Devices have a more widespread utilization in workplaces than ever backed by internet and wireless networking technology.
Productivity raises, however, security issues as well, for example, data loss.
It can be caused by device fault, cyberattacks and ransomware through apps and browsers, or employee error. Measures for security must be taken. And MDM (Mobile Device Management), EMM (Enterprise Mobility Management), and UEM (Unified Endpoint Management) are tactics to help.
MDM, EMM, and UEM are designed to manage devices through a central console, which, share a certain similarity. But, their application scenarios can be very different.
In this article, we will explore the comparison based on supported devices, features, and use cases (including clear charts). It will be helpful to decide which management approach is right for you
- Part 1 : What is MDM, EMM, and UEM? What are the Use Cases?
- Part 2 : Differences Between MDM, EMM, and UEM
- Supported Devices
- Supported Features
- Management Tasks
- Part 3 : Limitations of MDM, EMM, and UEM
- Part 4 : FAQs
Part 1 : What is MDM, EMM, and UEM? What are the Use Cases?
Managing device involves system settings, stored documents, installed apps and also other contents. MDM, EMM, and UEM are tools to meet different management needs. Interestinglyenough, they’re not invented separately but within a progressive and inclusive relationship.
1What is MDM (Mobile Device Management) and its Use Cases?
Mobile Device Management is a solution to control device system settings and monitor device status. Essentially, MDM software allows the admin to remote access an enrolled mobile device, such as a smartphone, and then set up rules on the functionalities.
MDM focuses on controlling and limiting the built-in features, and also observing the condition of the device. Due to the requirement of getting device info and operation permissions, MDM is best used for dedicated devices, for example:
- Handsets and tablets for truck drivers, teachers and students, or nursing personnel, etc.
- Mobile POS terminals used in restaurants, retail stores, or entertainment industries.
- Rugged phones for frontline workers from construction field or warehouse, etc.
2What is EMM (Enterprise Mobility Management) and its Use Cases?
Being the next stage of MDM, Enterprise Mobility Management rises remarkably with remote working developed. It is a solution to protect company data from managing devices, apps, and files to users.
Through an EMM platform, the company is able to structure its organization by grouping employees based on departments and teams, remote control mobile devices, manage app and file usages, and assign permissions to employees. Some EMM providers also offer online collaboration tools and cloud storage services together with the administration, such as Google Workspace.
EMM manages and controls more items than MDM - the flexible access and usage of apps and cooperated resources. Thus, it is best used in:
- Enterprises that adopt BYOD (Bring Your Own Devices) policy.
- Enterprises with overseas offices and remote working employees, including but not limited to IT companies, MSPs, E-commerce companies, BFSI industry, etc.
- Sales and marketing team, HR department, IT department, etc.
3What is UEM (Unified Endpoint Management) and its Use Cases?
Unified Endpoint Management is the evolution of EMM. It secures both devices and data across varied endpoints and is compatible with multiple systems.
To give an example, UEM can administrate Windows PCs, iOS and Android mobile devices, or other IoT devices from a centralized system.
The ultimate solution satisfies allwalksoflife, mainly including:
- Companies with BYOD, COPE, or COBO device policy.
- Industries that apply self-service kiosks and other unattended devices, such as banking, transportation, restaurants, retail stores, hotel, etc.
- SaaS companies from industries such as retail, healthcare, education, communication, financial services, etc.
Part 2 : Differences Between MDM, EMM, and UEM
MDM, EMM, and UEM address the issues related to device and data security. These management tools are closely related but have some differences.
For example, EMM and MDM are key parts of IT strategies in an organization. The main difference between EMM and MDM is that EMM manages access not just about the device, but also includes applications, content, and other resources related to the company; MDM, on the other hand, focuses more on device compliance and provides various policies to enforce access restrictions.
Now, let's explore more on MDM vs EMM vs UEM.
1Supported Devices
MDM | EMM | UEM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Based on Ownership | COBO device | BYOD device COPE device COBO device CYOD device | BYOD device COPE device COBO device CYOD device |
| Based on Endpoint | Phone Tablet computer Phablet Laptop Other mobile devices | Phone Tablet Laptop | Phone Tablet Laptop TV PC Printer Smartwatch Kiosk Rugged device Other wearable & IoT devices |
Compare Facility Range: UEM > EMM > MDM
UEM is the most compatible solution covering different kinds of endpoint. It is workable on network-connected devices whether employee-used, customer-used, or industrial-used.
