What Is MDM?

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

Learn more about the meaning of mobile device management (MDM) and how it can be a useful tool in the world of information technology (IT) support.

[Featured Image] A business woman uses MDM software on her tablet.

Mobile device management, or MDM, mainly involves the securing and managing of smartphones or tablets. MDM allows IT technicians or managers to address the needs of mobile devices and configure different privacy or security settings on third-party devices. It can support network service management and different types of hardware and software. As a method of cybersecurity, MDM is a monitoring and inventory tool that secures an organization's data and content while still protecting the users' and employees' personal data. 

How do IT technicians use MDM?

IT technicians use MDM servers to construct policies applied to individual devices. Mobile device management agents control and secure those policies on various third-party systems. As an IT technician, you'll likely work for a larger company and be responsible for their corporate security network. MDM will be a useful tool as you maintain security and functionality for the corporate network and ensure the safety of the devices and users as well as the information and documents on those devices. 

MDM and IT technician responsibilities

As an IT technician, your responsibility will be to implement different technological systems to meet company or organization goals. You'll keep your company updated with the latest technological services while maintaining a cost-beneficial approach. IT technicians and managers must advise their companies on which software and hardware will be most useful and remain updated on the latest corporate technology, including MDM. 

How do IT technicians use MDM?

IT technicians use mobile device management in professional and academic settings. It can organize data, configure passwords and different settings within a singular device, and, most importantly, reinforce online privacy and protection. As a future IT technician, you can use MDM to maintain data security throughout an organization and promote online privacy policies. You'll oversee an organization’s technological policies and services and protect the employees from potential data or security breaches. MDM can help you preserve information security and configure applications on your employees’ devices to maintain that security. 

Get started in IT support

Enhance your IT support skills with the Google IT Support Professional Certificate on Coursera. This beginner-level course allows you to learn at your own pace and helps you acquire essential skills for an entry-level IT job. The Professional Certificate covers topics like technical support fundamentals, operating systems, and system administration.  

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