What are ABM, MDM, and DEP?

If you’re a business owner looking into better management and control of your corporate devices, you might have encountered acronyms like ABM, MDM and DEP.

DEP stands for Device Enrolment Program. It’s exactly what it sounds like; a smart and straightforward way to deploy Apple hardware like IPads, Mac computers and IPhones across a business.

MDM stands for Mobile Device Management. MDM solutions provide businesses with enhanced security, and the ability to remotely manage and oversee all their hardware, as well as boosting remote staff’s productivity.

ABM stands for Apple Business Manager. In essence, this replaces Apple’s previous Device Enrolment Program. You can seamlessly link this portal with your MDM server, and it is easy to upgrade from the Apple DEP.

Why Do DEP, MDM, and ABM Matter?

These terms will likely already be familiar to CTOs and their teams. However, more companies and smaller businesses without a dedicated IT department will be encountering a need for these services.

This is because the COVID pandemic has put increased pressure on day-to-day operations, management, and organisation in businesses.

Remote working is now a must and will most likely continue to be popular. Utilising ABM, MDMs and DEPs will allow businesses of all sizes to source, supply and manage their corporate hardware, and even directly send it to remote staff. The result is that your team can work effectively from home with the software they need while keeping company data secure.

So, let’s look at how DEP, ABM and MDM work together to create this improved remote working experience.

Apple’s Device Enrolment Program

A DEP is the perfect way to remotely supervise the usage of your corporate devices on which your staff work.

Basically, you can add restrictions or block certain apps from these devices, for example, iMessenger.

It also makes mass deployment of devices much easier.
Apple had its own DEP Management but that has now since been replaced by Apple Business Manager.

Those companies who were previously using Apple’s Device Enrolment Program were advised to upgrade to Apple Business Manager in 2019.

Apple Business Manager

Apple Business Manager in now the best solution for mass deployment of Apple devices and you can set up and manage those devices remotely.

This makes it a powerful tool for businesses in the COVID era.

ABM is essentially a web-based portal where you can purchase, send, and manage all your devices in one place seamlessly. It also automates device enrolment into your MDM.

Mobile Device Management

A mobile device management solution offers businesses granular control over all corporate devices, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops.

This includes both in-office hardware and those devices used by all remote workers.

You can even add BYODs (Bring Your Own Device) to your MDM server to ensure employee compliance and guard against data breaches.
An MDM allows you:

• To block or restrict apps.
• Keep data within corporate apps and not leak to personal staff apps.
• Wipe or lock devices that are lost or stolen.

Why Your Business Needs an MDM and Apple Business Manager

By using an MDM with Apple Business Manager, you are not only maintaining business data security, but simultaneously helping to increase productivity.

It isn’t all about restriction and protection. Using an MDM and Apple Business Manager enables you to bulk buy and apply apps to your teams’ devices remotely. This feature allows employees to do their jobs more effectively by having out-of-the-box, ready-to-go equipment with the right tools to enhance their work.