UEM For Hybrid Workplaces FAQ
Hybrid working models are becoming increasingly popular because they offer flexibility, increase productivity, and maintain work-life balance. Contrary to misgivings, hybrid working models also help create a strong company culture. Hybrid work success depends a lot on device management. We tackle 13 common questions to provide you with the clarity you need, exploring Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) and its role in supporting hybrid work environments.
Introduction and Overview of UEM
UEMÂ is a comprehensive system designed to manage and secure a wide range of devices, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and IoT devices, on a single platform.Â
In a hybrid working environment where employees operate both remotely and onsite, UEM can enforce security policies, manage applications, and execute operations remotely across diverse devices. It ensures these devices used by employees are secure and compliant with company policies, all controlled from a single, centralized console, no matter where they are located.
Device Management
UEM simplifies device onboarding with various types of enrollment processes tailored to different device types and ownership scenarios. In a hybrid work environment where employees work both remotely and in-office, the suitable ownership types of UEM typically include Corporate-owned, Personally Enabled (COPE), and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) scenarios.Â
UEM solutions support automated enrollment methods such as Apple’s Device Enrollment Program (DEP), Android’s Zero-touch enrollment, or Windows Autopilot. Employees can often initiate the onboarding process through a self-service portal or application using easy-to-follow steps.Â
UEM enables secure offboarding by remotely wiping corporate data and revoking access when an employee leaves the organization. When a device needs to be retired, UEM can remotely wipe all company data from the device to keep it secure.
UEM solutions enforce encryption of sensitive data stored on the device. This ensures that unauthorized parties cannot access the encrypted data without the encryption key. Organizations can define and enforce DLP (Data Loss Prevention) policies on mobile devices, which specify rules and actions to prevent sensitive data from being copied, shared, or accessed in unauthorized ways. In cases of device loss, theft, or when an employee leaves the organization, UEM provides the capability to remotely wipe sensitive corporate data from the device.
UEM simplifies application management on remote devices by enabling seamless over-the-air (OTA) app distribution. Application lifecycle management allows for easy updates of applications to mobile devices without physical connections, ensuring users always have the latest versions of applications. Additionally, UEM supports allowing and denying apps, ensuring only authorized applications run on devices. In the case of device decommissioning, UEM facilitates the uninstallation of corporate applications from remote devices.
Privacy and Security
UEM prioritizes employee privacy by using containerization techniques to distinctly separate work-related data from personal data on personal devices. This separation ensures that IT administrators only have visibility and control over the work-related container, leaving personal data untouched. By keeping personal data private and unaffected by corporate policies, UEM effectively safeguards both personal and professional aspects of the device.
UEM enables organizations to enforce security policies on remote devices, such as requirements for device encryption, passcode complexity, screen lock settings, and restrictions on certain features, to mitigate security risks. In the event of a lost or stolen device, administrators can remotely wipe or lock the device to prevent unauthorized access. Furthermore, UEM enhances device security with features like geo-fencing and device location tracking, triggering alerts when devices enter or leave specific locations.
UEM often integrates with Identity and Access Management (IAM) systems such as Active Directory, Azure AD, or other user directory services. This integration ensures that the correct user identity and access rights are associated with each device during onboarding. Additionally, UEM supports role-based access control (RBAC), allowing administrators to define and enforce permissions based on user roles. This ensures that employees have appropriate access to resources and applications relevant to their job functions, enhancing security and operational efficiency in a hybrid work environment.
Features and Capabilities
Key features include remote device management, application management, security policy enforcement, compliance monitoring, device location tracking, and remote support capabilities.
Remote support capabilities include remote troubleshooting, screen sharing, and device control, allowing IT support teams to assist device users with technical issues without requiring physical access to the devices.
UEM offers reporting and analytics features to monitor device and application usage, through which administrators can track metrics like device screen time and application usage patterns. Additionally, administrators can enforce limits on app screen time and data usage, ensuring employees maintain secure and balanced usage patterns.
Integration and Deployment
Yes, a cloud-based UEM solution is ideal for hybrid work setups, offering easy management of devices from anywhere. Cloud-based UEM solutions offer scalability, flexibility, and easier management, allowing IT teams to manage devices from anywhere and scale resources up or down based on demand.
Selecting the best UEM solution for your hybrid workplace requires careful consideration of your specific needs and an evaluation of the features and capabilities of different solutions. Take advantage of free trials to test the UEM solutions in your environment, or run a pilot program with a small group of users to assess the solution’s performance. By following these steps, you can make an informed decision that enhances productivity, security, and compliance in your hybrid work environment.Â
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