Mobile Device Management (MDM)

Mobile device management (MDM) includes software that provides the following functions: software distribution, policy management, inventory management, security management and service management for smartphones and media tablets.

MDM functionality is similar to that of PC configuration life cycle management (PCCLM) tools; however, mobile-platform-specific requirements are often part of MDM suites.

Many organizations use mobile device management tools that are specific to a device platform or that manage a certain part of the life cycle (e.g., device lock or wipe), resulting in the adoption of fragmented toolsets. We are now beginning to see more focus on and adoption of MDM tools triggered by the attention and adoption of the iPad.

While IT organizations vary in their approaches to implementing and owning the tools that manage mobile devices (e.g., the messaging group, some other mobile group, the desktop group, etc.), there are still very few that are managing the full life cycle across multiple device platforms. Organizations are realizing that users are broadening their use of personal devices for business applications.

In addition, many organizations are using different ways to deploy mobile device management to support different management styles. These factors will drive the adoption of tools to manage the full life cycle of mobile devices.