Controlling mobile devices

Companies generally have systems and procedures for management and control of their IT infrastructure (servers, PCs / laptops). Mobile devices however, normally live their own lives, controlled by the individual user.

Advanced mobile phones (smartphones) are actually small computers which can be used to run the same applications and services that run on PCs (eg. email, Office, Internet and other applications). Thus, the need is actually more important for management and control of mobile devices, since the devices are most often located outside the corporate area.

Very few companies have developed a policy on the mobile device area. Companies should, in my opinion, draw up a policy for mobile use, including as a minimum:

• A list of approved mobile devices that fits the company's needs
• Standardized configurations for the company's mobile devices
• A list of applications and services that the employees should have on their mobile devices
• A list of applications and services that the employees should not have on their mobile devices
• Security Policy (Password protection, encryption, anti-virus , ...)

By introducing systems and procedures for management and control of the company's mobile devices, companies can achieve significant efficiency of the business, generate new opportunities for the employees on the move, and also establish a higher security level.

By setting up all the phones OTA (Over The Air), the employees have access to the applications and services they need in their mobile workday, and can thus work more efficiently on the move.

There are some products in the marketplace today, giving the corporate IT administrator the power to set up and manage / control the employees' mobile devices over the air. Most products in this area must unfortunately be installed on the company's own server, but there are a few products and services that can be purchased as a Hosted Service (service on the Internet).

The trend is clearly moving towards the fact that most companies want to buy as few software products as possible (to be installed on-premises), but rather rent the software needed as a service they subscribe to. This is called Software as a Service (SaaS).

Mozo Professional from SmartPhones is an example of a mobile device management (MDM) service sold as SaaS.

In addition to configuring the mobile devices, downloading the relevant applications and eventually operating the devices remote, the IT administrator can through a web interface lock and delete all content on the mobile device if it is lost or stolen.

There are also products and services in the marketplace allowing the users themselves to lock or delete all content on their own mobile device through a web interface. This can be effective, because the employees then don't need to contact the IT administrator. Anyway, not all companies have IT administrator function available 24 / 7. Mozo Security from SmartPhones is an example of such a service.

Backup of mobile content is becoming more and more important, as the mobile devices are more heavily loaded with data. The need for mobile backup is relevant both when the user wants to replace his device with another device, and also before deleting content if the mobile phone is lost or stolen! There are products and services in the market today that allow you to back up your mobile content, eg. documents,  photos, music, videos, SMS, MMS, bookmarks, installed applications, etc. Some backup services allow you to set up automated backup in addition to ad hoc backup. Mozo Backup from SmartPhones is an example of such a service.

The mobile way of work can change your business forever!

A general recommendation to enterprises:

1. Be more efficient! Mobilize your workforce with smartphones and business applications!
2. Develop your corporate Mobile Device policy!
3. Implement an efficient Mobile Device Management tool (Saas) in your company!