Solutions Review’s Expert Insights Series is a collection of contributed articles written by industry experts in enterprise software categories. Gary Grimes of Maven Wireless walks us through everything you need to know about integrating 5G into the enterprise, including cybersecurity.

In the wireless communications world, the vision of the opportunities for new revenue-generating services has been effectively shared with an ever-growing customer base. For customers, wireless services that started as “nice to have” turned into “must-have” capabilities. This drives the network operators to offer services with higher throughput and lower latency to meet these demands creating a snowball effect in the industry.

For some time now, it has been assumed that every mobile device needed Wi-Fi access in order to provide maximum data throughput. That is starting to change. The aggressive deployment of mid-band 5G service is decreasing the reliance on Wi-Fi as more 5G-compatible devices become available. This trend will increase rapidly once mmWave 5G becomes ubiquitous. This is especially true for indoor coverage. It is well known that most mobile communications requiring high bandwidth occur in localized environments such as stadiums, convention centers, hotels, office buildings, etc.

The Inevitability of 5G: Wi-Fi’s Limitations

Wi-Fi has inherent limitations that make this transition to 5G inevitable. Although Wi-Fi is available with high security, Wi-Fi deployment is based on a real estate grab. That is, as an unlicensed service, each venue can decide which version of Wi-Fi security they want to deploy. Most of the time, this is simple open Wi-Fi with little or no security. This means those network connections are vulnerable to IP spoofing, man-in-the-middle attacks, and other threats allowing third parties to steal identities, compromise financial and other sensitive business data, eavesdrop on communications, and more.

By contrast, commercial mobile services have high levels of encryption and other security built in. And since these are licensed services which nationwide network providers acquire through spectrum auctions, that high level of security is common across the entire network – not limited to any particular venue. So, once commercial mobile networks offer data speeds and low latency that matches or exceeds Wi-Fi capabilities, they will always be preferred by private and business users who require secure communications.

Of course, these are paid services, but, since they are nationwide (and beyond), plans can be offered at competitive prices based on sheer volume. The same goes for devices. With high data speeds and especially low latencies, along with the availability of cost-effective devices, 5G networks enable improved business, healthcare, and urban improvements using IoT (Internet of things). Once again, it is the ubiquitous availability of 5G with a common high security that will make this possible. Businesses will be able to deploy common cybersecurity, customer analytics, and asset management tools that respond instantly to real-time data. Cities can deploy sensors to monitor traffic so that traffic lights can be set to maximize traffic flow. Sensors can also be installed widely to monitor water, electricity, gas, and waste to optimize these services and quickly compensate for and repair any system faults.

Practical Considerations for 5G Implementation

Just having 5G technology is not enough. The network operators and venues must be able to deliver it to the users. Although mmWave 5G has considerable bandwidth, it is at high frequencies such as 28 GHz and 39 GHz. This results in a) propagation distances in free space that are much lower than the lower bands and b) absorption through walls that is much higher for indoor coverage. This means that the RF front end to the network must be close to the user. Otherwise, the signal-noise-ratios are degraded, which throttles the usable throughput, which in turn, negates the added value of the network. Since they must be close to the user, the remote radio heads for the network can be lower power. And, because of the high frequencies, the antennas are physically small, which allows the radio head to be compact and easier to blend into the in-building environment.

This in-building coverage can be realized using distributed small cells or a distributed antenna system (DAS). The small cell approach has the advantage that it can also maintain a low uplink Noise Figure (high sensitivity) which is necessary to realize high uplink throughput. Most DAS designs involve fiber-fed radio heads with higher power that feed a network of passive coaxial cable, splitters, and taps connected to the coverage antennas. This passive section directly degrades the uplink Noise Figure. Also, DAS usually uses more than one remote unit to cover a sector. This means that the uplink to that radio has the combined RF noise from all the remotes connected to it.

Nevertheless, a DAS architecture has many other advantages, such as combining all available services on a single platform which simplifies installation, monitoring, and control. The only DAS designs that support compact, low-noise remote units directly connected to the coverage antennas (fiber to the edge) while maintaining low additive noise are the new digital DAS systems. These systems have sufficient bandwidth to support the new mmWave 5G services on the same platform as the mid-band and low-band services. Bundling all services on a single platform ultimately results in the most cost-effective and future-proof approach.

Who Pays for 5G Access?

For Wi-Fi, it is usually the venue owner. For commercial mobile services, the argument is whether the venue owner sees in-building coverage as a necessary utility increasing the value of the property or, if he sees guaranteed in-building coverage as a favor to the network operators. With customer requirements shifting to ubiquitous, high bandwidth, low latency 5G and away from low security, localized Wi-Fi, the venue owners will have to accept robust in-building mobile 5G as a required utility.

The New NIS 2 Directive and DAS Implementation

In light of the new NIS 2 requirements set forth by the European Union in December 2020, it is more important than ever for organizations to prioritize cybersecurity measures. The new NIS 2 directive reinforces cybersecurity to support a secure digitalization. NIS 2 requires building owners to prevent and prepare for attacks to keep the network infrastructure intact and secure. The potential consequences of a successful cyber-attack can be devastating, ranging from financial losses to reputational damage and even legal ramifications. Therefore, DAS prepares organizations to be well-equipped to handle any future legislation. Complying with the NIS 2 directive is crucial for all organizations to protect against cyber-attacks, and implementing a DAS system can help building owners fulfill their cybersecurity responsibilities while also simplifying compliance efforts.

