Learn about the challenges mobile device management (MDM) faces in enterprise environments with thousands of devices – and how Cortado MDM solves them efficiently.
When a company isn’t just managing a few hundred but thousands or even tens of thousands of smartphones and tablets, mobile device management becomes a serious discipline. At this scale, it’s no longer just about “managing devices” – it’s about global compliance, seamless integration into complex IT landscapes, and uninterrupted operations.
Many MDM solutions hit their limits here because they’re not built for the scale and complexity of globally operating enterprises. Cortado MDM, on the other hand, was designed from the ground up to serve both ends of the spectrum: It’s simple enough to support fast, smooth rollouts, yet powerful and stable enough to run reliably in corporations managing 50,000+ devices.
Below, we take a look at the five biggest challenges enterprise MDM must overcome in global companies – and how Cortado clears the path.
1. Scalability Across Countries and Locations
Global organizations often need to manage tens of thousands of devices at once. Varying time zones, networks, and operating systems add complexity – especially when rollouts happen simultaneously across different regions. Without a scalable MDM structure, the process can quickly become chaotic and error-prone.
Key challenges:
- Different mobile networks and regulatory requirements
- A wide variety of device types and OS versions
- Rollouts that must not interrupt business operations
Cortado’s solution: Cortado MDM uses role-based admin controls, flexible user group management, zero-touch enrollment, and a cloud-native architecture to enable the parallel rollout of thousands of devices – centrally managed, fast, and adaptable to local needs.
2. Security & Compliance on a Global Scale
From the GDPR in the EU to HIPAA in the U.S., data protection and security standards vary worldwide and require country-specific compliance strategies.
This is especially true in BYOD and COPE scenarios, where company data must be protected without compromising the user experience. A lack of flexibility can lead to security gaps and financial penalties.
Key challenges:
- Varying legal requirements around the globe
- Integration with security infrastructure
- Protection of sensitive data on both personal and business devices
Cortado’s solution: Cortado MDM provides customizable policy templates, including GDPR compliance tools, end-to-end encryption, and robust remote wipe features for global data protection. As a German company, Cortado ensures top-level data security, with data hosted in a BSI C5-certified data center in Frankfurt am Main.
3. Integration with Complex IT Environments
Large enterprises run a wide range of systems – from identity management to ERP to helpdesk tools. An MDM solution needs to integrate seamlessly to streamline operations rather than slow them down. Without this integration, duplicated tasks and increased admin effort are common.
Key challenges:
- Compatibility with identity management systems like Microsoft Entra
- Automating user and device provisioning
- Cross-platform management
Cortado’s solution: Cortado MDM syncs user and device structures directly with Microsoft Entra to centrally manage provisioning, authentication, and roles. Open APIs allow easy integration with ERP, helpdesk, and asset management systems – enabling smooth workflows and reducing manual effort.
4. Performance & Uptime
In an enterprise environment, MDM downtime can have serious consequences – from disrupted workflows to security vulnerabilities. Especially in globally distributed IT environments, robust systems with high availability and constant monitoring are critical.
Key challenges:
- Ensuring high availability worldwide
- Disruption-free updates
- Real-time monitoring and reporting
Cortado’s solution: Cortado MDM is built on a cloud-native architecture with redundant data centers and offers an SLA-backed availability of over 99.9%. This ensures that your devices remain accessible at all times and updates can be applied without interruption.
5. Cost Control & ROI
As the number of devices grows, so do licensing and operational costs – often outpacing available budgets. Efficient management and flexible licensing models are essential to maintaining a healthy ROI.
Key challenges:
- Licensing models that don’t scale cost-effectively
- High administrative overhead
- Unclear total cost of ownership (TCO)
Cortado’s solution: With flexible licensing, automated processes, and self-service tools, Cortado MDM helps lower ongoing costs while improving ROI.
6. Personalized Support for Planning, Setup & Operation
In large enterprise settings, the success of an MDM project depends not just on technology, but also on proper implementation. Without experienced support, rollouts can stall, and valuable time may be lost. Expert guidance ensures that planning, deployment, and ongoing operations run smoothly.
Key challenges:
- Lack of internal experience with large-scale MDM rollouts
- High coordination efforts between IT and business units
- Complex rollout and migration scenarios
Cortado’s solution: Cortado assigns dedicated contacts to guide your organization from the planning stage through setup and into day-to-day operations – including tailored consulting and best practice guidance.
Conclusion: Manage Complex Device Fleets Simply, Securely & Cost-Efficiently
Enterprise MDM isn’t about accepting complexity – it’s about mastering it. The biggest challenges lie in scalability, security, system integration, performance, cost control, and proper implementation support. Companies that fail to address these areas risk inefficiencies, security gaps, and rising costs.
With Cortado MDM, organizations can manage global device fleets centrally, meet strict security and compliance requirements, and reduce both costs and administrative workload. And it’s not just the technology that stands out – Cortado also provides expert, hands-on support, from strategy and implementation to smooth, reliable operations.
Implementing and Managing MDM in Enterprise Environments
Do you want to know how to successfully plan, implement, and operate an MDM project in an enterprise environment? Download our practical guide and get valuable tips, best practices, and checklists – directly from the real-world experience of large organizations.