Alexis Kestler
Hello there!
As an IT professional, I know you‘re likely concerned about mobile device security in your organization. With more employees using personal devices like smartphones and laptops for work, it becomes crucial to implement solutions that can help you securely manage these devices.
In this post, I‘ll provide an in-depth look at Mobile Device Management (MDM) software, the value it offers, and review the top solutions in detail to help you make an informed decision. Let‘s get started!
What is Mobile Device Management (MDM) Software?
Mobile Device Management software allows centralized management, monitoring and securing of all mobile devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops etc. across an organization‘s network.
According to MarketsandMarkets, the global MDM market size is projected to grow from USD 7.1 billion in 2025 to USD 27.4 billion by 2027, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 30.8% during the forecast period. This shows the rising adoption of MDM solutions by businesses worldwide.
Key capabilities offered by MDM software:
- Remote monitoring and control – Admins can remotely configure settings, track location, lock or wipe devices.
- Security – Enforce password policies, encryption, blacklisting/whitelisting apps etc.
- Compliance – Ensure devices meet security standards and regulations.
- Application management – Distribute, update, whitelist/blacklist, and delete apps.
- Backup & restore – Remotely backup data and restore device state.
- Reporting & analytics – Gain insights into device inventory, policies, compliance etc.
In summary, MDM enables organizations to optimize mobile device security, functionality and protects corporate data on endpoints like smartphones, laptops, desktops etc.
Key Benefits of Using MDM Software
Let‘s look at some of the top benefits you can realize by deploying MDM software:
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Enhanced endpoint security – MDM solutions minimize vulnerabilities by enforcing strong policies around encryption, passwords, app permissions etc. This safeguards your organization from attacks and data breaches related to mobile devices.
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Higher employee productivity – With granular controls, you can configure devices tailored to specific user needs. This results in improved employee experience and productivity.
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Simplified administration – MDM eliminates repetitive manual tasks through automation. Bulk actions like enforcing policies, deploying apps, updates etc. are made easy.
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Support for remote workers – MDM enables remote employees to securely access company data and apps without compromising security.
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Stronger compliance – Device compliance reports help demonstrate adherence to industry regulations like HIPAA, PCI DSS etc.
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Enhanced visibility & analytics – Detailed logs and reports provide visibility into device inventory, policies, apps, threats etc. for data-driven decisions.
According to TechRepublic, over 90% of IT administrators reported improvements in mobile security, device compliance, and employee productivity after implementing MDM. This clearly highlights the immense value MDM solutions provide.
Top 13 Mobile Device Management Software Solutions
Let‘s explore the top enterprise MDM platforms available today:
1. AirDroid Business
AirDroid Business is an excellent Android MDM solution that helps securely manage devices like phones, tablets, kiosks etc.
It enables:
- App management with black/whitelisting
- Geofencing and location tracking
- Kiosk mode for dedicated devices
- Remote screen monitoring and control
- File transfer between devices and cloud storage
- Powerful automation and scheduling
AirDroid Business supports multi-tenant management and scales seamlessly across organizations. They offer a free trial to test it out.
2. Kandji
Kandji stands out as a leading Apple MDM solution purpose-built for securing macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS devices in the enterprise.
It enables:
- Automating the entire device lifecycle
- Streamlining app deployments
- Enforcing security policies and compliance
- Granular configurations based on users, groups, devices
- Real-time fleet overview with security insights
Kandji integrates tightly with Apple services like the Volume Purchase Program (VPP) and Apple Business Manager. They offer custom pricing tailored to your deployment size.
3. Scalefusion
Scalefusion MDM simplifies managing Android, iOS, Windows 10, macOS, and multiple other device platforms.
Key highlights:
- Intuitive web-based management console
- Ability to set BYOD and corporate-owned policies
- Granular management capabilities
- Integration with EMM providers
- Real-time alerts and remote troubleshooting
- Usage analytics and reports
Scalefusion offers a free trial to test drive their solution. Paid plans start from $2 per device monthly.
4. ManageEngine
ManageEngine MDM helps manage mobile devices across platforms like Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Chrome OS from a unified console.
It provides:
- Automated device enrollment
- Containerization for separating personal and corporate data
- Security policy configuration based on roles
- Remote device lock or wipe capabilities
- Application management and license management
- Activity logs and compliance reporting
ManageEngine caters to both company-owned and BYOD devices. They offer a free 25 device edition.
5. Hexnode
Hexnode Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) allows managing mobiles, desktops, servers, IoT devices etc. from a single pane of glass.
It supports:
- Deep management capabilities for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS
- Android, Chrome OS, Windows 10, Fire OS management
- Zero-touch enrollment and device provisioning
- Granular policy enforcement
- Secure enterprise application deployment
- Usage analytics and real-time alerts
- Remote monitoring, control and troubleshooting
Hexnode comes with a free 30-day trial to test out all capabilities.
6. VMware Workspace ONE
VMware Workspace ONE UEM enables unified visibility and management of devices across OS platforms like iOS, iPadOS, Android, Windows, macOS etc.
