May 13, 2024
Mobile Device Management

What is MDM? 3 Key Functions and Why is Important

Written by Faviana Garcia

What is MDM? Mobile Device Management (MDM) is the unsung hero that keeps your devices secure and efficient in today’s flexible working environment. 

In other words, it’s like the air traffic controller that keeps your devices secure, efficient, and in perfect harmony, no matter where you are or what you’re working on.

Want to know more about what MDM is? How does it work and what does it do? We’ve got you covered.

What does MDM mean? Definition


So what is MDM? Think of it as the ultimate data wrangler, corralling your organization’s critical information into a single, cohesive master file. 

It’s the glue that holds your data universe together, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and reliability across the board. In other words, MDM is the methodology that ensures that all of this master data is managed in a way that eliminates any pesky inconsistencies.

Mobile Device Management therefore refers to software designed to streamline, regulate, and strengthen management protocols across a spectrum of devices connected to an organization’s network, including laptops, smartphones, tablets, and beyond.

Who uses mobile device management (MDM)?

Now, you might be wondering, “Who needs MDM anyway?” The answer is simple: any organization supporting employees who utilize a significant number of devices, whether in-office, remote, or hybrid, should consider an MDM solution

In fact, mobile device management is essential for enabling hybrid and remote work and supporting both employee productivity and business continuity.

MDM is crucial due to the increasing volume and usage of both corporate and BYOD (bring your own device) devices. 

As expected, different types of business investments in MDM are on the rise: MDM investments are projected to reach $21 billion by 2029, up from $6 billion in 2023 and $4 billion in 2022. This growth underscores the recognition among businesses of the need to effectively manage and secure mobile devices to meet the demands of modern work environments.

How does MDM work?

Mobile Device Management is a comprehensive strategy that uses both software and policies to manage and protect mobile devices within an organization. 

More than just a piece of software, MDM is a holistic approach that combines technology, processes, and security policies to ensure the security of an organization’s assets, such as data.

At the heart of MDM is the process of mobile device provisioning. This involves the initial setup of devices and the installation of the necessary applications and software for secure and efficient operation within the corporate environment. 

In addition to initial provisioning, MDM also ensures that devices are kept up to date, protected against the latest security threats, and compliant with corporate policies.

One of the key features of MDM is its ability to enforce specific security policies on mobile devices. 

These policies can cover a wide range of areas, from password usage to restricting features such as the camera or Wi-Fi connection under certain circumstances. By defining and enforcing these policies, organizations can ensure that their devices meet the required security and compliance standards.

In addition to provisioning and policy enforcement, MDM also provides monitoring and control capabilities. 

This includes the ability to track device location, monitor data and application usage, and quickly respond to security incidents such as device loss or theft. In the event that a device is lost or stolen, MDM can also activate remote wipe capabilities to protect sensitive organizational data.

Why MDM is Important?

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, Mobile Device Management  isn’t just another tech term – it’s a game-changer for your organizational strategy. Here’s why it’s capturing the attention of top executives everywhere:

1. Protecting Your Precious Assets

In a world where mobile applications reign supreme, safeguarding your valuable assets is non-negotiable. MDM acts as your fortress, ensuring the security and integrity of your organizational resources with unwavering vigilance.

2. Tackling Security Head-On

With the rise in employee mobile device usage comes a surge in security concerns. MDM stands as your frontline defense, implementing rigorous security measures across all devices to thwart potential breaches and safeguard your sensitive data.

3. Setting the Standard

In today’s dynamic business environment, standardization is key. MDM establishes consistent protocols and practices, streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency in device management to keep your organization running smoothly.

4. Empowering Remote Work

MDM is your trusted ally in enabling enterprise mobility. It ensures seamless access to critical resources, leveraging cloud technologies for collaboration and data accessibility from anywhere, anytime.

5. Guarding Your Data

In an era where data is king, protecting it is paramount. MDM empowers you to shield against threats like malware and exploitation, safeguarding your vital information with the utmost diligence.

