What is Mobile Device Management (MDM)?
Mobile device management (MDM) is a security and administration technology that allows businesses to monitor, manage, and secure mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. An MDM solution gives your IT team a centralised portal to control every device that accesses your company data — whether employees are in the office, working from home, or on the road.
MDM is not just about security. It is a complete device management strategy that covers everything from initial setup and app deployment to ongoing monitoring, compliance enforcement, and end-of-life device handling. For businesses with even a handful of mobile devices, MDM transforms what could be a significant security risk into a streamlined operational advantage.
Why do businesses need mobile device management?
With the rise of remote working and bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies, the number of mobile endpoints accessing business data has grown enormously. Without proper device management, businesses face:
- Data breaches from lost or stolen devices
- Inconsistent security policies across different devices and platforms
- Difficulty deploying software updates and patches
- No visibility into which devices are accessing company systems
- Spiralling mobile costs from unmanaged data usage
MDM solves all of these problems from a single management console.
What is mobile device management?
MDM is a powerful solution for monitoring, managing, and securing mobile devices used for business. It ensures that company devices are secure, up to date, and compliant with business policies. With MDM, businesses can:
- Deploy and update apps and software remotely
- Enforce security policies and compliance standards
- Remotely lock or wipe lost or stolen devices
- Monitor device status and usage
- Control which devices access the network
- Manage spend caps and dat
- a usage
For businesses with teams on the move, MDM transforms device management from a security risk into a strategic advantage.
The key benefits of MDM
Enhanced security – Protecting business data is crucial. MDM helps enforce strict security policies by:
- Requiring passwords and encryption for device access
- Allowing remote locking or wiping of lost/stolen devices
- Creating secure containers for business applications and data
- Restricting app installations to prevent malware risks
- Preventing data leakage between apps
Simplified management – Managing multiple devices manually can be a headache. MDM streamlines this process by:
- Enabling app and update deployments from one central portal
- Automating routine maintenance tasks
- Configuring devices remotely
- Applying policies to groups of devices simultaneously
- Reducing IT support workload
Improved compliance – Industries with strict data protection regulations benefit from MDM’s compliance features:
- Enforcing GDPR and industry-specific security standards
- Creating audit trails for device access
- Implementing consistent security policies across all devices
- Providing documentation for regulatory bodies
- Demonstrating due diligence in protecting customer and business data
Cost control – MDM also helps businesses optimise costs by:
- Monitoring and managing data usage to avoid overages
- Setting spend caps to prevent unexpected bills
- Identifying and deactivating unused devices
- Optimising mobile plans based on actual usage
- Reducing IT support and management expenses
Connection Technologies approach
We take a structured approach to MDM implementation to ensure seamless integration into your business:
1. Assessment – Understanding your current device landscape and identifying security gaps.
2. Solution design – Creating a tailored MDM solution that fits your business requirements.
3. Implementation – Setting up the MDM portal, security policies, and integrations.
4. Enrolment – Ensuring a smooth enrolment process with minimal disruption.
5. Training – Educating IT administrators to manage the system effectively.
6. Ongoing support – Providing continuous support from our UK-based team.
Ready to take control of your mobile devices?
Our MDM experts are ready to discuss your specific requirements and recommend the right solution for your business – call us on 0333 015 2615.
MDM for cell phones: How it works on mobile
When we talk about MDM for cell phones specifically, the technology works by installing a lightweight management profile on each device. This profile allows administrators to:
- Push apps and configuration settings to phones remotely
- Enforce PIN codes, biometric authentication, and encryption
- Separate business data from personal data on BYOD devices
- Track device location for asset management
- Remotely wipe business data if a device is compromised
The management profile runs silently in the background and does not affect the phone performance or user experience. Both Apple iOS and Android devices are fully supported by modern MDM platforms.
Comparing MDM solutions for business
There are several MDM platforms available, each with different strengths:
Microsoft Intune — Best for businesses already using Microsoft 365. Integrates natively with Azure Active Directory, Teams, and Outlook. Ideal for mixed device environments (Windows, iOS, Android).
VMware Workspace ONE — Enterprise-grade solution with advanced automation. Excellent for large organisations with complex device policies and multiple operating systems.
Jamf — The leading Apple-focused MDM. If your business runs predominantly on iPhones, iPads, and Macs, Jamf offers the deepest Apple integration available.
SOTI MobiControl — Strong choice for rugged device management. Popular in logistics, warehousing, and field service industries where devices face harsh conditions.
At Connection Technologies, we are platform-agnostic and will recommend the right MDM solution based on your specific business requirements, device mix, and budget.
MDM and GDPR compliance
For UK businesses, GDPR compliance is a legal requirement. Mobile device management plays a critical role in meeting GDPR obligations by:
- Ensuring personal and business data are separated on employee devices
- Providing the ability to remotely delete business data when an employee leaves
- Creating audit logs showing who accessed what data and when
- Enforcing encryption on all devices that process personal data
- Enabling rapid response to data breaches through remote lock and wipe
How much does MDM cost?
MDM pricing varies depending on the platform, number of devices, and feature requirements. Typical costs range from £2-£10 per device per month. Many businesses find that MDM pays for itself through:
- Reduced IT support time (remote troubleshooting vs physical visits)
- Fewer security incidents and data breach costs
- Better control of mobile spending through usage monitoring
- Extended device lifecycles through proper management
Frequently asked questions about MDM
Can MDM see personal data on my phone?
No. Modern MDM solutions use containerisation to separate business and personal data. Your employer can manage business apps and data but cannot access personal photos, messages, or browsing history.
Does MDM slow down my phone?
No. The MDM management profile is lightweight and runs in the background. Users typically notice no difference in device performance.
How quickly can MDM be implemented?
Basic MDM deployment can be completed in as little as one to two weeks. More complex enterprise rollouts with custom policies may take four to six weeks. Connection Technologies handles the entire process from assessment through to go-live.
Can MDM manage both company-owned and personal devices?
Yes. MDM supports both corporate-owned devices (where the business has full control) and BYOD devices (where only the business container is managed, leaving personal data untouched).
Get started with mobile device management
For answers to common questions, see our mobile device management FAQ.
Ready to take control of your business mobile devices? Our MDM experts will assess your needs, recommend the right platform, and handle the entire implementation. Get a free quote or call us on 0333 015 2615.