The world has made significant technological progress in the past decade. Most companies are now looking to automate and streamline their operations for better productivity and efficiency. On the other hand, working remotely through smartphones and laptops is becoming more popular. So, companies have developed ways to manage the work devices used by their employees. A mobile device management application is a software that allows device control and access to administrators.

What is a mobile device management app?
A company employs mobile device management (MDM) applications to organize and control the sizable number of devices that employees use on the job. These applications enable IT to automate and safeguard administrative rules on laptops, cellphones, tablets, or any other device linked to the company’s network. MDM helps limit network access, usage, and data transfer. Performance and device health, app upgrades, and geolocation are some other objectives of MDM.

How does MDM work?
MDM software is usually linked with cell phones, but it can also be used with other devices, including mobile point-of-sale (PoS) terminals, laptops, tablets, and other work-related field equipment. MDM applications have a central server system or a terminal. Administrators update policies, apps, and features from this central server to the mentioned endpoints, thus ensuring that all devices adhere to the same set of rules and function at an equal and optimal capability.

Why is Mobile Device Management important?

• Remote working and access
  MDM helps companies to standardize their business procedures. Admins can troubleshoot problems, configure or deploy apps, wipe data, and lock devices through the software. Many employee tasks are now performed on mobile devices. So, MDM gives both businesses as well as their certain employees mobility, enabling efficient remote work possibilities.
• Asset and data protection
  Employees save and share vast volumes of data daily, which makes their devices more vulnerable to viruses, unethical hackers, and other forms of online malpractice. Organizations are aware of their obligation to protect these assets and data. MGM helps them to safeguard and prevent the loss of data while also allowing their staff access to essential resources.
• Upgradation and back-up
  Real-time data backups and time upgradation of the application provided by device management apps improve employee work and productivity.
• Network segregation
  MGM also provides network segregation, which is the division of the corporate network into subnets. Subnets allow domain, internet, and software access to individuals on a need-to-know basis, which is an advanced way of protecting data. This, in turn, boosts efficiency.

7 best mobile device management apps
A robust mobile device management framework can help reduce operational costs and mitigate security breaches, ultimately leading to the smooth functioning and overall productivity of the company. Here are some of the best MDM applications one can go for:

• Jamf
  Jamf provides custom device management options for companies by focusing on Apple devices. Its entry price is approximately $3/month for each device.
• JumpCloud
  JumpCloud helps small and medium-sized enterprises to adopt their Zero Trust security models. The entry-level price for JumpCloud is $2.
• Rippling
  Rippling helps enterprises to manage their HR, IT, and Finance needs. One can set up payroll, benefits, health insurance, corporate card, and third-party apps within 90 seconds.
• Scalefusion
  Suitable for larger businesses, Scalefusion supports Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows devices and secures endpoints, including mobile phones, tablets, laptops, Point of Sale (PoS), and digital signages. Its entry-level price is $24 per device a year.
• ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus
  ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus is available as an on-premise and cloud offering, which enables work mobility.
• Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect
  GlobalProtect mainly safeguards the mobile workforce from cyberattacks, phishing, application traffic, malicious websites, and command-and-control traffic.
• AirDroid Business
  AirDroid offers remote device control, alerts, and monitoring features suitable for IT, transportation, and trucking businesses. They have online demos and free trials available.