Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 Top Features Overview
Organizations are experiencing an increase in the number of employees utilizing mobile devices to get their work done while on the move. Managing an ever-expanding fleet of mobile devices and ensuring end-to-end data integrity at the same time is a difficult task for any organization. Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 is a flexible, end-to-end solution for single-point access of line-of-business (LOB) applications and corporate data on Windows Mobile 6.1 devices.* System Center Mobile Device Manager is designed for efficient control of Windows Mobile 6.1 devices offering reliable, low-cost, and consistent manageability that works well with your existing Microsoft infrastructure. Mobile Device Manager provides secure access to sensitive corporate data on Windows Mobile 6.1 devices in a seamless manner, resulting in a positive end-user experience. By using Mobile Device Manager, organizations are able to address evolving needs around security and management while providing end users with anytime, anywhere access to corporate data through Windows Mobile 6.1 devices. Mobile Device Manager addresses the needs of a mobile workforce in an organization through security management, device management, and a mobile virtual private network (VPN).
Active Directory/Group Policy Domain Join
Mobile Device Manager is the only mobile management solution that works well with Active Directory/Group Policy, the enterprise directory network most companies already use for desktop management, which allows IT professionals to set and control policies in a single environment. This helps make Windows Mobile 6.1 devices “first-class citizens” in the organization's IT infrastructure.
Mobile VPN with Dual Factor Authenticated Access
Mobile Device Manager Mobile VPN is designed specifically for mobile devices running Windows Mobile 6.1 to help ensure the best possible user experience. The Mobile VPN technology enables an “always on” connection (when connected to a carrier's wireless network or a WiFi network) to give IT professionals the control they need while helping improve access for the user. In the event of a loss of transmission or dropped signal, the Mobile Device Manager fast reconnect technology is designed to allow a user to continue where they left off without having to re-authenticate. The Mobile VPN is designed to enable workers to access corporate data and mobile LOB data while on the go. Mobile Device Manager “double-envelope-security” architecture is designed to ensure an added level of protection by authenticating both the device and user, allowing for a single security-enhanced point of access for mobile application traffic. Mobile Device Manager enables workers to access the information they need where and when they need it, with a security-enhanced mobile VPN that enables behind-the-firewall access to corporate data and the Intranet, as well as LOB applications.
Communications and Camera Disablement with Active Directory Group Policy-based Targeting
Enabled by Windows Mobile 6.1, System Center Mobile Device Manager is designed to allow IT administrators to lock down communications for compliance and confidentiality purposes, including disablement of Bluetooth, SMS/MMS, WLAN, Infrared, POP/IMAP e-mail, as well as camera functionality. Beyond these functionalities, Mobile Device Manager provides a robust set of over 125 policies that help meet the critical security requirements of IT professionals, with the ability to target based on Active Directory groups and device status.
Application Allow and Deny
The Mobile Device Manager application allow and deny feature helps empower IT professionals to decide which software applications may run on which devices for productivity, compliance, or other business reasons. This feature helps provide enterprise control over what software can be installed and run on the organization's Windows Mobile 6.1 devices.
Device Encryption
System Center Mobile Device Manager is designed to provide IT professionals the flexibility to enable full file encryption on devices powered by Windows Mobile 6.1, which is designed to increase security for sensitive files or corporate data. Coupled with storage card encryption, Windows Mobile 6.1 software is designed to offer full data encryption capabilities.
OTA Device Provisioning and Bootstrapping
The Mobile Device Manager self-service enrollment model is designed to provide IT professionals a simple and scalable way to provision devices, save valuable time and resources, and help reduce desk support costs. Furthermore, the solution's highly scalable and reliable deployment capabilities are designed to support tens of thousands of users on a single server, which helps reduce the cost and complexity to the enterprise. Mobile Device Manager helps offer significantly lower maintenance costs, and provides greater scalability, increased performance, and reduced trouble-shooting complexity compared to other solutions in the marketplace.
OTA Software Deployment
The rich software targeting capabilities of Mobile Device Manager are designed to allow IT professionals to deploy firmware and software updates, with control over which updates are distributed to whom. The software distribution capability and technology is based on Windows Software Update Service 3.0, a proven Microsoft update technology.
Device Inventory and Reporting
System Center Mobile Device Manager is designed to provide full inventory data for all enrolled devices in the enterprise in one console, including device model, make, and software updates deployed. Mobile Device Manager is designed to work well with existing Microsoft monitoring and reporting tools, with the ability to run robust reports based on SQL Server 2005.
Helpdesk Console and Role-Based Administration
Enabled by Windows Mobile 6.1, System Center Mobile Device Manager helps provide the management flexibility required by enterprises, designed with the ability to parse out administrative privileges to different roles in the organization. Mobile Device Manager is designed to allow for greater customization and efficiency based on widely-used Microsoft technologies, including MMC snap-ins and PowerShell commandlets.
Device Wipe
The System Center Mobile Device Manager “always on” connection (when connected to a carrier's wireless network or a WiFi network) is designed to allow IT professionals to execute remote device wipe in the event of theft or loss of the device , which helps reduce the chances of corporate data falling into the wrong hands. Unlike management through competitive solutions, the Mobile Device Manager “wipe now” feature does not require the IT professional to wait for the device to sync with the server.
* Phones that are updatable to Windows Mobile 6.1 and all new phones running Windows Mobile 6.1 will support System Center Mobile Device Manager.
Note: Available programs, features, and functionality vary by device and Windows Mobile operating system version. Connectivity and synchronization may require separately purchased equipment and/or wireless products (for example, WiFi card, network software, server hardware, and/or redirector software). Service plans are required for Internet, WiFi, and phone access. Features and performance may vary by service provider and are subject to network limitations. See your device manufacturer, service provider, and/or corporate IT department for details.