The post Understanding 5G: Expansion, Connectivity, and Cybersecurity appeared first on Best Enterprise Mobility Management Vendors, MDM UEM EMM Software and MDM Platforms.

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April 9, 2021Mobility Management Best Practices

Apple Watch Series 6

SUMMARY: The Apple Watch Series 6 introduces an all-new Blood Oxygen feature that offers users even more insight into their overall wellness. According to Apple, the new Series 6, “delivers many notable hardware improvements, including a faster S6 System in Package (SiP) and next-generation always-on altimeter, along with its most colorful lineup yet, featuring a beautiful palette of new case finishes and bands. watchOS 7 brings Family Setup, sleep tracking, automatic handwashing detection, new workout types, and the ability to curate and share watch faces, encouraging customers to be more active, stay connected, and better manage their health in new ways.”

PROS

• All-new blood oxygen monitoring.
• The most style options; finishes, bands.
• New watch face options.

CONS

• Still mostly similar to Series 5.
• Options can add major costs.
• Isn’t compatible with older iPhones.

OUR TAKE: Like all Apple products, not every new generation is groundbreaking. But the quality of the Apple Watch Series 6 is impeccable and the integration with an iPhone is flawless. Unless you are desperate to continuously monitor your blood oxygen levels, there are enough similarities with the previous Series 5 to make an upgrade debatable. If cost is a concern, first-time buyers may want to check out the Apple SE watch at $279. However, as an aspirational wearable, Series 6 brings the bling with new clock faces, lots of style options, and enough big fashion to make a statement. And your wrist will approve this message.

SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch3

OVERVIEW: The new Galaxy Watch3 sports a timeless round face design with premium materials like stainless steel and leather — and now also available in a titanium model. The Galaxy Watch3 also features the popular rotating bezel from previous watch models, which can easily toggle between widgets, open apps, and scroll-through notifications. This new version is 14% thinner, 8% smaller, and 15% lighter than the previous model. According to Samsung, “The Galaxy Watch3 offers new experiences in health and wellness monitoring. The Blood oxygen (SpO2) feature will soon measure and track oxygen saturation over time, for fitness and wellness purposes2. Galaxy Watch3 will also be home to the new Samsung Health Monitor app once launched, which will include blood pressure (BP) monitoring and electrocardiogram (ECG) readings in markets where these apps have been authorized.”

PROS

• Return of rotating bezel input selector.
• Excellent workout sensors and features.
• Strongest speaker for calls.

CONS

• 8GB of storage seems light at this price.
• Minimal hardware and software upgrades.
• Inconsistent Bixby voice-assist.

OUR TAKE: In the war for the wrist, Samsung has opted for classic fashion with the design of the Galaxy Watch3. This round-faced beauty sits at the top of the Android heap in terms of features and application integration. The return of the rotating bezel gives this watch a unique tactile interface reminiscent of an old iPod. The fitness sensors are as complete and accurate as any smartwatch on the market and the post-workout reporting is comprehensive. If you can stand wearing a watch 24/7, it will even monitor and report on your sleep habits. However, if fitness tracking is your main goal, then you may want to consider the less expensive SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Active 2 at $199.

Fitbit Sense Advanced Smartwatch

OVERVIEW: Fitbit has been relentlessly advancing its wearable technology from activity tracking to a full-featured smartwatch for several years. The new Fitbit Sense Advanced Smartwatch is its most sophisticated effort to date. Much of that evolution is due to the availability of its OS 5.1 software update, which according to Fitbit, “expands on its existing health capabilities and brings new convenience features to Fitbit Sense and Fitbit Versa 3. This update provides more ways to track SpO2 (blood oxygen saturation) so users can better manage their wellbeing and delivers enhanced on-device voice-enabled capabilities with the availability of Google Assistant in the U.S., Bluetooth calling, and audible replies for Alexa users.”

PROS

• New Fitbit OS on this device (and Versa 3).
• Built-in GPS on Device (no need for phone).
• On wrist audio calls for all smartphones via Bluetooth.

CONS

• Heart rate and sleep sensors not always accurate.
• Latest Health Metrics App Available on older Fitbits.
• Not all features of Google Assistant integrated.

OUR TAKE: With its sleek, polished profile, the Fitbit Sense Advanced Smartwatch projects an athletic image on your wrist. True to its roots, Fitbit focuses primarily on fitness tracking and reporting with a solid, featureful mobile application. The company also offers advanced personalized health and fitness guidance through premium subscription apps at between $50 and $100 per year. With the Google acquisition of Fitbit now complete, Fitbit smartwatch owners should reap the benefits of greater Google Assistant integration with each new update. If cost is a factor in choosing a Fitbit smartwatch, you may want to consider the less expensive Fitbit Versa 3 Health and Fitness Smartwatch and still get all of the benefits of the new OS and Google Assistant.

Willful Smart Watch

OVERVIEW: Leave it to Amazon to offer a full-featured smartwatch for under $50. With 50,000 user reviews and a 4.3 out 5 star rating, it is hard to argue not including the Willful Smart Watch on our list of the best wearable devices to consider. Compatible with most iOS 8.0 and Android 4.4 above smartphones. The Willful includes the free “VeryFitPro” app that enables incoming mobile calls and texts, along with calendar alerts. It provides a wide range of fitness tracking along with 24/7 heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking. It also boasts of an IP68 waterproof rating and offers a significantly long battery life.

PROS

• Price: you can find this below $50 on Amazon.
• Battery life is mentioned often in reviews.
• Compatible with standard watch bands.

