Managing mobile devices is a growing challenge for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Without proper tools, businesses face risks like data breaches, compliance issues, and operational disruptions. Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions address these problems by offering features like remote locking, encryption, and automated policy enforcement.
Key Challenges SMBs Face:
Practical Solutions:
Quick Tip:
For SMBs managing 75+ devices, MDM tools like Bravas can streamline operations with features like centralized management, automated app deployment, and compliance tools.
MDM isn’t just a tool - it’s a necessity for SMBs to stay secure, efficient, and competitive.
Common MDM Setup Problems for SMBs
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) often face several hurdles when setting up Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions. These challenges stem from limited resources, device diversity, and the need to maintain security and compliance.
Budget and Staff Limitations
SMBs frequently struggle with tight budgets and small teams, which can make MDM implementation a daunting task. Without dedicated IT staff, mobile management often becomes an added responsibility for existing employees.
To save costs, many SMBs adopt Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies instead of issuing company-owned devices. While this approach reduces upfront expenses, it introduces new management headaches. Tyler Shields, lead mobile analyst for Forrester, explains:
"In some ways, it changes the landscape a little bit, because users may be hesitant to allow corporate control of their devices".
David Lingenfelter, Information Security Officer at Fiberlink, underscores the risks of neglecting MDM:
"If you're not doing anything in the MDM space, you're not secure".
On top of staffing and budget issues, the variety of devices in use adds another layer of complexity.
Managing Different Device Types
The wide range of devices used by employees makes MDM deployment even more complicated. SMBs must manage a mix of operating systems, hardware, and security requirements. Common challenges include:
Security Rules and Compliance
Once budget and device management issues are addressed, enforcing security and compliance becomes the next big challenge. Many SMBs rely on employees to handle security on their own - a strategy that often falls short.
Without centralized management, risks like data leaks, compliance violations, and information mishandling increase significantly. David Lingenfelter cautions:
"If you're not doing any management, you're exposed, whether it's an attack vector or an info leak vector".
For SMBs in regulated industries, such as pharmaceuticals, the stakes are even higher. These companies are often compelled to adopt MDM solutions to meet industry standards. However, they typically prioritize tools that align with their practical needs, focusing on features like device tracking, remote wiping, and basic activity logging.
Practical MDM Setup Solutions
SMBs can overcome MDM challenges by focusing on practical, actionable strategies. Here’s how to simplify and secure your MDM deployment.
Device and Security Overview
Start by reviewing your device inventory, security policies, compliance requirements, and user access needs. An MDM solution becomes especially useful when managing around 75 devices or more.
Using Automated Setup Tools
Leverage zero-touch deployment tools to ease the technical workload and maintain consistent device setups. To ensure a smooth process, offer clear internal resources like setup guides, video tutorials, FAQs, and access to dedicated support. This approach minimizes disruptions while maintaining strong security measures.
Training Staff on Security
Effective training is crucial. Break it down into these three steps:
Consider starting with a pilot rollout to gather feedback and refine the process before a full-scale implementation.
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Bravas MDM Features for Small Business
Bravas provides device management solutions designed to address the unique needs of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). It combines device management tools with strong security measures, offering a well-rounded solution.
Multi-Platform Device Setup
Bravas simplifies managing devices across different operating systems. Automated processes make onboarding easier and reduce IT workload. Key features include:
This setup ensures SMBs can maintain secure and standardized configurations across their devices without requiring in-depth technical knowledge.
Security and Compliance Tools
Bravas includes security features that help SMBs meet compliance standards while keeping operations manageable:
These tools not only enhance protection but also help businesses save money while scaling efficiently.
Hosting and Scalability Options
Bravas supports growing businesses with flexible infrastructure options:
These hosting choices allow businesses to select options that align with their budgets and security preferences. Bravas also simplifies employee onboarding and offboarding with automated user provisioning and access controls.
In-House vs. External MDM Management
After addressing the challenges and solutions of MDM setup, SMBs must make an important decision: should they manage MDM internally or rely on an external provider? This choice impacts security, costs, and overall efficiency, and it builds on earlier discussions to help SMBs identify the approach that aligns with their needs.
Comparing Management Options
Tyler Shields, lead mobile analyst at Forrester, highlights an important point:
"MDM doesn't provide that much security to begin with. It's a management tool. It does give you wipe and find device features, but it's not a security technology at its core".
Aspect
In-House Management
External Management
Setup Costs
Higher upfront infrastructure costs
Lower upfront costs with subscription-based pricing
IT Expertise
Requires dedicated IT staff or training
Provider handles technical aspects
Control Level
Full control over policies and data
Limited control, dependent on provider
Implementation Time
Longer setup and configuration period
Faster deployment with provider support
Scalability
Limited by internal resources
Easily scalable through provider services
These differences help SMBs evaluate which option better suits their resources and security priorities.
David Lingenfelter, an information security officer at Fiberlink, describes the situation many SMBs face:
"What we're seeing is two types of customers. There are the ones that have tried to do it on their own without a real managed solution – whether it's through their mail system like ActiveSync or freeware apps - and the others are the ones that simply say, 'This mobile space is really taking off and I have no idea what I'm doing. I have no budget and no IT team'".
Key Considerations
BYOD Considerations
BYOD policies add another layer of complexity to the decision. As Tyler Shields explains:
"If you propose the trade off as, 'If you want access to sensitive material, you have to have MDM,' the user will almost always accept MDM on there for the convenience".
External MDM management brings several advantages for BYOD environments, including:
Conclusion
For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), managing mobile devices effectively is a must to tackle today’s security challenges. While there are obstacles, the right planning and tools can make these challenges manageable.
MDM solutions help SMBs address security risks, simplify device configurations, support remote management, and enforce critical security policies. They also provide tools like data usage control, app whitelisting, and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) management, which can lead to cost savings - especially for businesses with fewer than 300 employees.
Here’s a quick look at how MDM benefits SMBs:
Category
Key Advantages
Control over data usage, reduced device costs, and potential tax rebates
Features like remote wiping, encryption, and passcode enforcement
Automated configurations and easier app management
Helps meet regulations like
Modern MDM platforms are designed to simplify advanced device management, offering features like automated deployment, strong security measures, and scalable infrastructure. When tailored to a business’s specific needs, the right MDM strategy can turn device management into a real competitive edge.
FAQs
What are the main advantages of using an external MDM provider for small and medium-sized businesses?
Using an external Mobile Device Management (MDM) provider offers several key benefits for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs):
Choosing an external MDM provider simplifies the process for SMBs, helping them maintain secure, compliant, and efficient device management without straining internal resources.
What’s the best way for SMBs to manage mobile devices with different operating systems?
SMBs can efficiently manage a variety of mobile devices, including those running on different operating systems like iOS and Android, by implementing a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution. MDM platforms provide centralized control, allowing businesses to monitor, secure, and enforce policies across their entire device fleet.
With features like remote configuration, app management, and real-time compliance monitoring, MDM solutions simplify the process of supporting diverse devices. This ensures that all devices remain secure and aligned with company policies, even as your business scales.
How can SMBs maintain security and compliance when using a BYOD policy?
To maintain security and compliance with a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy, SMBs should adopt a few key strategies:
By combining these measures, SMBs can protect their data while supporting a flexible, employee-friendly BYOD environment.
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