With remote work and IT compliance requirements on the rise, how do you keep track of company devices and their use? How are you sure that company devices are staying within policy?Modern Device Management (MDM) helps businesses manage devices, from desktop computers to smartphones. MDM handles the "policy" side of an active directory server by managing devices based on company rules of use.But how do you know if changing from an active directory to an MDM is right for you?WEBIT Services has been developing IT strategies, procuring equipment, and deploying technology for over 25 years for hundreds of clients in the greater Chicago area.By reading this article, you will learn MDM's benefits and challenges and how to know if it could be a match for your business.
Because MDM solutions are cloud-hosted, they can be accessed from anywhere by any device with an internet connection.Workforces no longer have to be in the office to apply updates or follow device use policies.MDM will also automatically apply policy changes across devices if policies are changed, added, or updated. This allows all devices to be in compliance with company device policies all the time.
The controls imposed by MDM make it easier to stay within compliance. All devices under MDM will have proper policies updated and enforced. Nothing slips through the cracks.MDM allows devices and companies to stay within IT compliance standards at all times. This is particularly important for businesses within regulated industries like finance or healthcare, which have strict compliance standards.
MDMs can also track device use and behavior. This ability allows MDM to send more information to security programs. In turn, the security programs can detect suspicious behavior and send security alerts faster than without MDM tracking.These additional controls also make it harder for users to employ Shadow IT, decreasing IT security risks.
MDMs are often included in license purchases or available for a modest fee and can be cost-effective when bundled with other services like Microsoft 365.Companies will need an IDM (Identity Management Platform) alongside their MDM. Fortunately, many IDMs are free up to a specific user limit. If companies need more enhanced features, these are available for an additional fee.
MDM enables the configuration of devices as "business-ready" out of the box, streamlining the onboarding process. Setting up devices through MDM allows consistent, efficient deployment, reducing reliance on in-person technicians.Users must follow directions closely to connect to the MDM properly. They may need remote assistance from the helpdesk if instructions are not followed. But, ideally, users can connect their new laptop to the internet, and the MDM will install all business policies, applications, and network connections.
Before MDMs, users might avoid IT interference with their devices by simply avoiding the IT office. Didn't want an app removed? Just don't show the IT guy your laptop.However, with MDM, that's no longer an option.Depending on the MDM policy and business, individual customization is no longer an option. Users can no longer refuse to update software. MDM allows for immediate and remote IT control of a company device. While this may be a benefit in many circumstances, the user's experience must be considered in crafting the MDM policy. Will the policy have a positive or negative effect on user experience? If the user experience is negative, this will impede productivity.It's essential to understand your MDM, your IT system, and your users' needs. The MDM should enhance your system and user experience. If it hinders either, the MDM will be more of a hindrance than a help.
If a change is made in the MDM, it will affect all devices within its system. Again, this can be seen as both a benefit and a challenge.If a change is carefully made and tested numerous times with positive results, you can update all devices at the push of a button without any hassle.However, if the change is not carefully tested, it could negatively affect every device across the company. For example, you may accidentally block a mission-critical application and can’t get back to work until the application is usable.Companies may use the MDM to create various “profiles” for MDM policies to prevent changes from being rolled out across all devices. Instead, only test groups within specific profiles are affected until the policy is perfected. For example, you may create three different MDM profiles for connecting to the company WiFi.Users and devices in Profile 1 can connect to the company network.Users in Profile 2 may be guests visiting the office, and they can connect to the guest WiFi, unable to access company files and applications.Users in Profile 3 have limited access to the company network, able to access more than Profile 2 but less than Profile 1.
As a newer technology, MDMs are not often compatible with older software or IT systems, particularly outdated ones.Before transferring to an MDM system, verify that it will be compatible with your current IT system and mission-critical applications. Your system must be compatible with cloud-based software.
Moving to an MDM system is not a small endeavor. It’s complicated and very involved. It can be smooth sailing once you’re successfully moved onto MDM, but getting there takes an expert hand and time.It’s vital to have the guidance and expertise of a quality IT professional to implement the move.
MDM is a viable option for a business that does not want to work with a physical active directory server. If a company no longer wishes to use a server or is perhaps on the verge of replacing an old server, it might consider transferring to an MDM.A company with high turnover or seasonal staff would find an MDM allows for smoother device return and deployment. When an employee leaves, the device is reset through the MDM and ready for the next user.Due to their affordability, MDM is often a fit for small businesses that cannot afford or do not wish to use a physical active directory server.MDM also benefits businesses with a hybrid or remote workforce as it can apply policies and updates without a user needing to visit the office. MDM will be very attractive if a company is looking for a more straightforward method for policy applications and device tracking. This may be particularly true for companies in regulated industries with high compliance requirements.
If a business is undergoing major IT projects or company changes, moving to an MDM may need to wait. Moving to MDM is a huge undertaking, and it will add more chaos in a time of flux and change. Transferring to MDM should occur when no other large projects are at play.Businesses that rely on older hardware and software should carefully evaluate their system before jumping on an MDM. They must ask themselves, “Am I willing or able to update my outdated system to use this tool?”If the answer is “no,” then MDM will not fit those companies.In addition, if a company has recently replaced an active directory server, MDM will not be a good fit. A server is a significant investment, and moving from a new server immediately to MDM would be impractical.
MDM can bring flexibility and ease to an IT system, allowing for easier tracking and controlling of company devices. However, it can be a significant endeavor and requires careful testing to create a positive user experience.If you’re considering making the move to MDM, ask yourself the following questions:
It’s essential to bring these questions to your IT provider or internal IT team as you discuss the possibility of moving to an MDM.Your IT provider or internal IT team will bring an in-depth understanding of your IT system, how it will fit (or not) with MDM, and which MDM would best suit your needs.For example, Intune is the MDM created by Microsoft but is mostly “platform agnostic,” meaning it can work for most operating systems. On the other hand, Jamf is an MDM created by Apple for Apple products only.Your IT provider or internal IT team will also evaluate your IT roadmap to see where a transition to MDM could fit within your long-term technology goals.If your IT provider has not helped you create an IT roadmap, this may be a service red flag and a signal to look for a new IT provider.For over 25 years, WEBIT Services has helped hundreds of clients in the greater Chicago area build successful IT strategies and processes while utilizing effective technology.If you are looking for a new IT provider, schedule a free 30-minute consultation to see how WEBIT can help.If you are not ready to make a commitment but would like to learn more about IT strategy, we recommend the following articles: