Types of Enterprise Mobility Solutions: MDM, MAM, MCM and MEM

Smartphones, tablets and mobile computers have changed how people work. Employees now use mobile devices on the shop floor, in the warehouse, in the field and at home, and organisations need the right tools to keep that work secure and productive. This guide explains the main types of enterprise mobility solutions, the device ownership models companies use and how to choose the right mix.

Why businesses use enterprise mobility solutions

Most of what we do today is shaped by mobile devices and apps. At work, employees bring their own phones, move between sites and work remotely. Organisations have realised that mobility improves productivity and the user experience, as long as it is managed well. Key benefits include:

• Better information security across every device connected to the network.
• Higher productivity, because staff no longer need to be at a desk to get work done.
• More efficient workflows, with unnecessary steps removed.
• Cloud access, which is central to most enterprise mobility projects.
• Time and cost savings, with fewer paper forms and less physical storage.
• On-the-go access to information whenever it is needed, and better employee morale.

For a full list, read our guide to the benefits of mobility solutions.

4 main types of enterprise mobility solutions

1. Mobile Device Management (MDM)

MDM manages mobile devices of all types, including phones, tablets, laptops and rugged mobile computers, from a single console. It lets IT enrol devices, apply policies, push updates and lock or wipe a lost device.

2. Mobile Application Management (MAM)

MAM controls the business apps rather than the whole device. IT can distribute, update and secure company apps, and separate business data from personal apps on the same phone.

3. Mobile Content Management (MCM)

MCM, also called mobile information management (MIM), keeps track of the organisation’s documents and key information. It gives secure access to business resources from different devices and locations, with strong security so records are not compromised.

4. Mobile Email Management (MEM)

MEM secures company email on mobile devices. The administrator decides which devices can access email, whether sensitive information is encrypted, and whether users can sync email from any device or network.

When these types are combined in one platform, the result is enterprise mobility management (EMM).

Device ownership models: BYOD, CYOD and COPE

How to choose the right type of mobility solution

1. List your devices. Note who owns them and where they are used: office, field, warehouse or plant.
2. Identify the data at risk. Decide whether you need to protect the device, the apps, the documents or the email.
3. Pick an ownership model. Choose BYOD, CYOD, COPE or company-only devices for each team.
4. Combine the types you need. Most organisations use MDM with MAM, and add MCM or MEM where required.
5. Plan support. Set up enrolment, updates, security policies and help for users.

Enterprise mobility solutions from Suraj Informatics

Suraj Informatics provides enterprise mobility solutions and services in India, from rugged mobile computers and tablets to device management and wireless networks. See the full device range on our products page.

Types of enterprise mobility solutions: common questions