The permanent shift to hybrid and remote work in many enterprises, along with ongoing digital transformation programmes, means that mobile device management (MDM) is more important than ever. Cutting edge MDM tools—or unified endpoint management (UEM) tools—are key enablers for flexible ways of working.
Although MDM tools have been around for more than a decade, the market for this set of tools is as dynamic as ever. Vendors in the segment continue to innovate, with a focus on making their tools smarter, more flexible and richer in features and functionality.
Here’s a guide to four trends that are shaping MDM and the security of your mobile workforce:
- MDM becomes an attack vector
Enterprises rely on MDM software to simplify administration of mobile devices and ensure that end-users follow their security policies. But, ironically enough, these tools have themselves become an attack vector. There have been several high-profile incidents where hackers have used vulnerabilities in MDM software to gain access to corporate devices and networks. Smarter companies are thus paying close attention to the need to keep their MDM platforms up to date with the latest patches and versions.
- A wider role for MDM software
As companies accelerate digital transformation, they soon find that conventional MDM isn’t enough to keep up with their evolving needs. In addition to managing personally and corporate owned Android and iOS mobile devices, they also need to manage PCs, Internet of Things devices, wearables and more.
Most MDM software players today call themselves UEM vendors and offer solutions that simplify management of a range of endpoint devices from a single console. UEM offers features like device enrolment, policy enforcement, application distribution and remote wiping across a wider range of computing devices.
- Digital employee experience and MDM converge
In this time of digital transformation, the end-user’s experience with technology matters more than ever. But many companies find it challenging to offer consistent support and experiences to people working outside the campus or firewall. Meanwhile, locking down devices and data for security and compliance introduces friction to the user experience.
We are seeing MDM/UEM vendors starting to incorporate digital employee experience (DEX) features into their software. DEX enables companies to monitor how their end-users are interacting with company apps and systems and how they feel about using these technologies. They can use this data to refine the end-user experience.
- Smarter endpoint management with AI and machine learning
MDM/UEM tools are leveraging smarter, more powerful artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to help simplify operations through automation and give companies more visibility and control. The technology helps companies to more rapidly identify, prioritise, and resolve security issues on managed devices.
Advanced AI can, for example, automate mobile incident reporting and responses, or help identify bottlenecks in end-user productivity. AI tools can streamline the onboarding process by taking end-users through the necessary steps, or even respond to basic end-user support requests.
Cutting edge management of your remote and hybrid workforce
MDM/UEM is a must for every business with a remote or mobile workforce. But to drive full value from them, leading organisations will also invest in cutting edge mobile expense management (MEM) solutions. Whereas MDM covers your technical requirements, MEM enables you to simplify expense management and optimise your costs. Together, they’re key enablers for your workforce.
1Nebula is a leader in building innovative technology solutions that accelerate digital transformation to unlock human potential. Get in touch to find out how our knowledgeable consultants and developers can help you to drive more value from your cloud and telecoms environment through smarter practices.