It provides:
- Secure zero-touch onboarding
- Contextual intelligence driven automation
- Advanced security and compliance
- Per-app VPN and conditional access
- Self-healing endpoints
- Unified app catalog
Workspace ONE integrates with existing tools like Microsoft Endpoint Manager, Okta etc. They offer flexible pricing tailored to specific needs.
7. Ivanti
Ivanti Unified Endpoint Manager consolidates management of iOS, iPadOS, Android, Windows, IoT, Mac devices from a single console.
Key capabilities:
- Discovery, deployment and patching of endpoints
- Granular policy and profile configuration
- Automated compliance reporting
- Contextual analytics and AI-powered insights
- Self-service portal for end users
- Security tools integration via APIs
Ivanti offers multiple pricing packages for both on-premise and cloud deployment.
8. Jamf Pro
Jamf Pro simplifies Apple enterprise management by providing powerful capabilities for iPhones, iPads, MacBooks and Apple TVs.
It enables:
- Zero-touch deployment of Apple devices
- Granular policy enforcement and restrictions
- Automating compliance workflows
- Security patching and software updates
- Self-service app catalog for end users
- Inventory and license management
Jamf integrates with tools like Cisco ISE, Microsoft 365 etc. to extend its capabilities. They offer competitive pricing starting from $3.33 per device monthly.
9. Miradore
Miradore Online is a cost-effective yet robust MDM solution for managing mobile devices like iPhones, iPads, Android phones etc. as well desktop OS like Windows, macOS and servers.
Key features:
- Unified endpoint management
- Remote device configuration
- Security policy enforcement
- Selective or full device wipe
- Application and license management
- Automated compliance workflows
- Device geolocation tracking
- Usage analytics and reports
Miradore offers a free 14-day trial to test drive their solution before buying.
10. Cisco Meraki Systems Manager
Cisco Meraki Systems Manager is a scalable, cloud-based MDM that simplifies securing and managing mobile devices like iPhones, iPads, Android phones, Chromebooks, Windows laptops and more.
It enables:
- Over-the-air profile deployment
- Application blacklisting/whitelisting
- Conditional access policies
- Device location tracking
- Remote troubleshooting
- Security posture and compliance reporting
- Integration with other Cisco security tools
Meraki offers enterprise-grade capabilities tailored for companies managing 10s of thousands of devices globally.
11. SimpleMDM
SimpleMDM is a fast, intuitive MDM solution purpose-built for Apple devices like Macs, iPhones and iPads.
It provides:
- Quick automated device enrollment
- Configuration profiles to enforce policies
- Selective or full remote device wipe
- Application allowlisting/blocklisting
- User-friendly dashboard showing device insights
- Location tracking and geofencing
- Usage analytics and activity logs
SimpleMDM uses Apple‘s native MDM protocols for optimal performance. Pricing starts at just $3 per device monthly.
12. Sophos Mobile
Sophos Mobile makes securing Android, iOS and other mobile, laptop and IoT devices easy through its unified endpoint management solution.
It offers:
- Unified device visibility and control
- Enterprise mobility management
- Containerization separating work and personal data
- Granular compliance rules enforcement
- Automatic or on-demand device actions
- Security integration with Sophos products
- Self-service portal for end users
Sophos enables simplified enterprise mobility management while keeping data secured. They offer flexible pricing models.
13. IBM MaaS360
IBM MaaS360 delivers intelligent, AI-driven endpoint management and security for devices across operating systems.
Key capabilities:
- Unified visibility across endpoints
- Automation infused with Watson AI
- Advanced device, data and app protection
- Contextual insights for notifications and actions
- Identity and access management
- Seamless scalability across cloud and on-prem
MaaS360 simplifies securing BYOD and corporate-owned devices including mobiles, laptops, wearables, virtual desktops etc. Its automation and Watson integration help maximize operational efficiency.
How to Select the Right MDM Solution?
With many options to evaluate, here are key considerations when selecting an MDM platform:
Device and OS support – Ensure the MDM solution supports all device types (mobiles, desktops, laptops, tablets, IoT) running operating systems used in your environment.
Deployment methodology – Evaluate whether the MDM platform offers deployment flexibility – cloud-based, on-premise or hybrid model based on your infrastructure.
Security capabilities – Robust security features like containers, encryption and advanced device controls are a must.
Automation & analytics – Prioritize solutions that provide automation, detailed reports and actionable insights to aid management.
Customization – Pick solutions that allow tailoring management workflows, policies, restrictions as per your needs.
Technical support – Availability of reliable customer support and training resources from the vendor is vital for smooth rollout and adoption.
Pricing – Compare pricing models like per device, tiered, bundled plans etc. applicable to your device volume.
Reviews & reputation – Independent third-party reviews, testimonials and user feedback for the solution should be evaluated.
Carefully analyzing your requirements and priorities will help select the ideal MDM platform aligned to your environment and use cases.
The Bottom Line
Managing and securing a multitude of employee-owned and company devices is crucial for organizations today. MDM solutions empower IT teams to take control of mobile endpoints by automating management while maximizing productivity.
With the ability to enforce granular controls tailored to different users, groups and devices, MDM platforms provide a robust foundation for your enterprise mobility strategy.
I hope this guide provides you a comprehensive overview of the value MDM solutions offer and helps you make an informed decision on picking the right platform for your needs. Let me know if you have any other questions!