CONS

• Accuracy of sensors is questionable.
• Application offers basic activity tracking.
• VeryFitPro app has mediocre ratings on Play Store.

OUR TAKE: As an overwhelming favorite on Amazon, the Willful Smart Watch is worth a glance. Serious smartwatch enthusiasts will look elsewhere, but this low-cost entry into fitness tracking might be the gateway drug to a full blow wearable addiction. Though we believe that mission can be accomplished more reliably with the purchase of a Fitbit Inspire 2 Health and Fitness Tracker for under $70. Still, it is hard not to be impressed by the massive amount of positive reviews for the Willful Smart Watch. If you do pull the trigger, be prepared to buy a replacement band straight away as the included one is not built for the rigors of an active lifestyle.

Garmin Venu GPS Smartwatch

OVERVIEW: Given that Garmin has specialized in GPS technology since its inception, it’s unsurprising that the company would offer the Garmin Venu GPS Smartwatch as an active lifestyle smartwatch with an emphasis on GPS integration. Garmin advertises up to six hours of battery life in GPS mode with music, ensuring active wearers won’t have to worry about their device dying no matter how long their workout is. The watch also features numerous fitness profiles centered around different exercises, including running, cycling, yoga & pilates, strength training, and swimming. Some supported exercises also feature guided workouts with animations to help train users on proper form. The Venu also allows for downloaded music stored on-device from streaming services like Spotify, Deezer, and Amazon Music.

PROS

• Long battery life even with GPS on.
• Fitness apps a big help for workouts.
• Screen has good readability in direct sunlight.

CONS

• Heart rate sensor not always accurate.
• Software often slow to respond.
• Pairing with phones not always reliable.

OUR TAKE: The Garmin Venu GPS Smartwatch should be a consideration for anyone looking for a serious fitness smartwatch that will last a long time with GPS tracking enabled. While it is not the cheapest active lifestyle watch on the market — the Garmin vívoactive 3 offers similar functionality for $100 less when comparing list prices — the Venu’s GPS capabilities and robust fitness applications make it a worthwhile consideration. Those who favor outdoor exercises will especially benefit from the long-lasting battery in GPS mode and bright screen that stays visible in sunlight. We recommend pairing this smartwatch with a decent heart rate monitor, as the Venu’s monitoring does not always produce accurate results.

Fossil Gen 5 Smartwatch

OVERVIEW: Fossil made a major smartwatch splash in 2019 with the release of the Fossil Gen 5 Smartwatch. Given their timepiece pedigree, the fashion watchmaker delivered a beautiful form factor with a retro-inspired round shape and packed it with the best tech at the time: a Snapdragon Wear 3100 processor powering Wear OS by Google, untethered GPS, WiFi, optical heart rate sensors, a barometric altimeter, an accelerometer, gyroscope, and more. A recent update has delivered new features, including an optimized activity tracker, sleep tracking, V02 max estimates (to measure cardio fitness), and cardio fitness tracking. Plus, improvements in the Wellness app reduce the battery power needed during workouts.

PROS

• Rotating crown navigates Wear OS smartly.
• Fossil knows style and it shows.
• Solid microphone and speaker.

CONS

• Battery life is limited when all features are running.
• Snapdragon 3100 processor is a bit dated.
• Watch bezel is a dust and crumb collector.

OUR TAKE: Unlike other companies in this segment, Fossil is a watchmaker first, so the Fossil Gen 5 Smartwatch is easily one of the most stylish available. If you are looking for something that does not scream “SMARTWATCH!” then you should take a close look here. Furthering the elegance of this pick is the rotating crown navigation which perfectly matches the Wear OS feature set. Battery life can be managed simply through onboard settings; however, limited battery life with full features makes power management a necessity. Released in 2019, the Gen 5 has been around for two years and there are rumors of a new Gen 6 coming soon with the latest Snapdragon Wear 4100+ processor found in the Ticwatch Pro 3. Good news: if you can’t wait for a newer version, the price of the Gen 5 has never been better.

Ticwatch Pro 3 GPS Smart Watch

OVERVIEW: Launched in 2020 and billed by Ticwatch as “the first Wear OS by Google smartwatch to use the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100 Platform,” the Ticwatch Pro 3 GPS Smart Watch boasts smoother and more precise performance compared to other Android-supportive smartwatches. Built into a stainless steel bezel, the watch contains auto-adjustable brightness and a fingerprint-resistant screen. Using the power of the Snapdragon Wear 4100 Platform, this device is comparatively faster while consuming less battery life than previous Ticwatch watches. Fitness options include 24-hour heart rate monitoring, multiple sports modes, and newly-added sleep tracking and stress monitoring features.

PROS

• Essential Mode extends battery life to up to 45 days.
• Over 1,000 downloadable watch faces.
• Strap is comfortable and easy to clean.

CONS

• Health apps put serious strain on battery.
• Charger is slightly finicky to attach.
• Wear OS’s software may turn people away.

OUR TAKE: Consumers who are looking for a smartwatch that only requires the bare minimum features and won’t be using health and fitness applications often will get plenty of mileage out of the Ticwatch Pro 3 GPS Smart Watch with its touted 45-day battery life via Essential Mode. With a sleek, comfortable strap, a lightweight build, and a plethora of watch faces to download via Google Play, the Pro 3’s form factor and customization options are outstanding. Those who care about fitness capabilities should look elsewhere, however; the Garmin Venu GPS Smartwatch delivers more advanced health monitoring and statistics for a similar price.

