The Mobile Device Investment

How do you secure information with the increase usage of mobile devices in business operations?

Enterprise mobility management (EMM) is the collective set of tools, technologies, processes, and policies used to manage and maintain the use of mobile devices within an organization. EMM is an evolving organizational trend that deals with the business as well as technological context of the increasing trend of mobile and handheld device usage in routine business operations. MDM software is often combined with additional security services and tools to create a complete mobile device and security EMM solution.

The rapid adoption of smartphones and tablets, along with increasing numbers of employees who are working from home or from other non-traditional locations, has placed mobility solutions near the top of many business’ priority lists.

A recent study by Gartner indicates that PC sales are in decline – the majority (87%) of devices shipping in 2015 will be mobile phones and tablets. As a result, 451 Research predicts that the $3.8 billion EMM (enterprise mobile management) market will double to $9.8 billion by 2018. SMBs have been adopting mobile solutions at a fast and furious pace. SMB Group research indicates that 67% of SMBs now view mobile solutions and services as “critical” to their businesses, and 83% have already deployed mobile apps to help improve employee productivity. Of these, 55% are using mobile apps for specific business functions, such as CRM or order entry, and 49% of SMBs are building mobile-friendly websites, and/or deploying mobile apps to engage and transact with customers.

EMM is clearly trending, and looks to continue to do so in the future. After looking at the risks of doing business without a proper MDM solution, it becomes obvious why this is happening. Without MDM, information on stolen or lost devices is not secure, which could allow it to easily fall into the wrong hands. Also, devices without MDM have an increased exposure to malware and viruses that could compromise confidential data. Additionally, once that confidential data is compromised, the easier it is for hackers to steal data and cause havoc – events that can permanently affect a company’s reputation with consumers and other business partners. According to Novell, a laptop or tablet is stolen every 53 seconds. With the cost to recover from a corporate data breach getting more expensive every year, businesses are seeing the value of a comprehensive EMM solution.