Bewältigung der Herausforderungen bei der Verwaltung mobiler Assets

The management of mobile assets presents IT asset managers with increasingly complex challenges. With the increasing mobilization of the workforce and the diversification of the end devices used, it is becoming more difficult to maintain an overview of company devices, minimize security risks and at the same time adhere to compliance requirements. In this context, mobile device management (MDM) has become an indispensable tool that makes it possible to centrally manage, secure and monitor mobile devices.

One of the biggest hurdles is maintaining data and device security. Mobile devices are often used outside the secure corporate infrastructure and are therefore more susceptible to cyber attacks, data loss and theft. Protecting sensitive corporate data therefore requires a comprehensive security strategy that includes not only firewalls and encryption, but also remote wiping and device location mechanisms. A particularly big challenge is identifying and eliminating security risks in real time without affecting employee productivity.

Another difficulty arises from the diversity of platforms and devices, particularly with regard to BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). Companies need to support a variety of devices and operating systems, such as Android, iOS and Windows, each with their own security and management requirements. In BYOD environments, employees use their personal devices for work purposes, which makes it difficult to implement standardized security policies. The challenge is to find a balance between the freedom of employees' devices and the necessary control from the IT department to enforce security standards.

A third important point is real-time access to data. Employees must be able to access business-critical information from anywhere and at any time without jeopardizing security or compromising network performance. This requires a reliable mobile infrastructure that enables the fast and secure flow of data. At the same time, it must be ensured that only authorized users have access to sensitive data and that access is controlled to prevent misuse or data theft.

Weighing up the data protection interests of employees is often a fine balancing act. In an environment in which both private and professional data are used on the same devices, it must be ensured that the privacy of the persons concerned is protected. A clear separation between personal and business data on mobile devices is crucial in order to both comply with legal requirements and ensure the security of company data.

Another area of action is the rapid provision of company apps and regular updates. Companies must ensure that employees always use the latest versions of the applications they use in order to close (critical) security gaps promptly. Delays or problems with the distribution of updates can not only jeopardize security, but also impair productivity. This is where MDM solutions are needed that enable centralized, automated management and distribution of apps and updates to all devices.

Finally, IT asset managers must ensure transparency and control over the costs of mobile assets. This is a particularly important factor in globally active companies, as high data costs can arise from the international use of mobile devices. Data usage must be monitored and suitable guidelines implemented to avoid unexpectedly high costs without restricting the flexibility of employees.

Mobile Device Management enables companies to centrally manage, monitor and secure mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops. In an increasingly mobile and connected working world, MDM is essential for companies to maintain control over their mobile assets while ensuring security. MDM helps to overcome key challenges such as device and data security, managing different operating systems and controlling access to sensitive company data.

Improved security is a key advantage of MDM. Companies can use the MDM platform to set security policies, encrypt data and remotely lock or wipe devices in the event of theft or loss. In addition, MDM enables centralized device management, which means that IT teams can monitor and control all of a company's mobile devices via a unified platform, regardless of their location or operating system.

Remote monitoring and maintenance are other benefits that allow IT departments to remotely monitor devices, perform software updates or troubleshoot problems without needing physical access to the devices. This saves time and ensures that all devices are up to date and secure. MDM often also includes application management, which allows companies to centrally manage, deploy and update applications. This reduces security risks by only allowing authorized and verified apps to be installed on company devices.

Device tracking and inventory management provide visibility across all mobile assets in the organization, allowing IT teams to keep track of device status, usage data and security incidents. Finally, MDM also supports cost savings and the integration of BYOD strategies by enabling a clear separation between business and personal data while ensuring secure access to corporate resources.

Mobile Device Lifecycle Management is a comprehensive approach to managing the entire lifecycle of mobile devices - from procurement, provisioning and maintenance through to disposal. In contrast to mobile device management, which focuses primarily on management and security during the use of mobile devices, MDLM considers the entire lifecycle of a device. MDLM is important for companies to ensure efficiency and transparency at every stage of the lifecycle and to minimize any risks that may arise.

There are numerous challenges along the lifecycle of a mobile device. Complex procurement processes require selecting the right devices for the organization's needs, which is often complicated by various technical requirements and budget constraints. Deployment issues often arise when devices need to be distributed to different locations or employees and ensuring that they are equipped with the right software and are fully operational. During use, ongoing maintenance is critical as regular updates and technical support are required to keep the devices secure and operational. Data security concerns must always be considered, especially when devices are being repaired, replaced or returned. Finally, efficient disposal poses a challenge: Devices must be securely wiped and disposed of in an environmentally sound manner to uphold data protection guidelines and ensure environmental protection.

Managing mobile assets is an increasingly complex task for IT asset managers, made ever more demanding by the growing mobilization of the workforce and the diversity of end devices. Solutions such as Mobile Device Management are essential to effectively overcome these challenges. MDM enables centralized management, monitoring and protection of mobile devices and helps to minimize security risks, meet compliance requirements and optimize real-time data access. With features such as remote monitoring, application management and the ability to remotely lock or wipe devices, MDM ensures that organizations can stay in control of their mobile devices while boosting employee productivity.

However, MDM only offers a partial solution. Mobile Device Lifecycle Management is required for holistic management of mobile assets across their entire lifecycle. While MDM focuses on operation and security, MDLM covers the phases of procurement, deployment, ongoing maintenance and disposal. It enables companies to manage complex procurement processes, minimize deployment issues, ensure regular maintenance and guarantee sustainable, data protection-compliant disposal of devices. This holistic approach ensures greater transparency, compliance and risk minimization in all phases of the devices' life cycle.

In summary, the combination of MDM and MDLM offers a strategic advantage: it enables asset managers (and IT security) to efficiently control the entire lifecycle of mobile devices and thus maximize security, transparency and efficiency in corporate mobility.

Author: Henri Fild