Amazfit GTS 2 Mini Fitness Smart Watch

OVERVIEW: The Amazfit GTS 2 Mini Fitness Smartwatch offers a vibrant 1.55-inch AMOLED screen and 50+ watch faces to choose from, with most also having a matching Always-on Display. It can monitor your sleep patterns and heart rate, measure SpO2 and stress levels, and even deliver a PAI (Personal Activity Intelligence) health score by processing data about your heart rate and other captured health information. With Amazon Alexa built-in, you can ask it questions, get translations, set alarms or timers, create shopping lists, check the weather and even control your smart home devices.

PROS

• Battery life is exceptional.
• Smaller design a plus for fitness activity.
• The AMOLED screen is clear and detailed.

CONS

• Users complain about unstable Bluetooth connection.
• GPS and heart rate monitor not always accurate.
• Lots of setting tweaks to optimize battery.

OUR TAKE: For under $100, the Amazfit GTS 2 Mini Fitness Smartwatch delivers a powerful combination of features and quality hardware. The curved square design and borderless glass cover stylishly frame the brilliant AMOLED screen. It packs loads of functions into its diminutive dimensions but suffers from a generic operating system that is no match for the biggest name brands. Like the Willful Smart Watch also present on this list, the Amazfit deserves consideration as an entry-level smartwatch. Be sure to check for operating system updates and tweak a few battery-draining settings and this little smartwatch will deliver value throughout an active day.

Solutions Review participates in affiliate programs. We may make a small commission from products purchased through this resource.

The post Solutions Review Finds the 8 Best Smartwatches appeared first on Best Enterprise Mobility Management Vendors, MDM UEM EMM Software and MDM Platforms.

Solutions Review’s listing of the best unified endpoint management solutions is an annual sneak peak of the solution providers included in our Buyer’s Guide and Solutions Directory. Information was gathered via online materials and reports, conversations with vendor representatives, and examinations of product demonstrations and free trials.

The editors at Solutions Review have developed this resource to assist buyers in search of the best unified endpoint management solutions to fit the needs of their organization. Choosing the right vendor and solution can be a complicated process — one that requires in-depth research and often comes down to more than just the tool and its technical capabilities. To make your search a little easier, we’ve profiled the best unified endpoint management solution providers all in one place. We’ve also included platform and product line names and introductory software tutorials straight from the source so you can see each solution in action.

Note: Companies are listed in alphabetical order.

42Gears

Platform: SureMDM

Related Products: SureLock, SureFox

Description: 42Gears is a unified endpoint management provider, offering the SureMDM solution to secure, monitor, and manage all business endpoints, including mobile devices. SureMDM offers device and app provisioning, OS configuration, remote wipe, and remote viewing. The tool provides app management, file synchronization and sharing, data security tools, and facilitates remote troubleshooting of technical issues. SureMDM also provides app management capabilities that help IT manage apps on enrolled devices. 42Gears also sells products for IoT management and AI features.

BlackBerry

Platform: BlackBerry UEM

Related Products: BlackBerry Intelligent Security, BlackBerry Dynamics Platform, CylancePROTECT

Description: BlackBerry UEM is a unified endpoint management tool that combines endpoint management and policy control for enterprise device and application fleets. The solution provides an integrated view of the users, devices, apps, and policies in a company’s infrastructure across all ownership models and types of users, including native container solutions like Kubernetes. BlackBerry UEM’s onboarding capabilities include zero-input activation using QR codes, support for Active Directory-linked groups, and Apple and Samsung Knox enrollment programs.

Citrix

Platform: Citrix Endpoint Management

Related Products: Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops, Citrix Hypervisor

Description: Citrix Endpoint Management is a unified endpoint management tool that offers support for Android, iOS, macOS, Windows 10, Chrome OS, and Citrix Ready workspace hubs. The platform creates a workspace experience that secures and manages every endpoint through a unified console. Citrix Endpoint Management acts as a consolidated platform to manage diverse end-user deployment options, including BYOD, Office 365, and Windows 10. Citrix provides device configuration, data protection, and usage policy capabilities as well.

Codeproof

Platform: Codeproof

Description: Codeproof Technologies Inc. is a workforce management and cybersecurity company providing solutions that enable organizations to secure, deploy, and manage corporate data on company-owned and BYOD devices. The company’s flagship offering is the cloud-based Codeproof UEM platform, which emphasizes ease of use and a wide range of features. The vendor’s UEM solution supports management of iOS, Android and Windows devices in a number of form factors, including smartphones, PCs, wearables, rugged devices, and IoT devices.

Hexnode

Platform: Hexnode MDM

Related Products: Hexnode Secure Browser, Hexnode Unified Workspace

Description: Hexnode’s unified endpoint management solution, Hexnode MDM, provides users with mobile and endpoint management capabilities designed with BYOD management in mind. Hexnode MDM is equipped with all standard unified endpoint management features, including management and provisioning tools, remote set up and configuration, application control and distribution, compliance checks, and remote lock and wipe. Additionally, Hexnode offers email, security, application, and content management for businesses.

IBM

Platform: IBM MaaS360

Related Products: CloudIdentity, IBM Trusteer Mobile SDK

Description: IBM MaaS360 is an enterprise mobility management platform that provides an artificial intelligence and cloud-based approach to mobility management. By taking advantage of IBM’s Watson technology, IBM MaaS360 delivers AI-driven analytics and security insights on all devices and endpoints managed within the software. IBM MaaS360 lets admins enroll devices over the air; the product’s multi-OS mobile device management platform can manage Apple, Android, and Windows devices alongside rugged devices and IoT devices.

