MDM vs MAM: Key Differences, Pros, Cons & How to Choose

Whether your organization is a large corporation, a small business, or a growing mid-size company, your employees likely use mobile devices. To ensure safety and confidentiality of company information transmitted via these devices, you’ll need to manage, secure, and to a certain degree, control those devices whether they’re company-owned or a personal device.

Both mobile device management (MDM) software and mobile application management (MAM) software can streamline efforts to secure these devices. Because choosing the right solution for your needs is a nuanced process, we’ll break down what each of these solutions offer, what to take into consideration, and offer tips to make the right choice for your unique business needs.

What is Mobile Device Management (MDM)?

Mobile device management – or MDM – is a solution that manages and secures smartphones and tablets regardless of operating system. MDM software can be used for both Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) hardware and corporate-owned devices, allowing companies to remain flexible in how their staff works.

MDM software's core functionality is protecting physical devices against cyber threats and data loss. Since many employees work across different devices, it is increasingly important to integrate some MDM functionality into all physical devices.

Pros and Cons of MDM

With many companies having adopted remote work and hybrid work policies for their employees in recent years, Implementing MDM software on all physical devices allows for greater cyber security and seamless device management for a remote workforce. MDM allows for remote management, easier compliance, greater control and data security – all while being cost effective and scalable.

As more businesses embrace BYOD policies, MDM also comes with some drawbacks. MDM can seem overly intrusive, raising privacy concerns and limiting an employee’s control of their device.

What is Mobile Application Management (MAM)?

Mobile application management (MAM) manages and protects applications on a mobile device instead of safeguarding the physical device itself. While MAM solutions manage company policies and protect company data, they do so at the application level. With a focus on app security, MAM solutions include functions such as setting up automatic app removal conditions to prevent unauthorized access.

Mobile Application Management software offers advanced management over entire app life cycles including configuration, deployment, patching, performance monitoring, and removal. Because they are less intrusive, MAM solutions are typically easier to integrate on BYOD devices.

Pros and Cons of MAM

MAM solutions make management and security of individual apps much easier at the corporate level. As a result, companies frequently see improved app security. Additionally, MAM is minimally invasive for users, making it easier to utilize on BYOD and personal devices.

However, MAM software does have several drawbacks. MAM solutions can often be complicated and can increase the cost of IT implementation. Because MAM manages everything from the app level and not the device-level, there is limited control and therefore increased risk in some circumstances.

Key Differences Between MDM and MAM

Both MDM and MAM solutions have their own distinct advantages, depending on your organization’s needs. In terms of scope, security, and control, MDM manages and secures the entire physical device whereas MAM controls, manages, and secures specific apps on the device. There is more control overall within an MDM solution as it ensures the entire mobile device is secure and compliant with defined protocols. A MAM software solution can only enforce compliance and security within specific applications installed on the device. Typically, MDM solutions are well-suited for corporate-sponsored devices, while MAM software may be a better option for BYOD devices. Each solution has unique strategies for security and efficiency.

Comparing MDM vs MAM Pricing

Companies should consider the following pricing factors when choosing a MDM vs MAM software solution:

Scope of Management

MAM pricing is generally lower than MDM since it requires less comprehensive control and fewer resources to monitor applications versus full device management. MDM’s broader scope tends to make it more expensive, as MDM solutions include additional features like remote wipe, device tracking, and configuration management. While an MDM may be a slightly more expensive option, it offers added protection in the event a device is lost or stolen, particularly when compared to the reputational and financial costs of a data breach.

Deployment Costs

MAM is usually priced on a per-app or per-user basis, meaning businesses pay based on how many apps are being managed or how many users need access. MDM solutions are often structured on a per-device basis, meaning businesses pay for every device being managed. This can become expensive for larger companies although volume-based discounts are usually available, as MDM requires more complex monitoring and security tools. Miradore offers several Plan tiers and pricing options, including annual and monthly terms, offering greater flexibility and affordability.

Features and Customization

Pricing tends to be lower for MAM software because it’s limited to app-specific features such as app-level encryption, remote app wiping, and access control. The wide range of features MDM provides can increase the complexity and cost of the solution. While the cost of an MDM solution may initially be higher, it simplifies the work of an organization’s IT team and allows them to respond to device-level threats faster, minimizing risk.

