Mobile devices are integrated into modern business operations, providing increased flexibility, productivity, and connectivity. With the increased reliance on mobile devices, managing and securing these devices presents challenges that IT professionals must address effectively. Mobile device management (MDM) and mobile application management (MAM) look to help solve these issues and streamline efforts to secure these devices.

Both MDM and MAM are vital for managing mobile environments, but their functionalities and applications differ significantly. Understanding both MDM and MAM is crucial to ensure you are choosing the proper software to keep your business secure. This article will break down the differences, advantages, and limitations of MDM and MAM, and help you decide which solution is right for your business.

What Is Mobile Device Management (MDM)?

Mobile Device Management (MDM) is a comprehensive approach to managing mobile devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and even desktops, across an enterprise ecosystem that integrates with any operating system. MDM works by enabling IT admins to secure and manage devices remotely, ensuring compliance with corporate policies.

How does it work?

MDM is managed from a central control point, where all devices are enrolled and managed. This solution allows IT teams to remotely manage what apps are installed, monitor device activity, enforce security policies, force automatic updates, and even lock or wipe devices remotely to protect data.

Benefits of MDM

1. Enhanced Device Security
   
   MDM solutions enhance device security by enforcing encryption, setting strong passwords, and restricting access to apps or content. This device-level security measure can restrict access to allow only approved secure applications to be installed. In cases of loss or theft, IT teams can also remotely locate, lock or wipe devices giving companies an added layer of protection and ensuring company data is safe.


2. Remote Management
   
   With MDM, IT teams can conduct tasks like installing and removing apps, configuring VPNs, or updating device settings from anywhere. This reduces downtime and enhances operational efficiency.


3. Control Over BYOD
   
   MDM simplifies the management of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies by separating personal and corporate data, ensuring that enterprise information stays protected.


4. Patch Management
   
   MDM also offers the ability to remotely manage software updates and patches, allowing IT teams to keep their fleet of devices up-to-date with the latest security measures. This helps minimize disruptions for users working remotely while also keeping company data safe from cyber threats on these devices to prevent potential vulnerabilities.


5. Compatibility Across Platforms
   
   Mobile Device Management is compatible with all major platforms including iOS, Android, and Windows. This cross-platform functionality allows more control for IT teams with a unified approach to device management, regardless of the device type being used by employees.

Limitations of MDM

1. Intrusiveness
   
   MDM requires organizations to manage entire devices, which may feel invasive to employees, especially when using their personal devices (BYOD). A common concern is IT having visibility into personal apps and data.


2. Focus on Physical Devices
   
   MDM primarily revolves around device-level management. For companies that need additional security measures for app-specific controls without interfering with the device itself, MAM may be a more targeted solution.

What Is Mobile Application Management (MAM)?

Mobile Application Management (MAM) focuses on managing and securing the applications installed on mobile devices, rather than the devices themselves. This approach is best used in organizations where employees work from their personal devices and companies are more focused on the protection of app data without interfering with users' personal device preferences.

How does it work?

MAM works by applying policies to specific apps. For example, IT admins can require authentication before accessing corporate apps or block data sharing between managed apps and personal apps.

Benefits of MAM

1. Enhanced App Security
   
   MAM ensures that only authorized users can access corporate data within approved apps. Features like app-specific encryption, authentication, and blocking data-sharing enhance security to protect sensitive information on devices.


2. Seamless BYOD Integration
   
   With MAM, employees can use personal devices for work without concerns about IT controlling their private data. MAM manages only work-related apps and allows employees to use their personal apps without any interference from company restrictions.


3. Application-Centric Control
   
   IT can specifically target applications, allowing admins to enforce app updates, restrict functionality, and control app configurations—all without tampering with the underlying device.

Limitations of MAM

1. Limited Device Control
   
   With MAM, IT cannot enforce device-level security policies such as encryption or remote wiping. IT teams are limited to implementing security compliances through managed apps.


2. Restricted to Compatible Apps
   
   MAM management applies only to supported apps. Custom or unsupported apps might not integrate seamlessly with MAM protocols.


3. Challenging Integration with Existing Systems
   
   Without proper planning, integrating MAM policies into already-established workflows can be complex.

How to Decide Between MAM and MDM?

Deciding between MDM and MAM is an important decision for your business that can have security and cost implications. Choosing the right solution varies on a number of factors and it is critical to understand your organization’s needs, size, and mobility policies when making the decision.

When to Choose MDM:

• You need full control over corporate-owned devices for security reasons.
• Your business uses various device types and operating systems.
• Your business relies on a remote workforce, where devices can be lost easily and requires advanced features like remote locking, wiping, or device lifecycle management.
• Your business has security risks due to lost or stolen devices.

When to Choose MAM:

• Your business has a BYOD policy, and employees prefer using personal devices.
• You want precise controls over specific applications, not the entire device.
• Protecting and securing app-specific data is your main priority.
• Your business has complex industry compliance regulations requiring an additional layer of security.

Integrating Both MDM & MAM in a Combined Approach

Organizations with a mix of employee types and a complex workforce may benefit from incorporating both MDM and MAM. Mobile device management can be leveraged for employees dealing with sensitive information while mobile application management can be used across a larger set of employees who don’t have the same level of responsibilities and can restrict them to using only the information necessary.

In general, companies with a large workforce might find that integrating both MDM and MAM in an enterprise environment can limit exposure and manage overheads where appropriate. If you’re considering an integrated approach, LogMeIn Resolve’s MDM solution is a simple and scalable platform that can be easily integrated with your current tools.

Making the Right Choice for Your Business

MDM and MAM both offer powerful solutions to manage mobile environments and provide valuable features for organizations. For some businesses, there is a need for more control and security of the physical devices while other organizations might only need additional security in specific applications such as company emails.

Evaluating factors such as industry compliance mandates, the size and complexity of your workforce, as well as your IT budgets can help you make an informed decision on whether to choose MDM, MAM, or an integrated approach to secure mobile devices.

For companies exploring MDM solutions, explore your free trial today with LogMeIn Resolve MDM.