Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 Frequently Asked Questions

Enabled by Windows Mobile 6.1, Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 is a comprehensive management solution that enables efficient control of Windows Mobile 6.1 devices by providing reliable, low-cost, and consistent manageability, easy integration with your existing Microsoft infrastructure, and a secure access to the corporate network. The Mobile Device Manager solution helps make Windows Mobile 6.1 devices "first-class citizens" in the IT infrastructure by helping organizations address evolving needs around security and management while connecting end users to the information they need, where and when they need it. Mobile Device Manager delivers on three core areas—security management, device management, and security–enhanced access.

No. There are no dependencies between Mobile Device Manager and Exchange Server. Organizations may choose to deploy either, or both of these solutions.

System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 follows licensing rules described in Server/Client Access License (CAL) section in Microsoft Licensing Product Use Rights. Mobile Device Manager requires a server license for the management server and a CAL for each applicable managed user or device.

No. System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 works only with Windows Mobile 6.1 devices.

All Windows Mobile devices running Windows Mobile 6.1 will work with System Center Mobile Device Manager. Certain Windows Mobile devices currently available will be upgradable to work with System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008. Please visit the Windows Mobile Web site to view the most recent list of upgradable Windows Mobile devices.

Minimum deployments of System Center Mobile Device Manager require 2 servers, one in the DMZ, and a second in the corporate intranet (fully integrated deployment). The server in the DMZ is the gateway server; the server in the corporate intranet would include the device management server, the enrollment server, and the Microsoft SQL Server database. Typical deployments would be of 4 servers, with each of the servers in the corporate intranet on a separate server box.

No, there are no dependencies with Exchange server.

System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008, enabled by Windows Mobile 6.1, is designed to be scalable and cost-effective for enterprises to deploy. Below are the typical target device capabilities for a distributed topology:

For a fully integrated deployment (DM, DB, and EN— all in on one system), System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 is designed to support a maximum of 2500 users.

System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 enables Windows Mobile 6.1 devices to be listed and managed through Active Directory, just like an organization’s Windows-based desktop and laptops.

System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 supports over 125 policies and settings out of the box (with the flexibility for organizations to create their own additional policies). Some of the policy enforcements included in System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008, include:

In addition to the 125+ policies and settings provided out of the box with System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008, organizations can create additional policies for their specific needs. Organizations can use Active Directory Management (ADM) templates to create these policies as necessary.

The remote wipe service provides the ability for an IT professional to immediately wipe data from a Windows Mobile 6.1 device. Because of the Mobile Device Manager's "always on" connection (when connected to a carrier's wireless network or a Wi-Fi connection), when the "wipe now" command is issued, the device is wiped immediately, and does not have to wait for synchronization with a server.

System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 is designed to make it easy for IT administrators to deploy and manage Windows Mobile devices across their organization. The user opens the Domain Enroll application on their Windows Mobile 6.1 device and enters their e-mail address and a one-time PIN provided to them by their IT administrator. The device will then automatically enroll and be provisioned to work with the System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 solution.

System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 distributes software to Windows Mobile 6.1 devices over-the-air through Windows Software Update Service (WSUS) 3.0. Mobile Device Manager works with WSUS to check for and push application packages to managed devices.

System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 offers rich inventory and reporting of Windows Mobile 6.1 devices through a SQL Server 2005 database. This infrastructure is designed to provide IT professionals with vital information about the specific Windows Mobile 6.1 devices in the organization, with specific information, such as:

System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 provides a single point for security–enhanced, behind-the-firewall access to corporate data and LOB applications for Windows Mobile 6.1 devices through a cutting-edge mobile VPN optimized for the mobile environment.