6. Keeping You Up-to-Date

MDM ensures you’re always ahead of the curve by delivering critical updates and patches promptly. By keeping your devices up-to-date, it optimizes productivity while minimizing vulnerabilities.

But wait, there’s more! Let’s dive into the three key functions of Mobile Device Management that make it an indispensable part of modern IT infrastructure.


3 Key Functions of Mobile Device Management

Mobile Device Management plays a crucial role in modern IT infrastructure by providing essential functions to streamline device management, ensure security, and facilitate efficient operations across various devices and locations. Here’s an overview of the primary functions offered by MDM solutions:

1. Device Management

Efficiently manage devices, whether they are company-owned or BYOD, by automating tasks and ensuring smooth operation.

  • Device Inventory: MDM tools help organizations monitor and track all devices, collecting pertinent information about software and hardware.
  • Restrictions and Settings: Remotely configure devices with various settings and restrictions to ensure data security and compliance while supporting employee productivity.
  • Application and Content Management: Centrally manage mobile applications and content, including blocking or removing potentially harmful apps and remotely updating applications.

2. Mobile Device Security

Ensuring the security of mobile devices is paramount for protecting organizational data and maintaining the integrity of IT systems.

  • Data and Device Security: Implement encryption, secure access codes, and secure containers to safeguard company data, with the ability to track and remotely wipe lost or stolen devices.
  • Policy Deployment: Deploy predefined policies to enforce settings, restrictions, and application installations across device groups, ensuring compliance with regulations.

3. Device Action

Promptly address issues and perform necessary actions on devices without disrupting end-users, ensuring operational continuity and security.

  • Automation: Leverage automation capabilities to streamline provisioning and enrollment processes, deploying required settings and applications automatically.
  • Remote Maintenance: Provide convenient remote maintenance and management, including real-time device monitoring, configuration adjustments, and system updates, ensuring devices function securely and efficiently.

Protect Your Devices and Secure Your Data with MDM

Let’s not forget about the importance of protecting your devices and securing your data with MDM. In today’s digital age, the security of mobile devices is paramount. With the risk of loss or theft threatening sensitive data, Mobile Device Management steps in as your first line of defense.

It makes protecting your company’s data a breeze by segregating enterprise and personal applications, implementing robust access controls, and encrypting confidential content.

If a device happens to go missing or gets stolen, MDM’s got your back with remote wipe capabilities, ensuring your data remains secure and compliant with regulations. It’s like having a digital guardian angel watching over your devices!


Need to take control of your fleet? With Interlaced, you can

  • Quick and Automated Enrollment: Streamline the management of corporate and BYOD devices with easy enrollment profiles.
  • Granular Policy Controls: Ensure security and compliance with expert-level consulting and frameworks like CIS and SOC 2.
  • Remote Wipe and Selective Wipe: Safeguard data with remote wipe capabilities for lost or compromised devices, and selectively remove corporate data.
  • Malware Blocking: Protect devices from malicious services and malware.
  • Lifecycle Management: Manage the entire device lifecycle from user onboarding to offboarding.
  • Multi-Platform Support: Support a variety of platforms including Mac, Windows, iOS, iPadOS, and Android devices.
  • Real-Time Reporting: Gain valuable insights into your device fleet with real-time reporting.
  • And more!

So, there you have it – the scoop on MDM and why it’s the unsung hero of the modern workplace.

Ready to take control of your device fleet? With Interlaced, you can enjoy quick and automated enrollment, granular policy controls, remote wipe and selective wipe capabilities, malware blocking, lifecycle management, multi-platform support, real-time reporting, and so much more!

It’s like having a trusty sidekick that simplifies device management and keeps your organization running like a well-oiled machine.

Schedule a call with us today and see how we can help you streamline your device management, enhance security, and empower your workforce. Trust us; your devices (and your peace of mind) will thank you!

Faviana Garcia

Faviana Garcia

SEO & Content Marketing Manager.