With its unique Cloud Desktop solutions, Cortado provides the ideal answer to current IT trends in virtualization; Cloud Computing, Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and Consumerization. Whether with the professional version Cortado Corporate Server or the free version Public Cloud, Cortado Workplace for individuals, all essential Desktop functions are available on every device. The professional version integrates a complete Mobile Device Management system for the central management of devices, users, and their rights. He discusses MDM in this article:
Mobile connections, today’s and tomorrow’s trend
Smartphones and tablets are conquering the enterprise. In 2013, more than 1.2 billion people connected via mobile internet, and by 2015, they will outnumber desktop computer users.
If these figures are rapidly increasing, it’s because the mobility of smartphones and tablets allows for increased productivity and flexibility in companies. However, on the flip side, mobility can also lead to security issues that can quickly become critical when not controlled.
Successfully implementing a mobility strategy is therefore a major challenge for any business.
How to define a corporate mobility strategy?
The 3 main challenges in establishing a strategy are:
- User Ergonomics: How to achieve a user-friendly environment?
- Device lifecycle management: How do updates proceed? Management of different types of devices?
- Security: How to ensure optimal security without hindering user comfort?
The first step (User Ergonomics) is to consult the opinions of future users! When and how do they use their mobile devices? What are their needs and habits? Listening to feedback has 2 advantages:
- Targeting the needs of the strategy.
- Involving users, who will then more easily adhere to the implementation of the strategy.
The second step is to choose a device management strategy based on needs.
This strategy, called MDM (Mobile Device Management), should allow the distribution and management of data for different devices (PC, Mac, Tablet, Smartphone) and OS (Windows, Android, iOS). There are 2 types of approaches for MDM:
- The Container approach, based on the principle that information does not leave the domain of an application. It promotes data accessibility but is primarily designed for access via mail. The Container approach is therefore not intended to manage the device itself.
- The Open approach allows for greater control, with agents in the device communicating with a management platform. This method can dynamically control restrictions and permissions and is generally more flexible than the Container approach.
Once the MDM strategy is decided, the third step defines the phases of the device lifecycle.
- Configuration: Applying a base configuration and deploying it across different mobile devices. It allows the user to authenticate across the various applications.
- Management: This involves updates on already deployed devices. Management can involve additional applications as well as security enhancements.
- Locking: When a device reaches the end of its lifecycle, it must be locked to prevent access to confidential data. It is important to be able to remotely erase data (in case of theft) and easily migrate data to a new device.
- Audit: The audit ensures that regulations and guidelines are followed. This phase, occurring throughout the lifecycle, is very important because without it, the company may be held responsible for mobile device usage behaviors.
Microsoft Exchange, an inexpensive MDM solution
While the usefulness of MDMs is no longer in doubt, in many cases, solutions can be costly.
An inexpensive solution is Microsoft Exchange, software often used by IT teams without knowing that it offers an open approach to device management!
This MDM is not perfect, but it offers a suite of services such as task synchronization or access limitations. Exchange is primarily designed for Windows Mobile, but it can provide a satisfactory starting point.
Our advice is therefore to look at the features provided by Microsoft Exchange and then decide if an additional cost is necessary.
Cortado Corporate Server, the most comprehensive solution.
The most suitable MDM solution (and also mobile application management) currently is Cortado Corporate Server. CCS offers an open approach that addresses mobile issues:
- Easy for administrators: The administration console is in HTML 5, accessible from a simple web browser. It is also possible to define user rights on a case-by-case basis.
- Easy for users: The controlled opening of CCS gives users access to all applications and resources necessary for their daily work.
- Facilitates security: The CCS is managed centrally. It is possible to locate stolen devices or to remotely erase data.
- Cross-platform: The CCS is an adaptive MDM that works the same on iOS, Android, Windows Phone, PC, or Mac.
In conclusion
Integrating mobile devices is a major challenge for businesses, allowing them to achieve gains in productivity and flexibility. However, the transition to mobile use requires precautions regarding security and data protection.
This is where Mobile Device Management comes into play, solutions that allow for the management of data, applications, and permissions of different users. Among available models, Cortado Corporate Server is the most comprehensive, ensuring flexibility, security, and comfort for users.
