Mobile device management (MDM) and mobile application management (MAM) are crucial components of unified endpoint management (UEM), allowing companies to manage and secure their mobile devices and applications. While both MDM and MAM serve the purpose of ensuring the protection of devices, users, and data, there are key differences between the two.

What is mobile device management (MDM)?

MDM is a solution that manages and protects smartphones and tablets, regardless of the operating system. It safeguards against cyber threats and data loss. MDM has evolved from the initial iPhone launch and is now part of UEM. MDM software is used to manage both corporate-owned devices and bring your own device (BYOD) devices running on any mobile operating system.

What is mobile application management (MAM)?

MAM has emerged with the increase in mobile app usage. It is software used to manage and safeguard mobile applications on users’ devices. MAM is often part of MDM software and UEM solutions. It utilizes containerization features and security policies to regulate user access to enterprise apps and employs features like access management, multi-factor authentication, and granular permissions.

Top 5 differences between MDM and MAM

1. What they manage: MDM focuses on managing devices, including device settings, security policies, and apps. MAM, on the other hand, focuses on managing and protecting mobile enterprise applications and the associated business data.
2. What they control: MDM controls the entire device, enabling actions like wipe, lock, and enforce passwords. MAM has control over the apps themselves and enforces security policies at the application level.
3. What they secure: MDM emphasizes device security, user security, encryption, VPN, and app security. MAM concentrates on app security, implementing functions like automatic app removal conditions. Some MAM software incorporates additional security features such as app wrappers or software development kits (SDK).
4. How they handle app deployment: MDM technologies facilitate app installation and updates by IT teams. MAM technologies allow IT teams to push and install apps from an app catalog while also enabling end users to install approved enterprise apps.
5. How they manage: MDM has standard app management capabilities, including installation and updates. Some UEM solutions combine MDM and MAM capabilities. MAM provides granular and advanced app management throughout the application lifecycle, such as installation, deployment, patching, and integration with public app stores. IT admins can remotely distribute and track app installations over-the-air (OTA).

Concluding Thoughts

MDM and MAM play distinct roles in mobile management, ensuring the security and management of mobile devices and applications. IBM Security MaaS360 is an advanced UEM platform that merges MDM with MAM, offering IT teams efficiency, effectiveness, and cost control over mobile management.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can MDM and MAM be used together?

Yes, MDM and MAM can be used together. In fact, MAM is often a component of MDM solutions and UEM platforms.

2. Which one is more important, MDM or MAM?

Both MDM and MAM are important for comprehensive mobile management. MDM focuses on device-level management and security, while MAM focuses on application-level management and security.

3. Can MDM and MAM be used for both corporate-owned and BYOD devices?

Yes, both MDM and MAM can be used to manage and secure both corporate-owned devices and BYOD devices running on any mobile operating system.

4. What are some common features of MDM and MAM solutions?

Common features of MDM and MAM solutions include device/app inventory management, security policies, remote wipe/lock, app installation and updates, and user access control.

5. How does IBM Security MaaS360 integrate MDM and MAM?

IBM Security MaaS360 is a unified endpoint management platform that combines MDM and MAM capabilities, offering comprehensive mobile device and application management.