Ivanti

Platform: Unified Endpoint Manager

Related Products: User Workspace Manager, Environment Manager, Performance Manager

Description: Ivanti Unified Endpoint Manager is a unified endpoint management product that formed from the vendor’s enterprise mobility management (formerly offered under the Landesk name) and client management tool. The Ivanti platform provides network-connected device discovery, automated software delivery, login performance features, and IT solution integration. Ivanti UEM implements several capabilities from its Endpoint Manager, including OS provisioning, automatic alerts, and agent and agentless device support.

ManageEngine

Platform: Desktop Central

Related Products: Mobile Device Manager Plus

Description: ManageEngine Desktop Central is a unified endpoint management solution that takes care of enterprise mobility management, including all features of mobile application management and mobile device management. The tool also provides client management for a diversified range of endpoints — mobile devices, laptops, computers, tablets, server machines, etc. With ManageEngine Desktop Central, users can automate their regular desktop management routines like distributing software, installing patches, managing IT assets, and imaging and deploying OSes.

Microsoft

Platform: Microsoft Intune

Related Products: Microsoft Endpoint Manager, Azure Active Directory, Microsoft Cloud App Security

Description: Microsoft Enterprise Mobility + Security is an intelligent mobility management and security platform. The solution combines unified endpoint management with identity and access management, threat protection, information protection, and a cloud access security broker. Microsoft’s enterprise tools and technologies can help IT administrators maintain security across all device types, regardless of whether the devices are corporate or personal assets, and establish security measures that protect their organizations’ systems, data, and networks.

Miradore

Platform: Miradore

Description: Miradore provides cloud-based solutions for managing IT and mobile devices. Miradore combines mobile device management, enterprise mobility management, and unified endpoint management features. With Miradore, IT Service Providers and IT departments can secure and control IT devices while reducing costs and creating value-added IT automation. The vendor provides organizations with a single dashboard view and remote access for a range of end user devices, including those running Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

MobileIron

Platform: MobileIron UEM

Related Products: MobileIron Access, MobileIron Threat Defense

Description: MobileIron UEM is a unified endpoint management solution that places mobile security as its key focus. The platform is built on MobileIron’s mobile-centric, zero-trust enterprise security framework, which emphasizes authentication and perimeter-less mobile security. This allows administrators to take advantage of security and access management features like zero sign-on, multi-factor authentication, and mobile threat detection. In addition to UEM, MobileIron also offers BYOD security, mobile data protection, and cloud access security solutions.

Sophos

Platform: Sophos Mobile

Related Products: Sophos Central, Sophos Wireless

Description: Sophos Mobile is a unified endpoint management solution that helps administrators secure both traditional and mobile endpoints. The tool integrates natively with next-generation endpoint security programs and supports the management of Windows 10, macOS, iOS, and Android devices. Companies can deploy Sophos Mobile on-premise or manage the solution through Sophos Central. Sophos’ self-service portal also allows users to enroll their device, reset passwords, and receive support which enables an independent BYOD policy.

VMware Airwatch

Platform: Workspace ONE

Related Products: Workspace ONE Mobile Flows

Description: VMware AirWatch Workspace ONE is a mobility management tool that providers end-users and administrators with a digital workspace. Workspace ONE gives mobility professionals the flexibility to manage multiple use cases, including unified endpoint management, end-to-end security from devices to data center, and integration across enterprise systems. The administrator console delivers visibility into all enrolled corporate-owned, employee-owned, and shared devices, regardless of platform, device type, or operating system.

To compare the best mobility management software, consult our Mobility Management Buyer’s Guide.

The post The 13 Best Unified Endpoint Management Solutions for 2021 appeared first on Best Enterprise Mobility Management Vendors, MDM UEM EMM Software and MDM Platforms.

Solutions Review today is releasing its new 2021 Buyer’s Guide for Mobility Management to assist organizations during the research and discovery phase of buying business software. Gathered via a meta-analysis of available online materials, Solutions Review editors compile each Buyer’s Guide via research, analyst reports, conversations with subject matter experts and vendor representatives, and the examination of product demonstrations.

Top vendors highlighted include: 42Gears, Amtel, BlackBerry, Broadcom, Centrify, Citrix, Codeproof, FileWave, Hexnode, Hypori, IBM MaaS360, Ivanti, ManageEngine, Microsoft, Miradore, MobileIron, Scalefusion, Sophos, SOTI, Symantec, and VMware AirWatch.

View and download the 2021 Buyer’s Guide for Mobility Management here.

Solutions Review is a collection of business software news and resource sites that aggregates, curates, and creates the leading content to connect buyers and sellers. Over the past seven years, Solutions Review has launched 20 distinct and category-specific Buyer’s Guide sites for technologies ranging from Enterprise Cloud to Data Integration, as well as Enterprise Resource Management, Identity and Access Management, Data Analytics and Business Intelligence, Network Monitoring, Backup and Recovery, and Endpoint Security.

Solutions Review just completed its second annual series of Insight Jam social media days. Heralded by the Sam Whitmore Media Survey as a “fresh idea” in B2B publishing, Insight Jam is a collection of single-day virtual conferences aimed at providing business software buyers and practitioners with advice, best practices, and trends to be aware of for the future. Insight Jam is a part of Solutions Review’s Best Practices Series and is dedicated to specific technology categories to bring the community together.

