What is Mobile Device Management?

Mobile device management (MDM) is the administrative area dealing with deploying, securing, monitoring, integrating and managing mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablets and laptops, in the workplace. The intent of MDM is to optimize the functionality and security of mobile devices within the enterprise, while simultaneously protecting the corporate network.

List of Mobile Device Management Software

1. AirWatch - AirWatch is one of the best MDM suites that I've seen. It perhaps sets a new standard for MDM in it extensive support for iOS and other mobile devices. If there's any negative thing to say about it, it's the fact that it doesn't support any standard desktop OSs. That said, I'm thinking that AirWatch is a definite "one to watch" and if you don't at least try this one out, I question whether you should consider BYOD at all.
2. AmTel MDM - OK, this one's a real sleeper for me. I'd never heard of it before but it has as many or more features than just about any other MDM in the list. I think you should give it a good look for your BYOD implementation. Be aware, though, this suite is so good that AmTel might be inadvertently painting an "acquisition" target on their backs. Hold out for the big money, guys (wink).
3. Dialogs Smartman Device Management - Smartman is a SOPHOS company and this one gave me quite a surprise. It has all the features you'd expect from a full-blown enterprise management suite. I'm quite impressed with the level of quality and support from this suite considering that it comes from a company that isn't completely focused on device management alone. Another sleeper that deserves your attention. Dornr?schen aufwachen!
4. Exitor DME - Although I'm not too familiar with Exitor, personally, they compare favorably with the other MDMs in the list. They support every mobile device type and they support all but a small handful of enterprise-level features. Exitor comes to you from Denmark. Sorry, I don't know any cute Danish phrases but I do like the cheese and other non-rotten edibles from the state of Denmark.
5. FancyFon - The name leaves a bit to be desired but this entry from the Emerald Isle is a serious contender in the MDM market. And, by any other name it wouldn't smell any sweeter than it does now. FancyFon supports all mobile device types, includes some very high-level enterprise features and fully support Apple's iOS 5.x. I'll drink to that.
6. Fiberlink MaaS360 - OK, any MDM company that can make me laugh by giving me a whitepaper named, "The Ten Commandments of BYOD" can't be all bad. In fact, MaaS360 (Mobile as a Service?) is quite the MDM gladiator with support for every mobile and almost every desktop OS on the market (No support for Linux desktops). I like it. Whatever their name means, I think it has MaaS appeal for BYODers to be.
7. IBM - Yes, Big Blue is into mobile device management with its Tivoli product IBM Endpoint Manager for Mobile Devices. Tivoli manages mobile devices as light "endpoints." Believe me, once you manage something with Tivoli (I'm a former Tivoli administrator), you own that device. For some, Tivoli might be a bit heavy-handed because of its ability to absolutely manage every aspect of an endpoint but don't worry, the device still belongs to you. When you go Blue, you never go back.
8. MobileIron - It's hard not to play favorites when you look at a product like MobileIron. MobileIron supports all phone device types but doesn't support desktop OSs yet. This young company is definitely one to watch. You should also ask for a demo. As Darth Vader would say, "Impressive."
9. Symantec - It probably doesn't surprise you too much to know that Symantec is on this list. Symantec has been a leader in device security for as long as I've been in IT. It's product list is long but its list of supported device types is even longer. If you could run SGI on a wristwatch, Symantec would support it. Don't get any ideas though, no one wants a SGI-based wristwatch.
10. Zenprise - If there's a single company's MDM you need to check out, it's Zenprise. You should look closely at their products even if you've already decided on a MDM. It doesn't support desktop OSs but for the long list of mobile devices it supports, you get a very extensive list of features. In fact, Zenprise's MDM has so many features, perhaps it could help you with your motorcycle maintenance as well. You know, since motorcycles are mobile devices and all.

6 Reasons Why Businesses Use AirWatch

Comprehensive Portfolio

We have a solution for all your end-user computing needs.

Leverage the power of the complete VMware End-User Computing portfolio to advance your mobility strategy from MDM and EMM to unified endpoint management and ultimately an integrated digital workspace platform.

Innovate Faster

We push the boundaries with what's possible in enterprise mobility - keeping you ahead of the competition. Be agile with automatic upgrades and same-day support for the latest operating systems to keep your employees at maximum productivity, all the time.

Market Leader

Take their word for it. Analysts recognize us as the leader – year after year.

Industry analysts consistently rank AirWatch as the clear choice for EMM, year after year. The technology is perfectly positioned to help you build the foundation of your digital workspace strategy.

 Built to Scale

Your business has room to grow. And we make it easy.

Built from the ground up to seamlessly scale in numbers and complexity, AirWatch is the technology on which VMware’s integrated digital workspace platform is built. So as your mobility initiatives evolve from MDM and EMM to unified endpoint management and a complete digital workspace, you can rest assured that your investment in AirWatch will help get you there.

Open Ecosystem

Our technology is flexible and plays well with others.

We’ve built the most comprehensive mobility ecosystem in the industry so that our technology easily integrates with your existing infrastructure. Simply plug-and-play to make the most of your current investments.

Security

We enable security beyond the endpoint.

Our multi-layered approach to security encrypts sensitive company data and secures access from the user all the way to the network.