As mobile devices became more complex and sophisticated, people started using them in their work life, forcing organizations to implement BYOD (bring-your-own-device) policies. Today, employees often use their mobile devices more than they use traditional endpoints. While this trend brought a measurable increase in productivity, it also poses real challenges for organizations trying to maintain secure access to networks and data.
Security experts responded to this threat with a collection of mobile solutions that allow users to access their favorite apps as well as company information without putting data at risk, known today as Enterprise Mobility Management Tool.
Understanding Enterprise Mobility Management
The initial response to this new security challenge was the Mobile Device Management (MDM), a process that focuses on device enrollment and access. Later, Mobile Application Management (MAM) appeared on the scene to control data and applications on mobile devices.
Enterprise Mobility Management is the set of processes and tools that combines MDM and MAM, offering access, data protection, app management, threat management, separation of personal and work data, as well as visibility and control.
The core goal of EMM solutions is to provide insight into the applications and data being accessed by mobile devices, to limit potential risks and maintain corporate compliance.
Main Benefits of Enterprise Mobility Management
New technologies are great, but not all of them are designed to suit your company’s needs. Before you can decide whether your company needs an EMM solution, have a look the main benefits of Enterprise Mobility Management:
Manage and Secure All Your Devices
Many organizations deploy an array of devices, both mobile and stationary. The problem is that mobile devices are not always used on the road, while laptops, PCs and other large devices are not used only at the office. The goal of EMM is to put as many of an organization’s devices as possible under the same umbrella.
Protect Corporate and Employee Information
To protect corporate data, EMM uses MDM and other earlier classes of software management. Forget the overwhelming challenges posed by the BYOD policy: a well-thought EMM solution will protect both corporate and personal information while employee uses their mobile devices in and outside the workplace.
Total Control of Data Stored on Lost/Stolen Devices
In order to work smarter and be more efficient, great amounts of data are collected and stored by employees on various gadgets. A lost or stolen device can be a nightmare for your enterprise and your security team, since a ton of sensitive data might be stored on it. The best Enterprise Mobility Management Tools can wipe valuable data off devices. Usually, wiping personal data is handled separately.
Corporate Apps and Up-to-Date Security Software
To facilitate the secure deployment of corporate applications, EMM solutions usually involve app stores. This flexibility enables an organization to take advantage of sudden opportunities and react to fast-changing conditions. Moreover, EMM functionality can lead to a safer workplace by keeping the employees’ security up to date.
Data Compliance Requirements
Any business manager must ensure that sensitive data handled by employees is guarded against loss, theft, and misuse. One of the most important EMM benefits is the ability to help mobile devices meet compliance standards. For example, a CEO with sensitive corporate financial data on his phone or tablet must have end-to-end infrastructure proven to be safe and secure.
Key Features to Consider When Evaluating EMM Vendors
While the most advanced solutions promise machine learning-based protection, at the most basic level, there are some key features to consider when choosing an EMM solution for your organization.
Quick and Easy to Deploy on Multiple Operating Systems
Automation is the keyword when it comes to implementing an EMM solution. An effective solution should be quick and simple to deploy on all (or at least most) operating systems.
Top-notch Security
One core element of EMM is the ability for mobile users to securely access applications and data. The most advanced tools offer machine learning-based security, unified endpoint management, end-to-end security, and application performance and monitoring.
Data Protection
The best Enterprise Mobility Management solutions provide anti-malware and data protection capabilities to help limit the risk of breaches. Other advanced features include data encryption, and secure web browsers that provide encapsulated internet sessions.
Cloud Integration
As modern organizations rely more and more on cloud services, EMM should run on any cloud platform and should integrate seamlessly into your security infrastructure.
Valuable Analytics
EMM platforms generate a whole lot of data that can be extremely useful in planning. Among other things, this data can help in creating policies for mobile workforces and can lead to lower telecommunications costs.
Many tech experts agree that the use of EMM enables employees to be more productive by allowing them to securely perform business operations at the time and place that is convenient for them. That’s why you should choose the Enterprise Mobility Management that aligns with your company’s needs and objectives, not the most popular or the most expensive one.
