Table of Contents
What is MAM?
Definition:
Mobile Application Management (MAM) solutions are software tools and strategies that enable organizations to manage and secure mobile applications deployed on employee-owned or corporate-owned devices. MAM solutions provide features such as app distribution, app updates, user authentication, policy enforcement, and data encryption.
Furthermore, MAM solutions help ensure that the apps used on these devices are secure, up to date, and comply with organizational policies and regulations. At present, MAM solutions have become essential for organizations to protect their data and maintain control over their mobile app ecosystem.
Essential features of MAM solutions
App distribution and management
The solutions allow administrators to control the distribution of mobile applications to employees’ devices, as well as manage the lifecycle of the applications. This includes managing app updates, controlling who has access to which apps, and tracking app usage.
App distribution and management
The solutions allow administrators to control the distribution of mobile applications to employees’ devices, as well as manage the lifecycle of the applications. This includes managing app updates, controlling who has access to which apps, and tracking app usage.
Security
MAM solutions are known to provide a range of security features to ensure that applications and data are secure. These include encryption, data loss prevention, authentication, application blacklisting/whitelisting, and device management. Furthermore, they also often allow for the enforcement of security policies, such as requiring strong passwords or limiting access to certain types of data.
Security
MAM solutions are known to provide a range of security features to ensure that applications and data are secure. These include encryption, data loss prevention, authentication, application blacklisting/whitelisting, and device management. Furthermore, they also often allow for the enforcement of security policies, such as requiring strong passwords or limiting access to certain types of data.
Remote wiping
An MAM solution enables IT adminis to remotely wipe or lock a device if it is lost or stolen. This helps to ensure that sensitive enterprise data does not fall into the wrong hands.
Remote wiping
An MAM solution enables IT adminis to remotely wipe or lock a device if it is lost or stolen. This helps to ensure that sensitive enterprise data does not fall into the wrong hands.
Containerization
MAM solutions use containerization to create a separate, secure environment for enterprise applications and data on the mobile device. This allows for greater security and control over enterprise data, while also maintaining the privacy of personal data on the device.
Containerization
MAM solutions use containerization to create a separate, secure environment for enterprise applications and data on the mobile device. This allows for greater security and control over enterprise data, while also maintaining the privacy of personal data on the device.
Compliance and reporting
The solutions provide compliance and reporting features to ensure that enterprise applications and data are following regulatory requirements. This includes features such as auditing, logging, and reporting on app usage and security measures.
Compliance and reporting
The solutions provide compliance and reporting features to ensure that enterprise applications and data are following regulatory requirements. This includes features such as auditing, logging, and reporting on app usage and security measures.
User and group management
User and group management
Application wrapping
Application wrapping allows developers to protect their applications by implementing security controls without altering the app’s appearance or overall functionality. This approach helps organizations maintain compliance with various security regulations by securing the data held within such applications. The process of app wrapping can be achieved with a software development kit (SDK) or through an enterprise mobility management (EMM) provider that provides an application programming interface (API) for activating management policies.
Application wrapping
Application wrapping allows developers to protect their applications by implementing security controls without altering the app’s appearance or overall functionality. This approach helps organizations maintain compliance with various security regulations by securing the data held within such applications. The process of app wrapping can be achieved with a software development kit (SDK) or through an enterprise mobility management (EMM) provider that provides an application programming interface (API) for activating management policies.
App Tunnelling
It enables IT admins to maintain a secure access to corporate resources from the applications. This feature uses a secure VPN connection to encrypt data in transit and helps prevent data leaks from mobile apps.
App Tunnelling
It enables IT admins to maintain a secure access to corporate resources from the applications. This feature uses a secure VPN connection to encrypt data in transit and helps prevent data leaks from mobile apps.
App maintenance
MAM solutions provide features for app maintenance such as app license revoking, app uninstallation or retirement, and app update/downgrade. This allows for greater control over the apps that are installed on employee devices, as well as ensuring that they are kept up to date with security patches and bug fixes.
App maintenance
MAM solutions provide features for app maintenance such as app license revoking, app uninstallation or retirement, and app update/downgrade. This allows for greater control over the apps that are installed on employee devices, as well as ensuring that they are kept up to date with security patches and bug fixes.
App lockdown or Kiosk mode
MAM solutions feature kiosk mode, which enables locking down devices to run only one application or a small set of applications. This feature proves useful in various scenarios such as retail environments where mobile devices serve as point-of-sale terminals or education settings where tablets are utilized for testing purposes. Additionally, kiosk mode helps to ensure that the device is being used only for its intended purpose, and that users cannot access other apps or data on the device.
