Mobility Basics Part II: What exactly is… Mobile Application Management (MAM)?


In the first part of our series “Mobility Basics” we explained what MDM is. Today we’re talking about Mobile Application Management (MAM).

What is Mobile Application Management
With MAM, organizations can ensure that corporate security policies and the security of corporate data are met when accessing via apps.

What is Mobile Application Management (MAM)?

In his article on brianmadden.com Jack Madden answers this question in detail. In comparison to MDM solutions, Mobile Application Management (MAM) does not concentrate on mobile devices, but rather with the applications running on them. With MAM, organizations can ensure that corporate security policies and the security of corporate data are met when accessing via apps. For example, companies can specify which apps can access corporate data, enforce encryption, and that apps use a password. In addition, apps that employees need for their work can be pushed centrally and wirelessly to all devices. This includes self-built apps or apps downloaded from app stores. If required, apps can be easily deleted remotely.

Why is Mobile Application Management useful?

Imagine employees accessing and forwarding sensitive company data with WhatsApp. If just the thought of this causes beads of sweat to form on your forehead then you’ve realized why Mobile Application Management is so important.

Only with MAM solutions can you ensure that company data does not end up in consumer apps or potentially unsafe apps.

All apps that are allowed to be used for work and have access to company data can be grouped together in a protected area, called a container. Not only the access to the container itself can be controlled, but certain functions such as copying, pasting or screenshots can also be blocked. Unwanted apps can be completely excluded from this business container.

The operating system manufacturers have also recognized the importance of MAM and have already integrated basic MAM functions into their operating systems. Android offers the Work Profiles for this, Samsung provides these functions via Knox and since version 7, iOS also enables the separation of business and private data with a number of useful tools such as managed apps. All these integrated MAM functions can then be used with the corresponding third-party solution.

Is every MAM system the same?

Mobile Application Management can generally be divided into native and app-based management. However, the app-based approach of equipping certain apps with MAM functions has hardly proven itself in practice. Via the process of app wrapping or with SDKs, traditional apps are provided with MAM functions in a time-consuming manner which also limits the number of applications that employees can use.

This is one of the reasons why the native MAM approach, which Cortado also supported from the very beginning, has prevailed. A native MAM solution uses the specific functions of the operating system. The big advantage: Employees can use any app from the App Store.

Who needs Mobile Application Management?

Every company that uses mobile devices is well advised to use a MAM solution, especially if employees are to work productively with their devices.

MAM is particularly relevant for devices that are also used privately by employees and on which private apps also run. MAM is the only way to ensure that company data remains strictly separated from private data. This is certainly also in the interest of the employees.

MAM is also worthwhile for companies that already have an MDM. Most MDM solutions, such as the Cortado MDM, have already integrated MAM functions to enable unrestricted mobile working.