Mobile device management

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Mobile Device Management (MDM) software secures, monitors, manages and supports mobile devices deployed across mobile operators, service providers and enterprises. MDM functionality typically includes over-the-air distribution of applications, data and configuration settings for all types of mobile devices, including mobile phones, smartphones, tablet computers, ruggedized mobile computers, mobile printers, mobile POS devices, etc. This applies to both company-owned and employee-owned (BYOD) devices across the enterprise or mobile devices owned by consumers.[1][2]

By controlling and protecting the data and configuration settings for all mobile devices in the network, MDM can greatly reduce support costs and business risks. The intent of MDM is to optimize the functionality and security of a mobile communications network while minimizing cost and downtime.[3]

With mobile devices becoming ubiquitous and applications flooding the market, mobile monitoring is growing in importance.[4] Numerous vendors help mobile device manufacturers, content portals and developers, test and monitor the delivery of their mobile content, applications and services. This testing of content is done real time by simulating the action of thousands of customers and detecting and correcting bugs in the applications.

Implementation

Typically solutions include a server component, which sends out the management commands to the mobile devices, and a client component, which runs on the handset and receives and implements the management commands. In some cases, a single vendor may provide both the client and the server, in others client and server will come from different sources.

The management of mobile devices has evolved over time. At first it was necessary to either connect to the handset or install a SIM in order to make changes and updates; scalability was a problem.

One of the next steps was to allow a client initiated update, similar to when a user requests a Windows Update.

Central remote management, using commands sent over the air, is the next step. An administrator at the mobile operator, an enterprise IT data center or a handset OEM can use an administrative console to update or configure any one handset, group or groups of handsets. This obviously provides scalability benefits particularly useful when the fleet of managed devices is large in size.

Central functionality includes:[5][6]

  • FOTA - Firmware over the air updates
  • Diagnostics
  • Remote Configuration and Provisioning
  • Security
  • Backup/Restore
  • Network Usage and Support
  • Server Deployment
  • Mobile asset tracking and management
  • Remote Lock and Wipe
  • Device Provisioning
  • Software Installation
  • Troubleshooting and Diagnostic Tools
  • Policy Application
  • Logging and Reporting
  • Remote Control and Administration
  • GPS tracking and 'breadcrumb' mapping

Device Management specifications

  • The Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) specified a platform-independent device management protocol called OMA Device Management. The specification meets the common definitions of an open standard, meaning the specification is freely available and implementable. It is supported by several mobile devices, such as PDAs and mobile phones.[7]
  • Smart message is text sms based provisioning protocol (ringtones, calendar entries but service settings also supported like: ftp, telnet, smsc number, email settings, etc...)
  • OMA Client Provisioning is a binary sms based service settings provisioning protocol.
  • Nokia-Ericsson OTA is binary sms based service settings provisioning protocol, designed mainly for older Nokia and Ericcson mobile phones.

Over the air

Over-the-air programming (OTA) capabilities are considered a main component of mobile network operator and enterprise-grade Mobile Device Management software. These include the ability to remotely configure a single mobile device, an entire fleet of mobile devices or any IT-defined set of mobile devices; send software and OS updates; remotely lock and wipe a device, which protects the data stored on the device when it is lost or stolen; and remote troubleshooting. OTA commands are sent as a binary SMS message. Binary SMS is a message including binary data.[8]

Mobile Device Management software enables corporate IT departments to manage the many mobile devices used across the enterprise; subsequently, over-the-air capabilities are in high demand. Enterprises using OTA SMS as part of their MDM infrastructure demand high quality in the sending of OTA messages, what imposes on SMS gateway providers to offer a high level of quality and reliability.

Current MDM Vendors

See also

References

  1. ^ What is mobile device management? - a definition from Whatis.com
  2. ^ A comprehensive article on mobile device management
  3. ^ "BYOD Requires Mobile Device Management". Information Week.
  4. ^ "A Playbook for Fighting Apple and Google". Reuters. 15 March 2011.
  5. ^ IDC - Document at a Glance[dead link]
  6. ^ Windows Mobile Device Management and Security Solutions Microsoft
  7. ^ "What Is OMA DM?" (PDF).
  8. ^ http://www.sms-wiki.org/p_65-binary-sms.html

External links

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