App lockdown or Kiosk mode
MAM solutions feature kiosk mode, which enables locking down devices to run only one application or a small set of applications. This feature proves useful in various scenarios such as retail environments where mobile devices serve as point-of-sale terminals or education settings where tablets are utilized for testing purposes. Additionally, kiosk mode helps to ensure that the device is being used only for its intended purpose, and that users cannot access other apps or data on the device.
How are MAM solutions helpful?
Simplify management
MAM solutions can help businesses manage their mobile applications more effectively. This includes features like app deployment, app updates, and monitoring app usage. MAM solutions can be used to manage app distribution, updates, security policies, and access control. It allows for separation of business and personal data on the same device.
Improved security
MAM solutions help to control and protect company data on employee-owned and company-owned mobile devices. Furthermore, they can help businesses to secure their mobile applications by providing tools to enforce security policies, such as data encryption, app access control, and remote wiping.
Increased productivity
MAM solutions increase productivity by giving employees access to the apps they need to do their job from any device, anywhere.
Cost-effective
MAM solutions can be cost-effective as they allow businesses to manage and secure applications without having to purchase and manage additional hardware.
Compliance with regulations
MAM can help organizations comply with regulatory requirements related to data privacy and security and reduce the risk of data breaches and improve overall security for mobile devices and applications.
The top 10 MAM solutions
1. Hexnode
Hexnode UEM, a Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) solution, offers the features that powerful MAM solution should have, thus enabling organizations to secure and manage mobile apps across their workforce. With Hexnode MAM, IT administrators can deploy, configure, and monitor mobile apps on employee devices, ensuring data privacy and security. Hexnode MAM supports app distribution methods for a variety of apps/app versions, including public app store apps, enterprise apps, and in-house developed apps. In short, Hexnode MAM simplifies the management of applications and guarantees adherence to company policies, making it a crucial tool for contemporary workplaces.
Key MAM features
- Allows you to seamlessly onboard, deploy, update, and retire applications from managed devices.
- Easily configure app restrictions, settings, and permissions, allowing you to control app usage on your devices.
- Lets you block specific applications from being installed by end-users.
- Create self-service app libraries (or app catalogs) that end-users can access and install approved applications.
- Provides app containerization, ensuring that personal and work apps are kept separate and secure.
- Configure specific VPN policies for individual applications (Per-app VPN), ensuring secure access to enterprise resources.
- Enables you to remotely wipe application data from managed devices in the event of a security breach or loss of a device.
- Allows you to limit the amount of data that applications can use, helping to prevent excessive data usage and potential overage charges.
- Lets you lock devices down to specific applications, ensuring that they can only be used for their intended purposes.
- Furthermore, Hexnode MAM provides remote monitoring capabilities and troubleshooting tools, as well as detailed reporting on application usage and performance.
Benefits:
- Supports a variety of app types, including web apps and internally-developed apps.
- Offers a simple and intuitive user interface with remote support and troubleshooting tools.
- Smooth console with an intuitive and easy to navigate interface.
Featured resource
Hexnode App Management solution
Learn how Hexnode’s App Management solution helps businesses ensure seamless deployment, configuration, regulation, monitoring, and supervision of enterprise apps and software on end-user devices.
Download the datasheet2. Workspace One
Workspace ONE Mobile Application Management (MAM), by VMWare is a comprehensive solution for managing mobile applications across multiple platforms. It enables organizations to secure their sensitive data by controlling the distribution and access to mobile apps while ensuring user privacy. Workspace ONE MAM offers a centralized management console that allows administrators to manage mobile applications seamlessly. Furthermore, it provides granular control over app usage and access, including the ability to block copy-paste and data sharing.
Key features
- Adds management and security policies to existing mobile apps with an SDK and distributes them through the Workspace ONE app catalog.
- Establishes a secure connection between managed mobile apps and enterprise resources with Per-App VPN
- Includes mobile productivity apps with built-in security features like data encryption, remote wipe, and integration with Workspace ONE UEM.
- Integrates with other VMWare products for a comprehensive solution for enterprise mobility management from a single console.
Benefits:
- Provides a single platform for managing both mobile and desktop devices.
- Capable of providing secure access to corporate resources from any device, location, or network.
- Efficient in device enrollment and application delivery, saving time and resources.
- Offers flexibility and customization options for tailored solutions.
3. Jamf Pro
Jamf MAM is a software solution that helps organizations manage and secure mobile applications on employee-owned or company-owned mobile devices. It allows for the distribution of mobile apps, enforcing security policies, managing app access and configurations, and ensuring data privacy and security. Jamf MAM integrates with Jamf Pro to provide a comprehensive management platform for mobile devices, applications, and content. Overall, it enables organizations to securely deploy and manage mobile apps to their employees.
Key features
- Jamf Pro allows app distribution through an app catalog or VPP, enabling over-the-air app deployment to users’ devices.
- It lets admins configure and customize apps to meet specific organizational needs, ensuring consistency and ease of use.
