The differences between MDM, MAM, UEM, EDM and EMM

What is MDM?

As the name suggests, a Mobile Device Management (MDM) system helps to manage, but also secure mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, notebooks and wearables including smartwatches and VR headsets. MDM allows you to configure devices remotely, deploy applications and secure data without the need for physical access to the device.

When to use MDM

MDM is often deployed in environments with a large number of mobile devices, such as for sales teams, pilots or mechanics who use iPads while in the field. It allows you to control which apps can be installed on devices and remotely wipe company data in case of loss or theft.

It also comes in useful in office environments to manage devices used by employees for both business and personal use. In this scenario, there’s a risk that sensitive company information could fall into the wrong hands, but a good MDM solution can prevent that and also ensure that all devices and apps are up-to-date and secure.

Read more about MDM here

What is MAM?

Mobile Application Management (MAM) allows you to manage and secure enterprise data at the application level. MDM and MAM differ in that MDM lets you manage the entire device while MAM is only focused on the apps themselves.

When to use MAM

MAM is ideal for BYOD scenarios in which employees need anytime, anywhere access to company apps on their personal devices. With MAM, your IT department can manage, monitor and protect all your enterprise apps.

What is EDM?

Enterprise Device Management (EDM) focuses not only on mobile devices but on all enterprise devices, from desktops to notebooks and IoT devices. EDM solutions are, therefore, more extensive than MDM, offering a greater number of features to manage and secure the various devices within an organisation.

When to use EDM

EDM is perfect for organisations using a mix of devices to access corporate data. It also allows you to manage desktops and fixed workstations, which is ideal for companies supporting hybrid working and that want to secure devices in the office and at home.

What is EMM?

Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) is a combination of MDM and MAM that deals more explicitly with data security. It’s a more comprehensive version of MDM that supports the centralised management of devices, applications and data.

When to use EMM

The advantage of EMM is that it is an all-in-one solution for configuration, management, monitoring and reporting. It ensures the strict separation of private and corporate data on a device, and allows devices to be remotely wiped in case of loss or theft and data encryption to be enforced while also protecting against security risks.

What is UEM?

UEM is a device management system that allows you to manage mobile devices as well as desktops, notebooks and IoT devices. The difference to EDM is that UEM manages not only the devices but also applications, data and user identities.

When to use UEM

UEM is especially useful for organisations that want an integrated system for all its endpoints, including devices and applications. With it, you can manage everything on one platform, which enhances security and compliance and reduces the management burden on IT teams.

What is EDR?

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) is a security tool dedicated to detecting, investigating and responding to threats on endpoints (such as notebooks, desktops and mobile devices). It delivers analysis and detection capabilities that help identify and quickly respond to cyberthreats.

When to use EDR

EDR is the ideal choice for organisations that need an active security strategy to respond to potential cyberattacks as it gives you an insight into suspicious activity on devices and allows you to mitigate threats before they become a problem.

What is BYOD?

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) is a policy that allows employees to use their own devices for work purposes. While it can be cost-effective and boosts employee satisfaction, it also brings security challenges, but MDM, EDM, and UEM can be deployed to secure corporate data on these personal devices.

When to use BYOD

BYOD is popular among companies that value flexibility and cost savings. By implementing a strong BYOD policy and device management system, you can leverage the benefits of BYOD without increasing security risks too much. However, we believe that a CYOD policy is a better choice for most organisations, especially when it comes to security. BYOD is often used by self-employed workers, seasonal employees or as a fringe benefit to attract new employees.

What is CYOD?

With Choose Your Own Device (CYOD), employees can select from a pre-approved list of devices that are provided and managed by the organisation. Compared to BYOD, this gives IT teams more control over devices and helps reduce security risks.

When to use CYOD

CYOD is often chosen by organisations looking to balance flexibility for employees and control for IT. It gives staff the freedom to choose the devices they want to work with and also facilitates their management.

Check out this blog on CYOD, BYOD, CO and COPE