What is Mobile Device Management (MDM)? A Guide for Small Business

If you have employees using mobile devices for work, you've probably heard about MDM. But what is it, really? And does your business actually need it?

What is MDM?

Mobile Device Management (MDM) is software that lets you remotely manage, secure, and monitor mobile devices used for work — smartphones, tablets, and sometimes laptops.

Think of it as a control panel for all your company's mobile devices.

What Can MDM Do?

Security

• Enforce password/PIN requirements
• Require encryption
• Remote lock if device is lost
• Remote wipe to erase company data
• Block unsafe apps or websites

Configuration

• Push apps to devices automatically
• Configure email, WiFi, VPN settings
• Set up devices without touching them (zero-touch enrollment)
• Create profiles for different user types

Monitoring

• See device inventory (who has what)
• Track device location (if enabled)
• Monitor compliance (is encryption on? password set?)
• View app usage

Management

• Push updates
• Restrict features (camera, app store, etc.)
• Separate work and personal data (containers)
• Manage device lifecycle

Do You Need MDM?

MDM makes sense if:

• You have 10+ devices to manage
• Devices contain sensitive company data
• You need to deploy apps to many devices
• Employees might lose devices with company data
• You have compliance requirements (HIPAA, etc.)
• You use BYOD and need to separate work/personal

You might not need it if:

• You have just a few devices
• Devices don't access sensitive data
• You can manually set up each device

Popular MDM Solutions

For Small Business

• Microsoft Intune — Good if you're already in Microsoft 365
• Jamf — Best for Apple devices
• Google Endpoint Management — Included with Google Workspace

For Enterprise

• VMware Workspace ONE
• SOTI MobiControl
• Hexnode

For Rugged/Field Devices

• Zebra DNA (for Zebra devices)
• Samsung Knox (for Samsung devices)

What Does MDM Cost?

Typical pricing:

• Basic: $2-5/device/month
• Standard: $5-10/device/month
• Enterprise: $10-15+/device/month

Some are included with existing subscriptions (Intune with Microsoft 365 E3+, Google Endpoint with Workspace).

MDM Best Practices

1. Start with security basics: Passwords, encryption, remote wipe capability
2. Don't over-restrict: Too many restrictions = frustrated employees who find workarounds
3. Communicate clearly: Tell employees what you're monitoring and why
4. Plan for lost devices: Know the process before it happens
5. Test before rolling out: Pilot with a small group first

MDM and Privacy

Employees often worry: "Can my company see everything on my phone?"

With company-owned devices, yes — they can see and control most things.

With BYOD, it depends on the MDM setup. Modern solutions can create a "container" that separates work data from personal. The company manages the container; personal stuff stays private.

Either way, be transparent about what you can and can't see.

Getting Started

If you're new to MDM:

1. Inventory your current devices
2. Define what you need (security, app deployment, etc.)
3. Check if you already have MDM (Microsoft 365, Google Workspace)
4. If not, evaluate 2-3 options with free trials
5. Start with basic policies and expand from there