The past few decades have been the epitome of wireless and mobile communication. As a result, there is a need to evolve technology and integrate it into business processes. One of these developments was the need for Mobile Application Management (MAM).
MAM is implemented or integrated inside the IT structure of any business through various methods. These methods may include Mobile Device Management (MDM).
Companies provide their employees with mobile devices. To manage these devices, it makes sense to use Mobile Device Management (MDM). This gives companies control over the use of the devices. However, this only makes sense if the device is used exclusively for business purposes. If a device, such as a smartphone, is also used privately, MAM is the perfect solution to protect corporate data, as business apps can be provided with policies, whereas privately used apps are not actively managed.Simply put, MAM is software that secures and enables control over enterprise applications on end users' corporate and personal smartphones and tablets. IT administrators can manage all desired applications for better network security and licensing control.
The importance of Mobile Application Management
MAM is essential in the world of smartphones. The processing power and importance of phones; expanding every year. Phones perform many tasks that earlier only PC or laptops were able to do.
With powerful machines, operators prefer performing tasks via software on portable devices only. Therefore, MAM becomes advantageous in securing the enterprise network and company data.
How does MAM work?
MAM allows administrators within the IT department to enforce corporate policies on mobile apps. This way, IT admins can manage how corporate data among apps is shared and ensure privacy concerns are met. It also enables the separation of business apps and data from personal content on the same device.
App-level control
There are two ways to enable controlling business apps on this level: Software development kits (SDKs) and so-called wrapping. Both methods add additional code to an app either during (SDKs) or after developing (wrapping) the app. This way, the MAM backend can connect to the apps and enforce policies remotely.
Device-level control
A more holistic approach is the integration of MDM protocols built into mobile operating systems. This way IT administrators have the ability to control and secure apps but also the other aspects of the device (e.g. screen rotation...).
Reasons why organizations need MAM
Custom policy attributes
Mobile Application Management enables organizations to easily apply and enforce their data protection policies to their employees' mobile devices without significantly restricting individual device usage.
Cost-saving
Cost-saving is the direct impact of MAM on the enterprise's operational and structural expenses. This acts as a win-win situation for both employees and the employer. Mobile App Management can help in managing IoT and various devices throughout the platform.
Info & data security
Mobile App Management's primary motive is to ensure data and info security with custom network security protocols in place. Even with many smartphones and custom objects, users never leave the secure network bubble with MAM.
Ease of work
BYOD is the dominant factor in the development of MAM systems. Personal devices are part and parcel of everyday life. MAM allows employees to carry only one device for personal and official work. If deemed necessary, companies can implement app blocking if they don't align with the company's operations.
Mobile App Management vs. Mobile Device Management
Mobile App Management by definition involves managing enterprise apps and modifying user apps for compatibility and security. The Mobile Device Management takes control of the whole device regardless of the applications installed.
Here are some distinguishing factors for both terms.
|
Attribute |
MAM (Mobile App Management) |
MDM (Mobile Device Management) |
|
Devices |
A variety of devices gets incorporated. |
Device configuration is uniform throughout the enterprise. |
|
Digital personal space |
Developers have to deal with creating a system for segregating official and personal digital workspace. |
Developers and IT admins have full authority over the permissions and data storage. |
|
Security |
The security level gets confined to the official apps only. |
The security level is wide enough for entire devices and OS. |
|
Work culture |
BYOD and work-from-home culture are prominent in MAM systems. |
Devices and apps are provided by the companies to work from home. |
Benefits of Mobile Application Management
There are mainly three categories of benefits that MDM offers to enterprises.
Enterprise
Cost is the first benefit for considering MAM at the enterprise level. One system for all apps across the departments saves money and makes the system uniform. Furthermore, it enables employees to bring their own devices. With MAM BYOD, employees' devices become safe and efficient. It can become a cost-saving step for small companies without compromising policy implementation and data security.
At the enterprise level, data security and licensing are big pain points. A defined MAM system ensures that all the user apps are updated regularly, licensing is ensured and new features are implemented. It helps to ensure a uniform platform for all the departments and inter-department data and info transfer.
Most core IT companies are moving towards providing a conducive but dynamic environment for their employees to get maximum output in an employee-friendly way. This system helps the enterprise to implement a system in line with the modern way of working.
Employees
Employees get a pre-installed Mobile Application Management system that automatically updates the apps used within the organization. It saves time and effort on the IT admin's part. They can do more departmental work rather than focusing on the administration of mobile devices.
MAM also provides a secure and worry-free environment for a less tech-savvy workforce. Due to the predefined system functionality, tasks like remote updates and data storage using cloud-based features get done with one click.
IT admins
MAM is the most crucial factor for adoption into the IT framework. In any modern organization, the IT department is the key to troubleshooting and procuring hardware and software. IT admins must make sure that security and update patches get installed on time.
With a predefined system of MAM, IT admins can do more with less time and effort. They can secure many devices with OTA updating capabilities.
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