Who is this article for?

Enterprise or Decani Administrators and Mobile Developers looking to learn more about the MDM process.

Active mobile application is required.

Ideagen's Mobile Device Management (MDM) helps IT admins securely deploy, manage, and monitor mobile devices across the organisation. It supports secure app installation, controlled access, compliance, and device lifecycle management.

The mobile apps are compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows 10, offering device flexibility. Depending on your policy, apps can be downloaded from public stores or distributed via your corporate MDM system.

We notify customers 2-3 weeks before releases to allow planning. Please coordinate with your IT team for the MDM rollout.

This article covers the basics for effective planning and rollout.

1. Supported providers

The mobile app is supported by various providers, ensuring compatibility and integration:

• Microsoft Intune
• VMware Workspace ONE (AirWatch)
• MobileIron (Ivanti)
• Jamf (iOS/macOS)
• Citrix Endpoint Management
• IBM MaaS360

This list is not exhaustive. Other providers may also support the app.

These providers handle app distribution via public stores, configuration, policy enforcement, device enrolment, and compliance management.

2. Deployment and configuration

For effective deployment and configuration:

• Distribute the mobile app via your MDM system's app catalog or managed store for secure, efficient delivery to authorised users, simplifying deployment and management.
• Use app configuration policies to improve user experience and security by auto-filling environment URLs, restricting copy-paste to prevent data leaks, and managing app permissions for device and data access.
• Apply conditional access controls based on device compliance and user roles to ensure only authorised users and devices access the app, boosting security and compliance.

3. Update management

For effective update and patch management:

• Enable automatic updates via MDM or the OS settings to keep the app current with new features, security fixes, and performance enhancements without manual effort.
• Communicate update schedules clearly to users beforehand to minimise disruption and ensure a smooth experience.
• Regularly monitor app versions on all devices to confirm users have the most secure version, using audits and reports to identify devices needing updates or support.

4. Device and user management

The MDM process ensures security by:

• enforcing device compliance, checking the OS version, and detecting jailbroken or rooted devices.
• allowing for remote wiping of lost or unused devices and can remove app-specific data to securely delete sensitive information.
• limiting access to the application to authorised users and devices, preventing unauthorised access and protecting data integrity.

5. Monitoring and reporting

For effective monitoring:

• Use your Mobile Device Management (MDM) system to monitor key aspects of your devices
•  Regularly check device compliance with your security policies, track app installations and usage to spot unauthorised software, and watch for security incidents like unusual access or breaches to act quickly.
• Integrate your MDM with other security tools for a coordinated response. This helps consolidate alerts and data, enabling faster detection, analysis, and resolution of threats across your mobile devices.

6. Testing and rollout strategy

For effective testing and rollout:

• Test the app thoroughly on Android and iOS, ensuring it works well across devices and OS versions for seamless user experience.
• Validate managed configurations with test users in controlled settings to spot any issues before full deployment.
• Run a pilot with a small user group to gather feedback, identify problems, and reduce risks before full launch.
• Monitor user adoption and performance continuously to address issues and ensure smooth operation.

Further reading

• Testing mobile URL queries