In today’s mobile-first business environment, organizations need robust solutions to manage devices and applications securely. Microsoft Intune offers two primary approaches: Mobile Device Management (MDM) and Mobile Application Management (MAM). Understanding the differences between these approaches is crucial for optimizing your Microsoft 365 investment and securing your corporate data.
Understanding MDM vs. MAM in Microsoft Intune
Mobile Device Management (MDM) focuses on controlling the entire device, while Mobile Application Management (MAM) centers on securing specific applications regardless of the device they’re installed on. Each approach serves different business needs and security requirements, particularly when managing Microsoft Office apps.
MDM with Microsoft Intune: Full Device Control
What is MDM?
Mobile Device Management provides comprehensive control over corporate or BYOD devices. With Intune MDM, IT administrators can:
- Apply security policies to the entire device
- Configure device-level settings
- Deploy and manage applications
- Enforce compliance policies
- Remotely wipe devices when necessary
Key Benefits of MDM for Office Apps
- Comprehensive Protection: MDM provides end-to-end security by managing both the device and the applications.
- Unified Management: Administrators can manage all aspects of the device from a single console.
- Advanced Configuration: MDM allows for detailed configuration of Office apps at the device level.
- Simplified Deployments: Office applications can be deployed automatically to enrolled devices.
Limitations of MDM
- Requires full device enrollment, which may raise privacy concerns for BYOD scenarios
- More intrusive approach that might not be acceptable to all users
- Can be overkill for organizations primarily concerned with protecting data within Office apps
MAM with Microsoft Intune: Application-Level Security
What is MAM?
Mobile Application Management focuses exclusively on protecting corporate applications and their data, without requiring control of the entire device. With Intune MAM, organizations can:
- Apply security policies to specific applications
- Control how Office apps interact with other applications
- Protect corporate data within Office apps
- Implement conditional access requirements for Office applications
Key Benefits of MAM for Office Apps
- User Privacy Preservation: MAM only manages corporate applications, leaving personal apps untouched.
- BYOD Friendly: Ideal for organizations with bring-your-own-device policies.
- Granular App Control: Enables specific data protection policies for each Office application.
- Lower User Friction: Users maintain control of their devices while corporate data remains protected.
Limitations of MAM
- Limited control over device-level security settings
- Cannot enforce device-wide policies like encryption or password complexity
- May have feature limitations compared to full MDM implementations
Choosing Between MDM and MAM for Office Apps
When to Choose MDM
MDM is typically the better choice when:
- Your organization provides company-owned devices
- You need comprehensive control over the entire device ecosystem
- Security requirements necessitate device-level controls
- Users primarily use devices for work purposes
When to Choose MAM
MAM is generally preferable when:
- You have a BYOD environment
- User privacy is a significant concern
- You need to secure Office apps on unmanaged personal devices
- Your focus is protecting corporate data rather than managing devices
Hybrid Approach: The Best of Both Worlds
Many organizations implement a hybrid approach:
- MDM for company-owned devices
- MAM for employee-owned BYOD scenarios
- Consistent security policies across both management types
Implementation Best Practices
For MDM Implementation
- Create clear device enrollment processes
- Develop compliance policies aligned with security requirements
- Configure automated Office app deployments
- Establish monitoring and reporting procedures
For MAM Implementation
- Identify which Office apps require protection
- Define app protection policies specific to each Office application
- Implement conditional access requirements
- Educate users on how protected apps function
Conclusion
The choice between Microsoft Intune MDM and MAM for Office apps ultimately depends on your organization’s specific needs, security requirements, and device ownership model. Many organizations find that a hybrid approach provides the flexibility and security they need across different user scenarios.
If you need help deciding what strategy works best for your organization, reach out today and we can help guide you from making the right choice, to implementation, and drafting the right BYOD policy for your organization.