UEM vs. MDM: What's the Difference?

Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) and Mobile Device Management (MDM) share some similarities as device management solutions, but several key differences set them apart. Understanding these differences can help an organization select the most suitable technology for its needs.

What Is UEM?

Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) is a set of technologies that allows user devices and operating systems to be secured and managed on a single console. As well as mobile devices, a UEM solution can also manage PCs, IoT devices, wearable devices, and rugged devices. This makes it the perfect option for organizations that utilize various endpoints.

Incorporating MDM and Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) functions, UEM tools can effectively manage any platform in a secure environment. This level of capability and flexibility means UEM is an option for any business type.

What Is MDM?

Mobile Device Management (MDM) is a mobility management tool for smartphones and tablets, allowing organizations to deploy, manage, secure, and control mobile devices on their network.

Key Features of MDM

Device profiling
Location tracking
Policy configuration
Enrollment
Security management
Remote wipeout

With these features, organizations can control what applications and websites are accessed on a company-owned device based on the user’s needs. BYOD can also be managed by MDM for a more flexible solution, while these tools can also be deployed in a retail environment for mobile point-of-sale devices.

Another benefit of MDM is that the tool can quickly detect and resolve device malfunctions, security threats, and data risks, thus minimizing downtime and any impact on operations.

The Difference between UEM and MDM

MDM is focused only on mobile devices, from personally-owned smartphones to self-service kiosks and more. It is the perfect solution for businesses that only need to manage mobile devices but cannot do so manually.

It is often used by businesses that need to secure devices used by remote workers to prevent data breaches, cyber-attacks, and potential fraud. It can also be useful for individuals needing to secure their financial data. Mobile banking, for instance, has become an increasingly popular option for managing one’s finances but has also made people significantly more vulnerable to fraud.

Meanwhile, UEM can manage a wide range of devices with similar functionality to MDM. This makes it the best solution for organizations that need to manage various devices, mobile or otherwise.

What's Better: UEM or MDM?

Deciding whether UEM or MDM is the better management and security solution for an organization depends entirely on its user requirements, the types of endpoints deployed, and the use cases of the connected devices. For organizations that need to control and secure desktop PCs, laptops, or bespoke devices designed for off-premises use, UEM is the better option.

BlackBerry for UEM

BlackBerry^® UEM securely enables the Internet of Things with complete endpoint management and policy control for your diverse and growing fleet of devices and apps. With its single management console and trusted end-to-end security, BlackBerry UEM provides flexibility and security to keep your employees connected and protected so they can work from practically any device, anywhere.

LEARN MORE