Licensing Models

MAM providers usually offer flexible, subscription-based pricing models (monthly or yearly), with tiers that depend on the number of applications/users. Some providers offer pay-as-you-go options, making it more adaptable for businesses with changing needs. MDM solutions tend to follow a per-device licensing model, typically billed monthly or annually, although volume-based discounts are often available..

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

MAM can offer a lower total cost of ownership since businesses only manage and secure critical apps. This is ideal for companies with BYOD policies or those focused on securing specific workflows without managing entire devices. The TCO for MDM may be higher due to the comprehensive nature of device management, but offers greater control and security over your devices and data.

When evaluating MAM and MDM solutions, businesses should factor in licensing costs, infrastructure maintenance, configuration, and device=level security based on their unique needs. Some larger, more complex MDM tools may require more resources and time to properly deploy. Miradore streamlines the process by centralizing device management through a single portal with a simple, intuitive interface. By aligning with your business’s unique needs, Miradore helps minimize the hidden costs related to time and responsiveness, reducing the burden on IT teams and helping secure your organization’s devices and data.
 

How to Choose Between MDM and MAM

Aside from pricing considerations,, there are other factors to weigh when choosing between MDM and MAM software solutions. Since each solution offers unique features, it’s critical to assess your business needs to determine which solution offers the greatest benefit.

Some factors to consider include your industry and any compliance regulations you may need to comply with, how many users/workers you need to accommodate, the size of your IT organization, employee turnover rate, your budget, as well as security needs unique to your business. Getting feedback from your potential users can also be helpful to ensure that adoption and compliance is optimum when you launch your solution.

When to Use MAM

Instances where your business should consider MAM solutions include:

• Heavy Use of BYOD’s (Bring Your Own Device): MAM enables secure control over business apps without sacrificing privacy for employees who use personal devices for work.
• You Have App-Specific Security & Updating Needs: MAM allows for application-level controls, such as configure app settings and define access policies. 
• Complex Industry Compliance Requirements: MAM helps ensure compliance by managing and securing sensitive business data within approved apps, especially for highly regulated industries (ie: healthcare, finance).
• You Employ a Large Mobile or Remote Workforce: MAM works to ensure secure access and usage of business-critical applications for employees who rely on mobile apps for work.

When to Use MDM

There are several scenarios where an MDM solution may stand as the ideal fit for your business:

• Exclusive Reliance On Corporate-Owned Devices: MDM allows for full control over security, configurations, and usage policies of company-owned devices.
• You Employ a Remote Workforce: MDM helps manage and secure devices from a central location, ensuring compliance with company policies for businesses with remote employees.
• Risk of Device Theft or Loss: MDM enables remote wiping and location tracking to protect sensitive data in the case of theft or device loss.
• Managing Multiple Device Types: When a business operates with a variety of devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops), MDM simplifies managing configurations, security settings, and updates across all devices.

Hybrid Approach: Combining MDM and MAM

Another option to consider is to leverage a combination of MDM and MAM. This hybrid approach is often the best option for larger corporations and organizations that have a mix of employee types (on-site, remote, hybrid, full-time, part-time, and consultants). Typically, when a company provides employees with devices, they will also include approved applications. This means that both the physical device, as well as the applications used on those devices will require management and security.

Generally speaking, the larger your employee base or the more complex your workforce is, a hybrid or combination solution may deliver the best, most flexible option for your organization. If you’re considering a hybrid approach, Miradore offers application management through their MDM solution that can be configured optimally to work for your unique needs.

Conclusion: Is MAM or MDM Right For Your Business?

Mobile device management (MDM) and mobile application management (MAM) both have valuable features and benefits for organizations. In some cases, businesses will need a high degree of security and control for physical devices as well as all apps. In other instances, an organization’s IT may simply need access to select apps like email client or corporate intranet. Evaluating several factors, including your industry and any regulatory compliance mandates that apply, the size and complexity of your workforce, and your budget can help you make an informed decision when deciding on MAM, MDM, or a hybrid approach to securing mobile devices.