The biggest difference between EMM and MDM falls in device ownership - EMM is for Bring Your Own Device while MDM is for company-owned devices. This is brought by the management of apps and files. As mobile devices are available to partition data area into work and private zone, EMM software support accessing only work zone to complement the control. Hence, companies are allowed to manage devices belonging to employees.
2Supported Features
MDM | EMM | UEM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security | ● Remote lockdown ● Remote wipe ● Monitoring ● Alerts & report ● Location tracking ● 2FA | ● Remote lockdown ● Remote wipe ● Monitoring ● Alerts & report ● Location tracking ● 2FA | ● Remote lockdown ● Remote wipe ● Monitoring ● Alerts & report ● Location tracking ● 2FA ● Secure IP connection |
| Device Management | ● Kiosk mode ● Password setting ● Network setting ● Browser setting ● Remote reboot ● Remote screen access ● Remote maintain | ● Kiosk mode ● Password setting ● Network setting ● Browser setting ● Remote screen access ● Remote support | ● Multiple OS provisioning ● Kiosk mode ● Network setting ● Browser setting ● Device access control ● Remote troubleshoot |
| App Management | ● App use restriction | ● App install & uninstall ● App update ● App release ● App use duration ● App usage analysis | ● Multi-platform App install & uninstall ● App container distribution ● Malware detect |
| File Management | ● File transfer restriction | ● File remote transfer ● File transfer restriction ● File sync ● File access control ● File cloud storage | ● Cloud service ● Data migration |
| User Management | ● Invite, delete & group user ● Assign user role & permission | ● Invite, delete & group user ● Create user profile ● Assign user role & permission | ● Bulk import user account ● Assign user role & permission ● Multiple company directories connection |
Compare Functionality: UEM > EMM > MDM
UEM has the most features which are related to manageable endpoints. And EMM has more capabilities to manage applications and contents than MDM.
Here’re some key features of MDM, EMM, and UEM.
Mobile Device Management
- Kiosk Mode
- Policy
- Geofencing
- Alters & Automate remote operations
Enterprise Mobility Management
- App Whitelist & Blacklist
- File Management
- User Access Management
- Conditional remote delete device and user data
Unified Endpoint Management
- Multi-platform device management
- Multi-platform app management
- Cloud service for all company data
3Management Tasks
Compare Complexity: UEM > EMM > MDM
UEM contains all EMM and MDM features as well as device types. It has the largest management tasks of the three, including multi-system devices, apps across different platforms, users and contents. Each aspect requires deeper configuration and permission management.
As for EMM and MDM, the former has more management purposes, mainly in app usage and user access. MDM has a simple task relatively.
Part 3 : Limitations of MDM, EMM, and UEM
Deploying an incorrect methodology can waste cash and destroy workspace morale. And, the perfect solution does not mean the most powerful one. To know weak points will help find the best solution that suits your company's needs.
MDM will not be the best choice if there is an advanced need for app and user identity management. In addition, some endpoints are unable to use Mobile Device Management software, like desktops.
EMM is not liked by employees in some cases because of privacy-violating issues. The solution is able to access device contents and take remote actions on them. Companies may spend time resolving disputes.
Unified Endpoint Management requires a professional IT team to take over the operation. Thus, enterprises will have to train their employee so that to get with the system.
AirDroid Business - Recommended Solution for Enterprise
- High Android compatibility
- Varied endpoints supported
- Flexible deployment methods
- Affordable pricing to start with
Free to use all features in 14 days
FAQs
What systems do MDM, EMM, and UEM support?
Maverick
MDM, EMM and UEM are available for devices that run Android, Apple, Windows, and Chrome generally. But it’s varied according to the third-party provider.
Do MDM, EMM, and UEM support cloud-based or on-premises deployment?
Maverick
Both are available. You can use cloud-based or on-premises MDM, EMM and UEM for your company.
What is RMM (Remote monitoring and management )?
Maverick
It's a process that enables managed IT firms and IT administrators to monitor a company's endpoints, devices, and networks effortlessly while far away from the workplace.
