Your IT department needs mobile device management software. What’s the best solution?

1 Your device types

The first thing you need to consider is what types of devices you need to manage. Are they all smartphones, or do you also have tablets, laptops, and wearable devices? Are they all running the same operating system, or do you have a mix of iOS, Android, Windows, and others? Do you own the devices, or do you allow employees to use their own devices (BYOD)? Depending on your answers, you may need an MDM solution that supports multiple platforms, devices, and ownership models. You should also look for an MDM solution that can integrate with your existing IT infrastructure, such as your network, email, and cloud services.

2 Your security requirements

The second thing you need to consider is how secure you need your mobile devices to be. Mobile devices are vulnerable to various threats, such as theft, loss, malware, phishing, and data breaches. You need an MDM solution that can protect your devices and data from these risks, and comply with any regulations or standards that apply to your industry or region. For example, you may need an MDM solution that can encrypt your data, enforce passwords and biometrics, wipe devices remotely, track devices' location, restrict access to certain apps or websites, and audit devices' activity.

3 Your management features

The third thing you need to consider is what features you need to manage your mobile devices effectively. You need an MDM solution that can simplify and automate your management tasks, and provide you with visibility and control over your devices. For example, you may need an MDM solution that can deploy apps and updates, configure settings and profiles, monitor device performance and battery life, troubleshoot issues, generate reports and analytics, and create groups and policies based on your criteria.

4 Your user experience

The fourth thing you need to consider is how your MDM solution affects your user experience. You need an MDM solution that can balance your security and management needs with your users' convenience and productivity. You don't want to frustrate or alienate your users with too many restrictions or interventions. For example, you may need an MDM solution that can offer self-service options, such as password reset, device enrollment, or device swap. You may also need an MDM solution that can respect your users' privacy and personal data, especially if you use BYOD.

5 Your budget and scalability

The fifth thing you need to consider is how much you can afford to spend on your MDM solution, and how well it can scale with your business growth. You need an MDM solution that can fit your budget and offer you the best value for your money. You should compare the pricing and features of different MDM solutions, and look for any hidden costs, such as installation, maintenance, or support fees. You should also look for an MDM solution that can adapt to your changing needs, such as adding or removing devices, users, or features.

6 Your vendor support

The sixth thing you need to consider is how reliable and helpful your MDM vendor is. You need an MDM vendor that can provide you with quality service and support, and help you get the most out of your MDM solution. You should look for an MDM vendor that has a good reputation, a proven track record, and a strong customer base. You should also look for an MDM vendor that can offer you training, documentation, updates, and technical assistance, and respond to your queries and issues promptly and professionally.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?