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AdvantageOct 17, 2024 9:00:00 AM4 min read

What is Enterprise Mobility Management and Why is it Important?

Transforming potential security risks into strategic opportunities for growth and innovation is at the heart of Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM). 

Without a centralized approach to edge devices, businesses risk data breaches, lost productivity, and regulatory non-compliance. Beyond security concerns, having greater visibility into distributed data sources has many advantages to technology usage, expenses, and productivity.

In this article, you’ll learn about EMM programs, their key components, and why they are critical to business connectivity. 

What is enterprise mobility management? 

Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) is a comprehensive framework that oversees the entire lifecycle of smartphones, tablets, and laptops within a corporate environment. 

With the increased use of employee-owned technology, EMM has evolved to accommodate bring-your-own-device policies and enterprise application workloads. A centralized approach to managing these devices provides reliable inventory, security, usage, and costs across company infrastructure. 

Four main components of enterprise mobility management

There are multiple ways to approach business mobility, but connectivity teams address four main components to securely and efficiently manage enterprise data. 

1. Mobile device management (MDM)

MDM focuses on controlling devices, including provisioning, configuration, and security policies. It includes remotely locking or wiping lost and stolen devices, ensuring corporate data remains protected. 

Additionally, MDM can enforce updates and patches, keeping devices compliant and secure.

2. Mobile application management (MAM)

MAM secures corporate applications on mobile devices rather than the device itself. It allows for app distribution, updates, and access permissions. 

MAM also enables application-level security measures like data encryption and app tunneling, guaranteeing sensitive business data is protected within the app environment.

3. Mobile content management (MCM)

MCM secures and controls corporate data and documents on mobile devices. It enables secure access and sharing of documents only to those users authorized to view and edit them. 

MCM integrates with cloud storage solutions, providing employees with a seamless and secure way to access files from anywhere.

4. Mobile identity management (MIM)

MIM covers user identities and access permissions across the mobile landscape. Only authenticated users access corporate resources through methods like two-factor authentication. 

MIM also enables single sign-on (SSO), simplifying the login process for employees and reducing the risk of password-related security breaches.

What problems does EMM solve for global businesses? 

Business mobility management drives more productivity, lowers costs, and makes compliance easier through automation. 

Its design simplifies device provisioning and empowers employees through a centralized process with self-service portals. EMM optimizes device and data usage to control costs and extend technology lifecycles. 

In addition, business mobility strategies improve the compliance process. By enforcing security policies and maintaining audit trails, stringent data protection for edge devices becomes the standard. With these practices, enterprises can more easily adhere to specific regulations such as HIPAA and GDPR, reducing the risk of fines and customer data leaks. 

All these features translate to reduced support costs and streamlined operations  that improve the company’s financial health. 

Why endpoint security is more important than ever

Security is the most pressing concern for any global company and one of the most critical aspects of EMM. Edge security is particularly challenging due to bring-your-own-device (BYOD) and remote work policies. 

A Ponemon Institute study reports that IT leaders believe nearly 50 percent of endpoints are vulnerable. Enterprise mobility management addresses this head-on through robust measures like device encryption, remote wiping, and strong authentication protocols. 

The strategy also generates strong endpoint protection by monitoring and mitigating potential threats and safeguarding sensitive corporate information from unauthorized access, accidental loss, or malicious attacks. 

However, shadow IT—an employee’s rogue use of applications and devices—poses an additional problem. An EMM program needs to factor in the potential of unauthorized devices. 

By ensuring only trusted devices and applications access corporate networks, companies strengthen their defense against cyber threats while protecting their reputations and bottom lines.

Benefits of outsourcing enterprise mobility solutions

For global teams with limited resources, outsourcing EMM is a strategic advantage. Connectivity partners offer extensive enterprise managed mobility services and vendor relationships, allowing companies to leverage industry best practices.

This approach unburdens internal teams so they have the freedom to address core business objectives. Third-party experts offer 24/7 support and monitoring, quickly identifying and resolving potential issues. 

Outsourcing EMM is also cost-effective, eliminating the need to invest in the technologies and skills needed to launch. 

Conclusion—Level up your mobile program with Advantage

Don't allow edge computing to burden your company. Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) is necessary for global enterprises operating within an increasingly mobile-first mindset. 

EMM helps businesses maintain control and secure critical data while allowing employees to work from anywhere. Beyond security, centralized edge device management acts as a catalyst for increased productivity and compliance. 

Businesses with limited resources empower their network by partnering with managed mobility service experts to safeguard their valuable assets. 

Contact Advantage today to learn how tailored EMM solutions streamline operations, enhance security, and drive productivity. Harness the power of mobile connectivity for your enterprise now. 

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