In addition to the 2021 Buyer’s Guide for Mobility Management, readers are encouraged to view updated research in other related Solutions Review coverage areas:

• Buyer’s Guide for Cloud Managed Service Providers
• Cloud Managed Service Vendor Comparison Map
• Buyer’s Guide for Network Monitoring Vendors

*Solutions Review is a completely vendor-agnostic resource and does not endorse any individual product or service.

The post Solutions Review Releases 2021 Buyer’s Guide for Mobility Management appeared first on Best Enterprise Mobility Management Vendors, MDM UEM EMM Software and MDM Platforms.

Solutions Review is releasing its newly updated Buyer’s Guide for Mobility Management for mid-2020 to assist organizations during the research and discovery phase of buying mobile device security and management software. Gathered via a meta-analysis of available online materials, Solutions Review editors compile each Buyer’s Guide via research, analyst reports, conversations with subject matter experts and vendor representatives, and the examination of product demonstrations.

Top providers highlighted include: 42Gears, Amtel, BlackBerry, Broadcom, Centrify, Citrix, Codeproof, Filewave, Hexnode, Hypori, IBM MaaS360, Ivanti, ManageEngine, Microsoft, Miradore, MobileIron, Scalefusion, Sophos, SOTI, Symantec, and VMware AirWatch.

Solutions Review is a collection of business software news and resource sites that aggregates, curates and creates the leading content to connect buyers and sellers. Over the past six years, Solutions Review has launched 20 distinct and category-specific Buyer’s Guide sites for technologies ranging from Enterprise Cloud to Data Management, as well as Enterprise Resource Management, Identity and Access Management, Data Analytics and Business Intelligence, Network Monitoring, Backup and Recovery, and Endpoint Security.

Solutions Review also recently launched Demo Days, an exclusive virtual trade show featuring an inside look at the technologies of prominent analytics and data management vendors. Solutions Review hosts these new, quarterly online events as a way to present the latest analytics and data management tools to practitioners from the comfort and safety of their own desk, and the best part? Demo Days are free to attend!

More than six million technology professionals will use Solutions Review to help them evaluate business software this year. Solutions Review is a completely vendor-agnostic resource and does not endorse any individual product or service.

View and download the mid-2020 Mobility Management Buyer’s Guide here.

The post Solutions Review Releases Mid-2020 Buyer’s Guide for Mobility Management Tools appeared first on Best Enterprise Mobility Management Vendors, MDM UEM EMM Software and MDM Platforms.

Solutions Review today is releasing its new 2020 Buyer’s Guide for Mobility Management to assist organizations during the research and discovery phase of buying business software. Gathered via a meta-analysis of available online materials, Solutions Review editors compile each Buyer’s Guide via research, analyst reports, conversations with subject matter experts and vendor representatives, and the examination of product demonstrations.

Top providers highlighted include: 42Gears, Amtel, BlackBerry, Broadcom, Centrify, Citrix, FileWave, Hexnode, Hypori, IBM MaaS360, Ivanti, ManageEngine, Microsoft, Miradore, MobileIron, Scalefusion, Sophos, SOTI, Symantec, and VMware AirWatch.

Solutions Review is a collection of business software news and resource sites that aggregates, curates and creates the leading content to connect buyers and sellers. Over the past six years, Solutions Review has launched 20 distinct and category-specific Buyer’s Guide sites for technologies ranging from Enterprise Cloud to Data Integration, as well as Enterprise Resource Management, Identity and Access Management, Data Analytics and Business Intelligence, Network Monitoring, Backup and Recovery, and Endpoint Security.

In addition to the 2020 Buyer’s Guide for Mobility Management, readers are encouraged to view updated research in other related Solutions Review coverage areas:

• Buyer’s Guide for Cloud Managed Service Providers
• Cloud Managed Service Vendor Comparison Map
• Buyer’s Guide for Network Monitoring Vendors

Solutions Review just completed its first annual series of Insight Jam social media days. Heralded by the Sam Whitmore Media Survey as a “fresh idea” in B2B publishing, Insight Jam is a collection of single-day virtual conferences aimed at providing business software buyers and practitioners with advice, best practices and trends to be aware of for the future. Insight Jam is a part of Solutions Review’s Best Practices Series and is dedicated to specific technology categories to bring the community together.

“Insight Jam is a first-of-its-kind social media event in enterprise business software”, said Elizabeth Quirk, Solutions Review’s ERP lead. “It allowed individuals to share their favorite pieces of advice to those searching for ERP software or looking to implement or deploy a new system.” Solutions Review’s Backup and Recovery editor Tess Hanna said: “Insight Jam is the easiest way to get advice, best practices and predictions from experts, curated by experts.”

More than four million technology professionals will use Solutions Review to help them evaluate business software this year. Solutions Review is a completely vendor-agnostic resource and does not endorse any individual product or service.

View and download the 2020 Buyer’s Guide for Mobility Management here.

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Mobility management is a field that has changed dramatically in recent years. The technology was traditionally referred to as Mobile Device Management (MDM), but has since been rebranded and is now known as Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM). MDM is a part of the larger umbrella of EMM at this point, working to protect all aspects of mobile, rather than just the device itself. While technological evolutions such as this improve the mobility space overall, significant changes can impact an organization’s decision-making process when looking for a mobility management solution.

Mobility management solutions vary in the features that they offer. Features provided can range from Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) security, to scalable architecture, and mobile email management. Mobility management vendors have a lot to offer, and while having options is nice, users should be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of each solution. Finding the vendor and solution that is the right fit for your organization is a complicated process. Users should stay informed through research in order to most easily pick the right solution for their organization.

