As the majority (81%) of enterprises have pledged to modernize their mobility management programs, many are turning to next generation managed mobility solutions (MMS). Enterprises that adopt MMS report benefits across their mobile device programs’ lifecycles: 88% report improved security, 90% report enhanced productivity, and 91% report freeing up business resources.
While 94% of enterprises state that they’re satisfied with their MMS, not all enterprise mobility management solutions are made equal. Going from satisfied to having your expectations exceeded requires understanding the key considerations for choosing the optimal Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) solution in today’s quickly evolving marketplace.
Choosing the optimal EMM solution: Key considerations
Firstly, it's important to note that EMM solutions vary in their functionality. Some integrate the following four technologies into a unified platform, while others offer these components individually. Generally, advanced EMM solutions will include each of the following.
1. Mobile Device Management (MDM)
The National Information Assurance Partnership (NIAP) defines MDM in the following way: “The MDM Server is software (an application, service, etc.) on a general-purpose platform, a network device, or cloud architecture executing in a trusted network environment. The MDM Server provides administration of the mobile device policies and reporting on mobile device behavior. The MDM Server is responsible for managing device enrollment, configuring and sending policies to the MDM Agents, collecting reports on device status, and sending commands to the Agents. The MDM Server may be standalone or distributed, where a distributed TOE is one that requires multiple distinct components to operate as a logical whole in order to fulfill the requirements of this PP.”
Put differently, MDM is a software solution that enables organizations to securely monitor, manage, and support all mobile devices used within the enterprise. It provides IT administrators with tools to enforce policies, configure settings, and ensure compliance on smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices throughout the organization. ifferent environments.
2. Mobile Content Management (MCM)
MCM is a technology solution that enables secure access, distribution, and management of corporate content on mobile devices. By enforcing encryption and access control policies, it protects sensitive documents and media when they are accessed or shared on mobile platforms.
3. Mobile Identity Management (MIM)
Mobile Identity Management involves managing user identities and authentication methods specifically for mobile devices. It provides mechanisms for verifying user credentials and controlling access to corporate resources via mobile platforms, often integrating with existing identity and access management systems.
4. Mobile Application Management (MAM)
TraMAM is a technology solution designed to manage and secure mobile applications within an organization. It allows administrators to deploy, update, and manage apps on mobile devices with ease. By integrating with public app stores like the Google Play and the Apple App Store, MAM provides easy access to a wide range of commercial apps. It also supports the management of private or proprietary applications, enabling the private and secure distribution and maintenance of custom-developed tools.
This dual functionality ensures access to both business-critical productivity apps and specialized tools tailored to specific business needs, all while enforcing app-level security policies and preventing unauthorized use.
Key decision considerations
As you look for an EMM solution that incorporates each of these four technologies, consider also whether the EMM platform facilitates granular control over security settings and policies across device lifecycles — from configuring detailed device encryption settings and enforcing specific password complexities to setting application blacklists or whitelists.
Examine also whether the EMM provides a comprehensive dashboard that displays real-time insights into the full spectrum of device functionality: device status, compliance reports, audit logs, and other data points. Moreover, this dashboard should enable IT administrators to perform management actions, such as remotely wiping a device, resetting passwords, or configuring Wi-Fi settings across multiple devices from a single interface.
Furthermore, investigate if the EMM offers advanced diagnostic tools that allow IT administrators to remotely access and troubleshoot devices. These tools should enable the monitoring of detailed operational metrics, such as battery life, storage utilization, and app performance issues. Also, check for automated compliance reporting that can alert administrators when devices deviate from corporate security standards.
On the regulatory front, make sure to select an EMM solution that meets rigorous security standards by confirming its compliance with key certifications, such as US NIAP Common Criteria, FIPS 140-2 for cryptographic modules, MDM Protection Profiles (MDM PP) version 4.0, and the TLS 1.2 protocol. Verify that the EMM vendor provides comprehensive documentation and support for these certifications.
Have questions about how to choose the best EMM solution for your specific organizational needs? Reach out to a Samsung SDS team member to discuss how Samsung EMM can work for you.
EMM High Security: An Overview
For enterprises operating in highly secure or classified environments, such as those under the Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) programs governed by the National Security Agency (NSA), the stakes are even higher. CSfC program enables these organizations to securely communicate, utilizing commercial standards that the NSA has thoroughly vetted and approved for handling classified information.
A fundamental aspect of adopting these solutions is compliance with the rigorous requirements of the Mobile Access Capability Package (MACP). These requirements encompass several areas:
- Dual encryption of data in transit: CSfC mandates the setup of dual Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to ensure that all data transmitted between the mobile device and the network is encrypted twice, offering an additional layer of security against potential intercepts or breaches.
- Dual data-at-rest (DAR) encryption: Similarly, any sensitive or classified data stored on mobile devices must be encrypted twice. This double-encryption ensures that, even if physical security measures fail, the stored data remains protected against unauthorized access.
- Application restrictions: CSfC-compliant solutions must have the capability to restrict which applications users can install, thereby preventing potentially malicious software from being loaded onto devices that access or store classified information.
- Enabling Cryptographic Module (CC mode): Devices used within CSfC environments must operate in Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP) mode, also known as NIAP Common Criteria mode. This setting ensures that all cryptographic operations performed by the device meet the standards necessary for handling classified information.
These requirements are designed not only to safeguard data but also to ensure that devices remain secure throughout their lifecycle, from initial deployment through to end-of-life decommissioning.
Samsung EMM: A next generation approach to device management
Samsung EMM provides effective and consistent device management and increased security across your organization. By consolidating all of the features mentioned in this article — CSfC- compliance, advanced centralized analytics, seamless integration capabilities, and more — Samsung EMM empowers your workforce and protects your organization.
Speaking on Samsung EMM, Luke Williamson, Procurement Manager of Vital Human Resources Ltd, said: "Our crews saved time, energy, and money with the MVR solution powered by Samsung SDS EMM."
Learn about the savings and mobile lifecycle optimization capacity of Samsung EMM by speaking to one of our team members today . Or, visit our website to learn more about Samsung EMM’s full solution offerings.
