Mobile device management

Mobile device management (MDM) refers to tools intended to distribute applications, data and configuration settings to mobile devices such as mobile phones. The intent of MDM is to optimize the functionality and security of a mobile communications network, while minimizing cost and downtime.

Typically solutions include a server component, which sends out the management commands to the mobile devices, and a client command, 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 obviously 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:

• FOTA - Firmware over the air updates
• Diagnostics
• Remote Configuration and Provisioning
• Security
• Backup/Restore
• Network Usage and Support
• Server Deployment
• Inventory
• Device Provisioning
• Software Installation
• Troubleshooting and Diagnostic Tools
• Policy Application
• Logging and Reporting
• Remote Control and Administration

Over the Air for Mobile Device Management

Over the Air (OTA) is one of the main components of Mobile Device Management, by supporting the configuration of mobile phones, software updates and mobile phone locks (when the mobile phone is lost or stolen, in order to protect the data stored in the device). OTA is sent as a binary SMS message.

Because Mobile Device Management highly supports enterprise IT departments to manage the mobile phones that are used in the corporate environment, such as the smartphones and PDAs, over the air technology is having a high demand in this area. 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.

Products

• Microsoft - System Center Mobile Device Manager
• Nokia - Intellisync
• Sparus Software - EveryWAN Mobility Manager
• Sybase iAnywhere - Afaria
• Wavelink - Avalanche MC

See also

• The SyncML Initiative
• The Device Management Forum