Mobile device management (MDM) software enables IT departments to monitor, secure, and manage mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets, across various providers and operating systems, applying custom policies to prevent data loss, restrict unauthorized software installs, and maintain control over corporate data access.
Core Capabilities of MDM Software
To qualify for inclusion in the Mobile Device Management category, a product must:
- Be compatible with all common or company-issued mobile devices and support necessary operating systems and platforms
- Function through and with multiple service providers
- Customize device settings and policies according to company requirements
- Integrate with existing IT, administrative, and application systems
- Enable the remote configuration, locking, wiping, detection, and encryption of devices
- Report on device activity
Common Use Cases for MDM Software
IT and security teams use MDM software to maintain control and compliance across mobile device fleets in increasingly distributed work environments. Common use cases include:
- Provisioning and configuring company-issued or BYOD devices with corporate policies and security settings
- Remotely wiping or locking lost or compromised devices to prevent unauthorized data access
- Enforcing app management policies to prevent unauthorized software installs and maintain compliance
How MDM Software Differs from Other Tools
MDM software focuses specifically on the management and security of mobile endpoints, smartphones and tablets, distinguishing it from broader endpoint management platforms that cover desktops, servers, and IoT devices. While MDM addresses device-level provisioning and policy enforcement, it is often used alongside identity and access management tools to provide a complete mobile security posture for the enterprise.
Insights from G2 on MDM Software
Based on category trends on G2, remote device management capabilities and cross-platform compatibility stand out as the most valued features. Improved security posture and reduced time spent on device provisioning stand out as primary outcomes of adoption.
