT department can setup features like email, WIFI access, specific application access etc. If a device is lost or an employee is no longer with the company, the IT department can lock the device so that it can no longer be accessed (or even wipe the device clean). If a company using an MDM solution allows their employees to use their own personal devices, those employees run the risk of having all their data erased in cases where devices need to be wiped. This is not an ideal situation and leaves many employees stuck using corporate owned devices instead of their own personal device. Most people are so used to their own personal device and forcing them to use a different kind of device could cause a decrease in productivity while they get adjusted.

Mobile Application Management (MAM)

For companies who don’t want to deal with the possibility of wiping employees’ personal devices, the optimal solution is mobile application management, or MAM. With a MAM solution, the device itself won’t get locked down, but IT has the ability to lock down specific apps and data that contain sensitive information pertinent to the business. The IT department can also push out updates to specific apps, at scale, with mobile application management. MAM provides the ability to leave personal data such as photos or messages untouched and inaccessible to IT, while still securing the vital and confidential business apps and information.

Mobile Content Management (MCM) – Mobile Information Management (MIM)

Mobile content management (MCM) or mobile information management (MIM) is another key feature of an EMM solution. In today’s world, collaboration is a huge part of business. Employees work together, even from remote locations, to accomplish a singular goal. Mobile content management helps employees collaborate by enabling access to documents, emails, notes etc. while working from different locations. While working remotely, the MCM system is making sure that all the data being transmitted is secure. Through encryption, MCM makes it safe for remote workers to transmit data across various networks and devices.

Enterprise Mobility Management – An All Encompassing Solution

Enterprise mobility management (EMM) is an all-encompassing solution that combines the features of MDM, MAM & MCM/MIM. Rather than finding a specific MDM, MAM or MCM solution, enterprises can choose an EMM provider that covers all these bases. The proper EMM solution will provide an organization with the proper visibility, access and protection needed to survive and thrive in today’s complex world.