These numbers underscore the fact that mobile device use in workplace settings is growing, and enterprises need to update existing policies to include mobile device management solutions if they want to stay ahead of the digital curve. Take a look at the five-phase life cycle model that an enterprise mobile device management solution should follow to be effective:
Phase 1: Initiation
This phase includes the preparatory tasks that an organization should complete before launching a mobile device strategy. Necessary preparatory steps include identifying why mobile devices are needed, how the mobile device management strategy will support the mission of the business, and specifying the solution’s business, security and functional requirements, among others. This is the phase when problems are identified and a solution outline is created.
Phase 2: Development
In this phase, the organization consults with users, IT personnel, and other key service players to identify the feasibility of the technical aspects of the mobile device strategy. The consultations should revolve around the authentication and encryption methods that the organization must use to keep company data protected in users’ mobile devices. The inherent security of the mobile devices to be used should also be discussed, since they can impact policy parameters.
Phase 3: Implementation
This is the phase where physical design of the mobile device solution takes shape. Mobile devices and their accompanying security measures are configured to meet company privacy and security standards. Policies are implemented, tested, and tweaked until the entire system works successfully. Depending on the size and scope of the mobile device management plan, this phase may take a considerable amount of time before the measures are rolled out in full force.
Phase 4: Operation and Maintenance
Once the mobile device management solution goes live, it will require continuous monitoring and management to ensure the system and its components remain secure. As such, this phase involves all the security-related tasks that must be upheld on an ongoing basis, including patching, updating, attack detection and identification, log reviews, etc. This phase goes on indefinitely until the organization decides to scrap the system and install a new one.
Phase 5: Disposal
This phase signals the end of a mobile device management system’s life cycle when the organization deems that it has ceased to be useful, necessary, or relevant. During this phase, obsolete hardware and software are discarded, and the organization is prepared for the introduction of a new system. These preparations are done to ensure a smooth transition from the old system to the new one. Information may be deleted, destroyed, archived or preserved to fulfill legal requirements. After the disposal phase, the mobile device management solution restarts.
As long as an organization is in operation, there will always be a need for a mobile device management solution. If you need help with proper mobile device management strategy implementation, don’t hesitate to turn to a business communication solutions consultant for advice tailored to your specific needs.