- Jamf Pro’s MAM allows administrators to whitelist or blacklist apps, controlling which apps can be installed on users’ devices, and ensuring compliance with organization policies.
- Provides insights into app usage and adoption, including how often an app is used, and by whom.
- It automates app updates, ensuring that devices are always up to date with the latest features and security patches.
- Furthermore, it enables administrators to remove apps from users’ devices quickly and easily, ensuring that apps are no longer accessible, and freeing up storage space on the device.
Benefits:
- Designed specifically for managing Apple devices, with a range of features tailored to macOS and iOS.
- Provides detailed reporting and analytics.
- Robust security features.
- Good technical support.
4. Microsoft Intune
Microsoft Intune’s Mobile Application Management (MAM) offers IT administrators a solution to manage and protect their organization’s mobile apps. Intune MAM allows administrators to manage apps on both company-owned and personal devices while ensuring network and data security. Intune MAM is compatible with a wide range of device platforms and app types, including productivity apps such as Microsoft Office. With the ability to manage apps using MAM on devices enrolled with Intune MDM and unenrolled devices, Intune provides a flexible solution for mobile app management.
Key features
- Intune MAM enables administrators to set policies to protect company data in apps, such as requiring PINs or encryption.
- It provides insights into how apps are being used, including which features are used most frequently, and by whom.
- Furthermore, Intune MAM allows administrators to configure app settings, such as restricting copy and paste, and preventing data leakage.
- Enables administrators to selectively wipe corporate data from managed apps on a user’s device, without wiping their personal data.
- Allows administrators to remotely install and uninstall managed apps on users’ devices, ensuring that they have access to the right apps when they need them.
Benefits:
- Intuitive interface and easy to use.
- Allows for remote management of devices and applications.
- Integrates well with other Microsoft products.
- Provides strong security features and compliance controls.
5. Citrix Endpoint Management
Citrix’s MAM solution is a comprehensive solution that provides secure and efficient management of mobile applications. It enables businesses to control and secure applications that are used on employees’ mobile devices, without managing the devices themselves. Furthermore, Citrix MAM solution can be integrated with other Citrix products such as Citrix ADC (Application Delivery Controller) and Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops to provide a comprehensive application delivery and security solution.
Key features
- Mobile Application Management (MAM) SDK for secure app development and deployment.
- Secure app delivery and management through Citrix App Delivery and Security solutions.
- Secure remote access to apps and desktops with Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops.
- Advanced load balancing, security, and traffic management with Citrix ADC.
- Simplified desktop and app management with Citrix Managed Desktops.
- High performance app delivery with Citrix Intelligent Traffic Management.
- Advanced analytics and monitoring with Citrix Analytics.
Benefits:
- Provides a set of development tools for building Windows mobile apps.
- Offers good documentation and support resources.
- Includes features like offline sync and push notifications.
- Provides a centralized console for managing and monitoring Citrix application delivery infrastructure.
- Offers good visibility into network and application performance.
6. IBM MaaS 360
IBM MaaS360 MAM (Mobile Application Management) solution is designed to help businesses manage their mobile applications securely and efficiently. With IBM MaaS360 MAM, businesses can distribute, manage, and secure their mobile applications, ensuring that sensitive data remains secure, and access is restricted only to authorized users. IBM MaaS360 MAM can be integrated with other IBM products, including IBM Endpoint Manager and IBM Security Access Manager, to provide a comprehensive endpoint management and security solution.
Key features
- Support for bulk app licenses, enabling efficient management for employee devices
- Global app distribution network hosting, ensuring optimal app distribution
- Built-in security management, provided as an optional add-on with mobile application container
- Simple app wrapper or SDK for easy security add-on to MaaS360 Mobile Application Management
- App-level tunnelling for secure access to corporate data, without requiring a device VPN.
Benefits:
- Comprehensive set of features for mobile device management and security, including app management, data protection, and threat detection.
- Integration with Watson AI for advanced threat analysis and remediation.
- Scalable and customizable platform that can be tailored to meet the needs of any organization.
- Good customer support and user-friendly interface.
7. SOTI MobiControl
SOTI MobiControl’s MAM solution equips administrators with an extensive range of resources to oversee mobile applications on managed devices. With features such as app bundles, catalog rules, and automatic app updates, administrators can easily deploy and configure applications according to their unique needs. Additionally, the solution offers policy management capabilities, enabling administrators to create app-specific policies based on user groups, device types, and other criteria.
With SOTI MobiControl’s MAM solution, administrators can efficiently manage app licenses, ensure compliance with corporate policies, and enhance productivity by ensuring that employees have access to the apps they need.
Key features
- Two ways of app distribution, one using application catalogue rules, and the other using packages.
- Viewing Applications Installed on a Device.
- Wiping Application Data.
- Retrieving App Feedback Logs from Managed Google Play Apps.
