Mobile Security Featured Article

Over Two-Thirds of Enterprises Will Adopt MDM Measures through 2017

With rapid increase in the use of mobile devices in enterprise networks, mobile device management (MDM) and mobile security management (MSM) have become priority for enterprises. In fact, 65 percent of enterprises will adopt a mobile device management (MDM) solution for their corporate liable users over the next five years.

The increasing popularity of tablets and the advanced capabilities of smartphones have contributed to what we call today’s “Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)” scenario in enterprises. A huge amount of network traffic and corporate data that was once part of the primary domain of enterprise PCs is now being shifted to these devices, creating data security a major concern for enterprises.

The growth in mobile devices has also forced organizations to support multiple mobile platforms. According to Gartner (News - Alert), through 2017, 90 percent of enterprises will have two or more mobile operating systems to support.

The research agency notes that many companies have moved to Apple's (News - Alert) iOS as their main mobile device platform in the past year, and several others are to follow over the next 12 to 18 months. As the adoption of mobile platforms grows, mobile device management and mobile security management will continue to grow.

"The era of the PC has ended. Employees are becoming more mobile and looking for ways to still be connected wherever work needs to be done," said Phil Redman, research vice president at Gartner, in a statement. "The convenience and productivity gains that mobile devices bring are too tempting for most companies and their employees. Securing corporate data on mobile devices is a big challenge, but one that companies must embrace. Enterprises are struggling with how to support and secure this dynamic workforce.”

Tablets, one of the fastest growing enterprise devices, greatly contribute for the BYOD momentum.  While companies and employees use the device for limited tasks, users are pushing for more enterprise applications to be supported on the tablet, usually through either enterprise or application provider development.

“As more of these native apps become available, and as remote access technology improves, more enterprise content will be stored on these devices,” according to Gartner.

"The rapid influx of users bringing their own consumer mobile devices that demand access to corporate resources presents challenges to organizations," said Redman.

To protect business information IT organizations are required to implement a structured support system with varied support levels, while enabling users to adopt the device they deem most appropriate. According to Gartner, the only way that IT staff can maintain control is by separating mobile computing devices into three distinct device classes: trusted standard devices provided by the company, tolerated devices and non-supported devices.

"This is just the start for MDM. More data is being put on mobile devices, and enterprises are fast developing their own applications to support their mobile users. As mobile devices continue to displace traditional PCs, enterprises will look to their existing MDM systems to support more devices and enterprise applications and data," said Redman.

To address the new demand arising from BYOD, MDM vendors are moving beyond security, to support enterprise and third-party applications, data and content. In the next two years, MDM platforms will broaden out and become more enterprise mobile system management platforms, not just for devices alone, according to Redman.

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