Solutions Review is here to make choosing a solution for your organization simpler. To accomplish this, we’ve written articles and created buyer’s resources to help you evaluate enterprise technology solutions. Our Mobility Management Buyer’s Guide gives readers a full EMM market overview. Additionally, the guide offers profiles of products and vendors, key capabilities for the top-18 providers, ten questions for prospective buyers to ask, and our bottom line analysis.

EMM vendors included in our buyer’s guide include Amtel Net Plus, Blackberry, CA Technologies, Centrify, Citrix, FileWave, Hexnode, Hypori, Ivanti, IBM MaaS360, ManageEngine, Matrix42, Microsoft, MobileIron, SOPHOS, SOTI, Symantec, and VMware AirWatch.

If this is your first time purchasing a mobility management solution, or you’re simply looking to make a change from your current one, we hope that this is the best resource to help start your search.

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ExpressVPN

Priding themselves on being “the fastest VPN on Earth”, these less-than-humble fellows offer one of the most popular premium VPN services in the world. It’s a massive, feature-packed service that’s more accessible than some of its competitors. In addition to its remarkable speed, ExpressVPN offers robust encryption, no usage logs, and and servers across 94 countries. Keep in mind, that if you’re on a budget, you may want to look elsewhere for a VPN solution; ExpressVPN tends to fall on the pricey side.

PureVPN

Featured in the New York Times, PC Magazine, and CNET, Pure VPN is a new age business VPN designed to help employees become virtual citizens of almost any country; meaning that they can keep their data and devices protected on public and private networks, help them to securely conduct online transactions, and empower them to bypass any digital hurdles in their way!

Cisco VPN

One of the bigger names out there for wireless solutions, Cisco’s VPN offering is able to run on any mobile or desktop operating system and provides users with additional security functions beyond basic VPN. With Cisco VPN, the service’s AnyConnect offers support for for TLS, DTLS, and IPsec IKEv2.

Pulse Connect Secure

With 15 years of experience under its belt, Pulse Secure Connect offers a reliable and feature rich solution. Secure Connect allows users to easily blend data center applications and public cloud services for their workers. Additionally, this VPN solution allows administrators an incredible amount of control over access rights.

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Gartner has recently released its new Market Guide for Mobile Application Management. The Market Guide series is designed to serve as a comprehensive look at emerging markets where software requirements are often in a transitional stage. These Market Guides can be an excellent resource for understanding how an upcoming market can line-up with current and future enterprise needs.

According to Gartner, “With the focus on early, more chaotic markets, a Market Guide does not rate or position vendors within the market, but rather more commonly outlines attributes of representative vendors that are providing offerings in the market to give further insight into the market itself.”

Though Gartner’s Market Guide is not provider-centric, and instead, aims to provide a more overarching view of the software space, the research house does mention the vendors to watch as things take shape.

The Gartner MAM Market Guide defines Mobile Application Management as a tool designed specifically for the license management , distribution, security and life cycle management of applications for multiple device platforms.

Gartner highlights the following providers in data preparation: Apperian, Oracle, Pulse Secure, BlackBerry, Citrix, IBM, Microsoft, MobileIron, Sophos, VMWare, Appdome, Better Mobile Security, and Blue Cetworks. At Solutions Review, we read the report, available here, and pulled out the key takeaways.

The analyst clarifies that this market guide covers tools that are focused primarily on adding management policy capabilities to mobile apps pre-cost compilation, allowing for the administration of application policies through a management console and distributing these apps through an enterprise app store.

Gartner recommends IT professionals focusing on mobile and endpoint strategies should rate their existing enterprise mobility management solutions for application management by evaluating the suitability of its MAM capabilities across any and all possible use cases. Before selecting an MAM solution, it’s important that organizations select the type of MAM solution that’s best fit for their businesses by clearly identifying any problems that may need to be addressed before selecting a product. Gartner also writes that applications should be positioned to be managed using a standalone MAM solution by evaluating the compatibility of MAM tools with certain application types. For example, standalone MAM solutions often have difficulty working with public applications.

In regards to the future of standalone mobile application management, Gartner doesn’t see the demand for this offering going away anytime soon. This is due to the continued drivers in this demand being employees and contractors working for multiple employers.

Another significant trend affecting MAM’s future is tied to the underlying mobile operating system; a maturing set of application management and security APIs native to iOS, Android, and Windows 10. Gartner writes,” These APIs encompass all of the MAM policies most widely used by organizations today, and are the de facto industry standard promoted by the AppConfig Consortium , a group of EMM vendors and ISVs created to raise awareness of these built-in OS features. These APIs make it much easier for ISVs to allow their applications to be ready for enterprise management.“

Gartner details three scenarios through which MAM functionality is consumed; standalone MAM tools for organizations looking to simply manage apps, app licenses, and operate a branded app store, MAM using EMM suites, and organizations looking for mobile application management features through app-centric security solutions.

Get the full guide here!

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In the report, Gartner says EMM “suite functionality is evolving into unified endpoint management, which adds traditional client and select EMM manageable IoT use-case management.”

The report goes on to suggest that those in the research phase of the buying process determine their use cases before they choose a solution in this changing market. It also laid out some key findings, including that many organizations found that there wasn’t a single EMM tool that met all of their needs. In fact, 82 percent of the EMM Magic Quadrant and Critical Capabilities references reportedly said they implemented at least two different EMM platforms.