Benefits:
- Wide device support.
- Strong security features.
- User-friendly interface.
- Excellent customer support.
8. Ivanti
Ivanti MAM is designed to simplify mobile application management and provide a secure environment for employees to access the applications they need to be productive. With Ivanti MAM, businesses can gain greater control over mobile applications and reduce the risk of data breaches, all while empowering employees to work more efficiently and effectively. Ivanti MAM’s ability to provide granular policy controls over apps and data sets it apart, ensuring secure access to mobile applications and equipping IT teams with the tools to manage and monitor applications effectively.
Key features
- Ivanti’s MAM solution dynamically adjusts application security policies based on real-time threat intelligence.
- Futhermore, Ivanti MAM assigns a trust level score to each application based on factors like the publisher, code signing certificate, and digital signature to determine the level of trustworthiness.
- Allows administrators to create lists of approved (whitelisted) and unapproved (blacklisted) applications to control which apps can be installed or run on managed devices.
- Provides script control features to restrict the execution of scripts and macros on managed devices to prevent malware attacks and unauthorized changes.
- Ivanti MAM uses containerization to isolate applications from each other and the operating system, preventing sensitive data from being accessed or modified by other apps or processes.
Benefits:
- Comprehensive mobile device management and security features, including app management, content management, and identity management.
- Offers good security features, including encryption and remote wiping of data.
- Good integration with other Ivanti products, such as endpoint management and security solutions.
- Customizable and scalable platform that can be tailored to meet the needs of any organization.
9. Scalefusion
Scalefusion’s MAM solution is a key feature of its Mobile Device Management (MDM) platform. It enables IT teams to distribute, manage, and secure mobile apps on employee devices. Scalefusion’s MAM solution supports both company-owned and employee-owned devices across a range of platforms, including iOS, Android, and Windows. It integrates with third-party app stores and supports app wrapping for enhanced security. Users generally find the MAM solution easy to set up and use and appreciate the good customer support provided by Scalefusion.
Key features
- Scalefusion MAM lets admins restrict access to specific apps by creating a list of approved (whitelisted) or unapproved (blacklisted) applications.
- Enables administrators to configure app settings and updates from a central dashboard, ensuring that all devices have the latest app versions and configurations.
- With Scalefusion MAM, administrators can monitor app installations, view installation status, and schedule installations across managed devices.
- Provides detailed app analytics and usage data to help admins track usage trends, user behavior, and identify opportunities for optimization.
- Automates app distribution, enabling admins to deploy and manage apps remotely without requiring end-user involvement.
- Furthermore, admins can monitor and manage app data usage, allowing them to restrict data usage, set data usage alerts, and prevent bill shock.
Benefits:
- Easy to set up and use.
- Offers a wide range of device management features, including remote management, app management, and content management.
- Provides good customer support.
- Supports a variety of device types and platforms.
10. ManageEngine
ManageEngine’s Mobile Application Management (MAM) solution is a part of their broader Application Management suite. ManageEngine’s MAM solution provides a wide range of features for app management, including the ability to distribute apps to devices, monitor app usage, and update apps remotely. Furthermore, it also offers a range of reporting and analytics tools to help IT teams gain insights into app usage and performance.
In addition, it provides a dashboard that allows IT teams to view key metrics such as the number of devices and apps in use, as well as the number of app installations and updates. Also, the solution allows for customization of reports and alerts to meet specific business needs.
Key features
- Automatically identifies and maps application dependencies, ensuring that all required components are installed and up-to-date.
- Allows IT admins to remotely update, install, and uninstall applications on managed devices, including the ability to revoke app licenses.
- Furthermore, it provides real-time monitoring and reporting on app usage, including insights on data usage, app performance, and user feedback.
- Employs various encryption techniques to secure data on managed devices, with access controls to ensure only authorized users can access sensitive information.
- Also, it allows IT admins to remotely wipe corporate data from lost or stolen devices, ensuring that sensitive information is not compromised.
- Provides a comprehensive dashboard and analytics tools for IT admins to track device usage, app compliance, and security incidents.
Benefits:
- Easy to use.
- Good customer support.
- Affordable pricing.
- Provides integration with ManageEngine’s other products, such as ServiceDesk Plus.
- Offers detailed reporting and analytics.
Conclusion
MAM solutions are rapidly gaining popularity as businesses seek to optimize their mobile app usage. With MAM, businesses can deploy and manage apps across multiple devices, control access to sensitive data, and enhance app security through features such as app-level encryption and remote wipe capabilities. Whether you’re a small business owner or a large enterprise, a mobile application management solution can help you streamline your mobile app usage, improve security, and boost productivity.
Looking for an MAM solution?
Try out Hexnode UEM for your organization and enjoy all its MAM features to manage apps easily.
Sign up now
Share your thoughts