Gartner Recommends Three Device Classes For MDM Technologies

By 2015, 65 percent of enterprises will have a mobile device management strategy. About 90 percent of enterprises are deploying smartphones and tablets. This large increase in the use of mobile devices by enterprises is creating IT system challenges. In a separate Gartner study, for example, devising Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies is cited as a major concern of enterprises. To manage the increase in the use of mobile devices by enterprises, Gartner is recommending the adoption of three device classifications.

Cloud computing will be a growing driver of mobile technology integration as it opens up more practical applications for smartphones and tablets. “MDM vendors are moving beyond security, to support enterprise and third-party applications, data and content. In the next two years, we will continue to see MDM platforms broaden out and become more enterprise mobile system management platforms, not just for devices alone,” says Phil Redman, research vice president of Gartner. Furthermore, cloud computing will make it easier for mobile device users to use data in  more places, creating more systems integration challenges for IT. Managing these data flows will increasingly be done over two even three operating systems.

Three Device Classes: "Trusted," "Tolerated," and "Non-Supported"
To help IT managers manage a more populated and complex mobile operating environment, Gartner recommends separating mobile computing devices into three separate device classes – trusted company devices, tolerated devices and non-supported devices. IT can easily see the class of devices accessing the system. Trusted devices are those authorized for use throughout the company. Tolerated devices can be enabled inside the enterprise. Non-supported devices are not allowed by the enterprise.

Such a classification also serves to educate mobile users on which devices are allowed within the enterprise. Users are still provided flexibility within the three device class system. A list of preferred devices can be supplied to users together with a budget. Users have flexibility to choose a device that meets their requirements and preferred options within the budget.

The device classification system can streamline and cut down on maintenance and costs associated with device management. In its role as "trusted advisor," the channel can encourage the rollout of preferred technologies and simplify administration. A preferred device system also makes it easier for IT to develop proprietary applications, increasing the usefulness and functionality of mobile technology. “As mobile devices continue to displace traditional PCs, enterprises will look to their existing MDM systems to support more devices and enterprise application systems and data,” says Redman. The device classification system not only allows for improved security but also increases the productivity of mobile employees. (CL) Link (http://channelnomics.com/2012/10/25/gartner-offers-3-part-mdm-strategy/).