What is Google MDM and How to Use it for Your Business?

Today, the integration of mobile devices has become instrumental in maintaining productivity and ensuring data security. The rise of remote work has heightened the need for effective solutions that go beyond basic device management. This is where Google Endpoint Management steps in.

It’s a comprehensive solution that offers businesses the means to take control of their device ecosystem. Overall, it’s not just about managing devices. Google MDM stands as a beacon for securing sensitive data, enforcing policies, and optimizing the use of mobile devices across the organization.

As we explore Google Workspace MDM, envision it as a strategic asset that strikes the right balance between security and user convenience. Let’s discover how it can become the cornerstone of your organization’s digital strategy.

What is Google MDM?

Google Mobile Device Management (MDM for short) is a part of Google Workspace designed to empower businesses with efficient control and security over their mobile devices. By offering a centralized dashboard and intuitive controls, it streamlines the complexities of device administration, allowing businesses to focus on their core operations.

While Google Workspace MDM offers basic mobile management capabilities, Google Endpoint Management stands out with its comprehensive approach. From startups to large enterprises, it presents a suite of benefits. Its scalability caters to the unique needs of businesses, ensuring a tailored approach to device management.

One of the standout features of Google Workspace Mobile Device Management is compatibility with diverse devices and operating systems. Whether it’s Android, iOS, or other platforms, it seamlessly integrates.

How Google MDM Works

For personal devices, users can easily enroll their devices by accessing their corporate accounts with configured Google Workspace Device Management policies. This process ensures that the device complies with the organization’s security policies while maintaining the user’s privacy.

In the case of company-owned devices, administrators have centralized control. They can enroll devices in bulk, configure settings, and customize policies to align with the company’s security protocols with Zero-touch enrollment, or if not, the procedure should be the same as for the personal devices.

Google MDM offers an array of management capabilities that empower administrators to ensure device security and streamline operations:

1. Policy Enforcement. Administrators can create and enforce policies that dictate device usage, ensuring compliance with security standards. For instance, they can enforce encryption, passcode requirements, and restrict certain device functionalities.
2. Remote Management. The platform allows for remote actions such as wiping or locking devices in case of loss or theft. This ensures that sensitive company data remains secure even if the device is compromised.
3. Application Deployment. Administrators can manage and deploy applications across devices, ensuring that employees have access to necessary tools while maintaining control over app permissions and updates.

Consider a scenario where an employee loses their device. With Google MDM, administrators can remotely wipe the device’s data, preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Key Benefits of Google Mobile Device Management

MDM brings a host of benefits to businesses, revolutionizing how they handle device security, productivity, and application management.

Enhanced Security Measures
Google MDM ensures that sensitive company data remains protected by offering robust data encryption. This means that even if a device falls into the wrong hands, the data stored on it remains unreadable and secure.
In case of device loss or theft, administrators can remotely wipe or lock the device. This immediate action helps prevent unauthorized access to company data, maintaining the integrity of sensitive information.

Improved Productivity Through Streamlined Device Management
With streamlined device administration, employees can focus on their tasks without worrying about the complexities of device management. Centralized management capabilities enable quick troubleshooting and issue resolution. This minimizes downtime and ensures that employees can stay productive without interruptions caused by device-related issues.

Centralized Application Deployment and Updates
Administrators can effortlessly manage and deploy applications across devices, ensuring that employees have access to the necessary tools. This centralized approach simplifies the deployment process and ensures uniformity in application versions across the organization.
Google Workspace device management enables centralized app updates. This ensures that all devices receive timely updates, patches, and new features, reducing security risks and maintaining optimal performance.

Feature Difference: Google Basic vs. Advanced Mobile Management

Wondering about the distinctions between Google’s basic and advanced mobile management for Google Workspace mobile device management? Let’s break down the key features to help you make an informed choice based on your business needs.

If your business demands higher control, especially when using company-owned devices, the advanced version is tailored for you. It offers multiple features that go beyond basic management, providing enhanced security and more reliable control over your device ecosystem.

Google provides four pricing plans starting from $6 per user per month for Workspace users. It’s important to note that features of advanced management are exclusive to Business and Enterprise plans, and not available in Starter and Standard plans.

Choosing the Right Version for Your Business:

• Basic Management. Ideal for businesses with lower security needs and a focus on online teamwork. It meets most general demands efficiently.
• Advanced Management. Tailored for businesses seeking higher control, especially when utilizing company-owned devices. It provides an extensive set of features for enhanced security and management.

Choose the option that aligns perfectly with your business goals and security requirements.

How to Set up Advanced Google MDM and Enroll Enterprise Devices?

Applying Google Workspace mobile device management can significantly boost your team’s collaboration and reduce the risk of data breaches. It’s essential to note that this Google MDM provider supports a wide array of company-owned devices, including mobile phones, laptops, and desktops.

While the basic management mode is a default setting that doesn’t require additional tool installations, this guide will walk you through the process of setting up Google’s advanced mobile management, ensuring heightened control and security. Let’s dive in.

Step 1: Create an Admin Account to Log into Google Admin Console

Head to the official Google Admin website. If you’re new to this, click “Get started” to create an account. Provide necessary details like your brand name, employee number, region, email address, domain, company address, and credit card info.

Once your account is set up, log in to the Admin console. You’ll find a feature navigation bar on the left panel, offering access to essential functions like device enrollment, setting configurations, app management, and network controls.

Step 2: Turn on Advanced Mobile Management

Navigate to Devices > Mobile & endpoints > Settings > Universal settings > General > Mobile management. Select “Advanced” to activate advanced mobile management features.

Step 3: Enroll Company-owned Devices

For personal devices, you may need to install Android Device Policy. After that, just login to your account and your corporate policies will be automatically enrolled.

Step 4: Configure Settings for Android Mobile Devices

To fine-tune settings for Android devices, proceed to Devices > Mobile & endpoints > Settings > Android.
You’ll find options for:

• General settings: Auto wipe, CTS Compliance, Application auditing, User device wipe.
• Work profile: Password settings.
• Apps and data sharing: Screen capture, Location sharing, Runtime permissions, USB file transfer, etc.
• Networks: Wi-Fi, VPN access, Tethering, Mobile networks, Bluetooth, etc.
• Device features: Trusted credentials, Microphone, Speaker, Factory reset, Factory reset protection, etc.
• Users and accounts: Add and remove users as needed.

This setup establishes a strong foundation for efficient device management and ensures that devices are secured according to the organization’s standards and policies. It streamlines administrative tasks while enhancing security measures across the device ecosystem.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Explore Google Workspace Business plans:

• Google Workspace Business Starter
• Google Workspace Business Standard
• Google Workspace Business Plus

Wrapping Up

As businesses continue to evolve and rely more on mobile devices, the need for robust management and security solutions becomes paramount. In essence, integrating Google Workspace MDM into your business operations is an investment in efficiency, security, and scalability. Embrace this technology to not only stay competitive but also to ensure a resilient and thriving future for your organization. With Google endpoint management, the path to sustained success becomes clearer, allowing your business to thrive.

Cloudfresh skilled experts have developed Google Workspace services packages tailored to streamline your workplace transformation. We specialize in seamless setup, comprehensive support, and customized training to elevate your business operations.

Among our top services is Google Workspace Mobile Device Management, which empowers enterprises with advanced control over phones, laptops, and desktops. We aim to strengthen your devices’ security and ensure efficient organizational management.

Get in touch with our team to unlock efficient control and boost the security of your mobile devices. Let us guide your business towards enhanced operations through the power of Google Workspace.