IBM Endpoint Manager for Mobile Device Management (MDM) allows organizations to manage phones and tablets (both employee-owned and corporate-owned) using the same BigFix platform and infrastructure that manages desktops, laptops, and servers. With this single-pane-of-glass view, organizations can easily manage all their devices without needing to deploy multiple separate systems. Here is more information on the IBM Endpoint Management for Mobile Device Beta.

Supported Mobile Platforms

 

Agent-based management

Devices can be managed using agent functionality on the device that give a wide-range of management and security functionality. For Android/Windows Mobile, the agent is a BigFix Agent variant. For Apple iOS, management is done using Apple's MDM APIs that are natively supported by Apple. Supported devices include:

  • Apple iOS 4,5 (includes iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch)
  • Android 2.x, 3.x (includes phones and tablets)
  • Windows Mobile 5.x, 6.x

 

ActiveSync-based management

Devices can also be managed through email systems (Lotus Traveler and Microsoft Exchange) to provide some basic management and security functionality. Supported devices include:

  • Devices connecting through Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 or 2010 using ActiveSync protocol (including Apple iOS, Android, Symbian, Windows Phone, Windows Mobile, and other devices supported by MS Exchange)
  • Devices connecting through Lotus Traveler 8.5.x using the IBM Sync protocol(including Apple iOS, Android, Symbian, Windows Phone, Windows Mobile, and other devices supported by Lotus Traveler)

 

Mobile Device Management functionality*

  • Policy & Security Management -- Manage password policies, device encryption, jailbreak and root detection
  • Management Actions -- Selective wipe, full wipe, deny email access, remote lock
  • Application Management -- Application inventory, recommended app deployment, app categorization
  • Enterprise Access Management -- Manage access to enterprise resources including email, VPN, and wifi
  • Location Services -- Optionally track device locations for corporate devices

* Not all functionality available on all platforms

 
 
Please note that some parts of mobile device management are still in Beta. Please read the Beta disclaimer:

IBM’s statements regarding its plans, directions, and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice at IBM’s sole discretion. Information regarding potential future products is intended to outline our general product direction and it should not be relied on in making a purchasing decision. The information mentioned regarding potential future products is not a commitment, promise, or legal obligation to deliver any material, code or functionality. Information about potential future products may not be incorporated into any contract. The development, release, and timing of any future features or functionality described for our products remains at our sole discretion.