BlackBerry’s enterprise mobile device management (MDM) service is taking to the cloud.
While at Gartner’s Symposium and ITExpo this week, BlackBerry announced a new multi-platform, cloud-based (web-based) service it calls “enterprise mobility management” or EMM. The service aims to be a one-stop solution for companies looking to track and manage employees’ mobile devices, including non-BlackBerry devices.
Because it’s cloud-based, BlackBerry’s EMM service is “simple and fast” to deploy, according to the company, with no server hardware or software to install. Administrators simply register online and can then start to add and manage devices and apps.
Like most MDMs, BlackBerry’s EMM includes a simple Web-based admin console that lets IT administrators activate and deploy devices, including BlackBerry, iOS and Android smartphones. (Presumably, BlackBerry is also working on Windows Phone support). The console also features mobile application management (MAM), security policy configuration, and user compliance monitoring.
Administrators can also build a catalog of public apps from the App Store, Google Play and the BlackBerry World store, and then view app distribution and usage for all users and devices.
End-users can manage their own devices through the self-service console, for example setting up or changing device passwords and remote wipe and lock without relying on an administrator or help desk calls.
Closed beta testing for the new EMM service is already underway, and BlackBerry expects to make it generally available by the end of November. After that, enterprises will be charged a single monthly subscription that covers both the license and technical support.
For more information, see blackberry.com/cloud.
