As the working world becomes increasingly reliant on mobile technology, Mobile Application Management (MAM) has emerged as an important tool for IT departments, providing a way to manage and secure mobile applications used in an organisation.
But just what is Mobile Application Management? We took a closer look at this crucial business technology to better understand what MAM is and how it can help your organisation.
What Is Mobile Application Management?
Mobile Application Management (MAM) is a technology that enables businesses to manage, secure, and update their mobile applications across devices, allowing companies to distribute applications directly to employees’ devices and monitor how those apps are used. This tool is particularly popular with Microsoft apps such as Outlook and OneDrive, enabling specific policies to be enforced on the app once a user logs in with business credentials.
For example, MAM can be used to ensure that all corporate documents are securely stored on the device and can help limit access to specific features or data. It can also be used to remotely wipe an app if a device is lost or stolen, helping to protect confidential data.
With MAM, businesses can ensure their data remains secure and accessible only to authorised users while providing users access to the most up-to-date versions of their applications. This technology can also ensure that devices comply with the organisation’s security standards and policies.
How Does Mobile Application Management Work?
There are several approaches to Mobile Application Management, and these include:
Software Development Kits
Software Development Kits, or SDKs, are sets of software tools and programs that are built by software and hardware vendors. A developer can use the kit to build a dedicated application for a specific platform, allowing businesses to manage their applications directly from the device.
Cloud-Based Solutions
Another approach to MAM is cloud-based solutions, which allow businesses to store and manage their applications in the cloud. This makes it easier for companies to distribute apps across multiple devices, track usage, and control access. Here at Aztec, we offer a range of cloud-based solutions and services.
Mobile Device Management (MDM)
Mobile Device Management (MDM) is another approach to MAM. With MDM, companies can manage employee devices and app management capabilities, allowing them to set policies and restrictions on how those devices are used, including security and privacy rules and which applications are allowed.
What Is the Difference Between MAM and MDM?
On the surface, Mobile Application Management (MAM) and Mobile Device Management (MDM) may appear similar, but they are distinct.
The primary difference between MAM and MDM is in their approach. While MAM focuses on applications installed on devices, MDM takes a broader view, considering how the device is used as a whole. As such, businesses can use MDM to control application access and manage devices.
This option has pros and cons: while MDM provides greater control over devices, it also requires more time and effort to manage. MAM, on the other hand, is explicitly designed to manage applications, making it a simpler, more efficient solution for businesses that don’t need as much control over their devices.
Benefits of Mobile Application Management
MAM offers a variety of benefits for businesses, both in terms of security and convenience, and some of the main advantages include:
Convenience
As we’ve mentioned, convenience is one of the primary benefits of MAM. With MAM, businesses can distribute apps directly to employees’ devices, eliminating the need for users to search for and download applications manually. This makes it easier for employees to access business applications, regardless of location.
Allows Secure BYOD Policies
One key benefit of MAM is that it enables businesses to securely manage Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programs. With MAM, businesses can restrict access to data and applications on BYOD devices, ensuring only authorised users can view or modify data.
This security is particularly important for businesses handling sensitive data, as MAM helps ensure that only authorised users can view or use it.
At the same time, a BYOD policy helps to cut costs for the business, as there is no need to supply devices to employees. This provides a balance of security and cost-effectiveness: organisations can keep their data secure, maintain complete control over corporate data, and wipe the device and revoke access if an employee leaves, while still allowing employees to use their own devices.
Security
MAM also helps ensure that only authorised users have access to applications and corporate data stored on those devices. This is particularly important for businesses handling sensitive data, as MAM helps ensure only authorised users can view or use it.
Cost Savings
By using MAM, businesses can also reduce application procurement and management costs. Since MAM enables businesses to deploy apps directly to employees’ devices, there is no need to purchase a license for each device. This can help save businesses time and money.
Enhanced Visibility
MAM also provides businesses with enhanced visibility into how their applications are used. This allows IT departments to quickly identify which apps are in use, which versions are installed, and who is using them. This information can be particularly useful when troubleshooting an issue or determining if a certain application needs to be upgraded.
Simplified App Updates
Another benefit of MAM is that it simplifies updating mobile applications. With MAM, businesses can easily update applications across multiple devices simultaneously, ensuring users always have access to the most up-to-date versions of their apps and improving operational efficiency.
Are There Any Issues With MAM?
As with any technology, Mobile Application Management carries potential risks and issues, and it is important to be aware of them to ensure your security and data are not compromised.
Some of the main issues – and their key solutions – include:
Risk of Hacking or Malicious Activity
MAM applications can be targets of hackers and other malicious actors, so it is important to secure them properly. Businesses can achieve this by implementing strong authentication measures and ensuring that the application is encrypted and regularly updated.
Data Leakage Risk
Another issue with MAM is the risk of data leakage, which can be mitigated by monitoring and controlling data access and sharing across applications, and by ensuring clear policies to address any issues.
How Can We Help?
Here at Aztec, we understand the importance of Mobile Application Management – and we know that it can be complicated and time-consuming; that is why we are here to help. We provide secure and comprehensive MAM solutions for businesses throughout the South East, including Sussex and Chichester, and have a proven track record of helping customers protect their applications and data.
We offer a wide range of IT support, including fully managed and end-to-end solutions, and we are here to help you get the most out of your mobile applications. If you would like to learn more, please contact us today to discuss how we can help you secure your applications and data.
Written by Aaron Land