To improve the ROI on an EMM solution, Gartner suggests that businesses take a close look at which features of their solution aren’t being utilized to figure out if they should be.Mobile application management (MAM) is reportedly the most important feature of EMM as 79 percent of those surveyed said the ability to deploy apps was the most vital reason for buying an EMM tool. Just 5 percent cited client management tools (CMT) as the reason for purchasing and 4 percent claimed to buy an EMM solution for CMT to manage IoT devices, according to the report. About 24 percent claimed to use their EMM platforms without a mobile device management (MDM) profile for some.

Mobile application management (MAM) is reportedly the most important feature of EMM as 79 percent of those surveyed said the ability to deploy apps was the most vital reason for buying an EMM tool. Just 5 percent cited client management tools (CMT) as the reason for purchasing and 4 percent claimed to buy an EMM solution for CMT to manage IoT devices, according to the report. About 24 percent claimed to use their EMM platforms without a mobile device management (MDM) profile for some end users.

In order to qualify for the Critical Capabilities report, a vendor must have a minimum of $12 million in 2016 EMM revenue; the ability to provide EMM support for at least iOS, Android and Windows 10; the capability to offer an EMM suite that incorporates MDM, MAM, mobile identity, MCM and containment technologies; and qualified for inclusion in the 2017 EMM Magic Quadrant.

Landesk made the cut last year but was dropped from the 2017 report after it merged with Heat Software and was renamed Ivanti. Ivanti did make it into this year’s report. Sophos was the only other new addition. The remaining vendors were returning and included BlackBerry, Citrix, IBM, Microsoft, MobileIron, Sophos, SOTI and VMWare.

Each of the products was analyzed on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest. VMWare came out on top in various use-cases including product or service scores for general-purpose, UEM and cloud-centric. Blackberry was the leader in the product or service scores for unmanaged device support and regulated industries. And SOTI was the leader in the product or services scores for special-purpose device support.

Let’s take a closer look at all the vendors included in this report:

BlackBerry

BlackBerry recently changed the name of their EMM product; it’s now called BlackBerry UEM. The move was most likely related to the changing market, according to Gartner. The tool incorporates BlackBerry Work, BlackBerry Workspaces and BlackBerry Enterprise Identity. Businesses focused on security will get strong protection with BlackBerry UEM, according to the analyst house.

Citrix

Citrix offers a complete EMM platform called XenMobile. It may be deployed on its own or as a compliment to Microsoft’s Intune. Citrix provides broad UEM functionalities that focus on apps and desktops.

According to Gartner, XenMobile is moving toward UEM, but “Citrix lags behind other EMMs in features for the support of iOS 10.x and Android (formerly Android for Work), as well as traditional client management of Windows and macOS support.”

IBM

IBM’s MaaS360 is offered by the IBM Security Solutions Division and is often used as part of a larger mobile security tool, according to the report.

“Customers consistently report MaaS360 to be an easy-to-use EMM tool, with a strong focus on integration with other IBM solutions,” Gartner reported.

Overall, IBM offers a solid UEM tool through MaaS360 client-management features and integration with IBM BigFix.

Ivanti

Ivanti holds a strong position in the CMT space and its EMM, Endpoint Manager Powered by Landesk, boasts an integrated console for admins. It also features a licensing strategy, which combines EMM, CMT, endpoint protection and the IT service desk, the report stated.

The company offers a self-service portal for iOS, Android, Windows and macOS. However, its mobile identity support is limited, according to the tech giant.

Microsoft

Microsoft’s EMM offering is called Microsoft Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS). The suite incorporates Microsoft Intune, which has MDM and MAM capabilities; Cloud App Security; Azure Active Directory (AD) Premium; Azure Information Protection; Advanced Threat Analytics; and on-prem ConfigMgr.

“Strong integration with Azure AD and Threat Protection makes rich security telemetry available in the mobile environment,” according to the report.

It’s also important to note that EMS doesn’t support third-party IAM tools.

MobileIron

“MobileIron has one of the most complete EMM products covering every mobile use cases,” the report stated.

The vendor is a stand-alone EMM provider and doesn’t have much competition in that area, according to Gartner, who also said that they are the only stand-alone EMM vendor that made it into the leader’s section of the Magic Quadrant report.

The vendor is moving into the UEM space with support for both mobile and client management, the tech giant reported. The company also recently unveiled support to come in the future for EMM manageable IoT.

Sophos

Sophos is known for its endpoint protection platform and Sophos Mobile came from the company’s security knowledge. It aims to offer mobile security and management from a single console.

The vendor has plans to extend into the UEM space with support for mobile and client management and recently released an EMM manageable IoT functionality for Android Things and Windows 10 IoT.

SOTI

Gartner refers to SOTI as “the most-established EMM vendor in the special-purpose device management and EMM manageable IoT spaces.”

The company has moved into areas of mobility that are similar to EMM with the SOTI ONE tool that incorporates Snap, Assist, Connect, Insight, and SOTI’s EMM MobiControl.

Businesses that utilize the product’s “Android+” approach allow their clients to have good control over the management of Android devices in the absence of handset-specific APIs, according to the report.

VMware

“VMware’s AirWatch product is one of the most functionally complete EMM offerings in the market. It is broad and targets every major mobile use case,” according to the report.

The vendor provides Workspace One that incorporates VMWare’s IAM, AirWatch as a single combined solution, and software-defined networking tools, Gartner said.

The company is looking to embrace the market’s transition to UEM with enhancements for managing Windows 10 and masOS in a single pane of glass.

Click here to download the entire report.

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