1. Managing Multiple Tablets: MDM Software on the
Rise
Rumor has it that the new iPad 3 is set to come out in March. Ever since the
first iPad came out, it has held the spotlight for tablets. But other tablets,
including Android tablets and the Kindle Fire, are starting to take center
stage. What does this mean for IT departments? It means that IT
departments will have to find a way to manage multiple types of tablets in the
workplace. Mobile Device Management (MDM) software firms are exploding
in the market as well as Mobile Document Management vendors. Can these
new firms help your IT department manage the influx of multiple tablet
platforms? First, let’s explore what you’ll find beyond the iPad.
It’s Not Just the iPad Anymore
In many ways, the iPad will
probably stay the most popular
tablet in the workplace because
of its popularity, its time on the
tablet market and all the
business apps that are available
on the iOS. But Android is
coming fast as a second
contender in the tablet space,
especially since tablet providers
have much more freedom when it comes to using the Android platform. For
people who want a more cost-effective tablet, they might turn to an Android
tablet like the Motorola Mobility Droid Xyboard, a Sony Tablet, or a Samsung
Galaxy. The Android 4 platform will make these tempting options. When
Windows 8 ARM comes out, it will spur new developments in the tablet
market and beyond.
To manage all of these mobile devices infiltrating the workplace, a new
market of software has opened up that is seeking to solve mobile device
management.
What’s MDM Software?
MDM software has been on the market for the past couple of years, but is now
starting to pick up speed. MDM software addresses mobile security, and
manages enterprise devices and mobile access to appropriate company

2. data. Analysts predict that the MDM market will grow to at least a half billion
dollars by 2014. When considering implementation of MDM software for your
company, keep in mind the following:
Stage 1-Provide devices an enterprise persona: The first step in MDM is
to give each device an enterprise persona by using an enterprise’s
existing certificate authority to secure the device, which leverages
security and network investments already made by an IT
department. This gives IT teams peace of mind when it comes to
securing and supporting enterprise mobile devices.
Stage 2-Active management of all mobile devices: This ensures that all
original enterprise personas remain intact. Users are given wide-
ranging access to corporate resources, which include apps, email, secure
directories and cloud-based file storage. At this stage, the IT teams
create a clear guide for employees of what is acceptable for mobile use.
Stage 3-Reduce service plan overages: This is accomplished with the
MDM software API, which is designed to detect and reduce international
plan overages.
A positive aspect of MDM software is that it keeps users from losing personal
data upon leaving the company. The enterprise persona is simply removed
without removing personal data such as music, apps, pictures, etc. MDM
software can also completely wipe an enterprise-owned device before issuing
it to a new employee.
Don’t Close Your Eyes
Does mobile device management really matter? Yes. Are employees accessing
company data on their mobile devices without your approval? Yes. Should
you go ahead and purchase a MDM solution? Not so fast. Gartner documented
60 vendors in the MDM space last April, and there are at least 20+ vendors
that have popped up since then. Many MDM vendors will eventually fold or be
acquired by a competitor. Who the top players are right now remains to be
seen. It would be wise to hold off until the market shakes out a bit and top
players emerge. Look to the PC management market to get an idea of what the
space will eventually turn into.
Have you considered implementing an MDM solution in your company?
Read more: http://blogs.cio.com/cio/16851/managing-multiple-tablets-
mdm-software-rise