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Top 9 Mobile Application Management Software in 2024

Tathagata Chakrabarti

13th December, 2023

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With the frequent access and storage of sensitive data on personal devices, it is imperative for IT teams to manage and safeguard mobile applications proficiently. That’s where Mobile application management (MAM) software can help. It is critical in helping organizations attain their objectives and thrive in today's mobile-centric business world. 

In this post, we present the leading MAM security solutions to help organizations manage their mobile app ecosystem efficiently.

Organizations must ensure that data privacy regulations and compliance standards are upheld, regardless of the devices employees use. This involves safeguarding sensitive data to meet legal requirements and maintain the trust of clients and stakeholders. MAM constitutes a vital process in enabling organizations to govern and fortify their mobile applications efficiently. Consequently, integrating a dedicated mobile application management software is essential for the seamless implementation of MAM within organizations.

The mobile application management software empowers IT teams to govern the distribution and administration of mobile applications within the organization. This ensures that only approved apps are utilized, aligning with prescribed security policies and streamlining app updates.

However, there's much more to uncover about the significance of mobile app management post-BYOD. Let's delve deeper into the details.

Importance of Mobile Application Management Solutions in BYOD’s Era

Here are several compelling reasons highlighting the necessity of mobile application software in the BYOD era:

• Security Enhancement: MAM solutions provide tools for securing mobile applications. They enable IT teams to implement policies that control app access, data sharing, and device management. This helps protect sensitive corporate data from potential breaches and unauthorized access.

• Efficient Updates: MAM solutions assist in managing app updates. IT administrators can ensure that apps are kept up to date with the latest security patches and features, reducing vulnerabilities and enhancing overall security.

• Remote Troubleshooting: MAM solutions often include remote support features. IT teams can diagnose and troubleshoot issues on employee devices from a distance, reducing downtime and ensuring that employees can remain productive even when they encounter technical problems.

• Compliance Enforcement: MAM solutions allow organizations to define and enforce compliance policies. These policies ensure that apps and data are handled in accordance with industry regulations and corporate standards, reducing the risk of legal or regulatory violations.

• User Experience Improvement: MAM solutions streamline app access and usability by providing a user-friendly interface for employees. This makes it easier for them to perform tasks on their preferred devices, ultimately enhancing their overall experience and productivity.

• Operational Efficiency: Adopting MAM technology is crucial for organizations as it helps optimize mobile operations. It safeguards sensitive data and ensures that app protection policies are adhered to in today's mobile-centric business environment, leading to improved efficiency and data security.
  
  The mobile application management software boasts a diverse array of features. Let's delve into its versatile capabilities, tailored to support corporate-owned devices, reinforce security policies, optimize app store management, and enhance enterprise application deployment.

Features of Mobile Application Management Software

Key features offered by mobile application management software comprise:

• Application Distribution and Management: MAM software allows organizations to distribute and manage mobile applications, ensuring that only approved business apps are used and the updates are managed effectively.

• Data Security: The software helps organizations to ensure that sensitive data remains secure and protected, even when accessed and stored on employees' personal mobile devices. This includes features such as data encryption, password protection, and remote wipe capabilities.

• Device Management: It allows organizations to manage the app configuration, security, and usage of mobile devices, including the ability to lock or wipe a machine, if necessary, remotely.

• Compliance: MAM software helps organizations meet regulatory requirements and ensure that sensitive data is protected and managed appropriately. This includes features such as data leak prevention and auditing capabilities.

• User Management Policies: The software allows organizations to manage the access and usage of mobile applications by different users, ensuring that only authorized users have access to applications and sensitive data.

• Reporting and Analytics: MAM software provides organizations with detailed reports and analytics, allowing them to monitor and track mobile applications and devices and identify potential security risks.
  
  This article will offer a list of the top 9 mobile application management software that will provide advanced mobile application management capabilities. But before we delve into the topic at hand, let us introduce ourselves - Zluri.

0. Zluri

Zluri is an advanced SaaS management platform (SMP) boasting the world's most comprehensive library of applications, encompassing a staggering 250,000 apps. It is the single SaaS platform to oversee your entire SaaS ecosystem, enabling you to discover all your applications, maximize the value of every SaaS investment, and centralize SaaS management seamlessly.

Zluri employs five highly efficient discovery methods to trace and monitor the SaaS applications within an organization's SaaS ecosystem. These methods encompass Single Sign-On (SSO) or Identity Provider (IDP) integration, financial systems analysis, direct integrations, desktop agents (optional), and browser extensions (optional).

This comprehensive approach enables Zluri to identify and subsequently eliminate redundant, undesired, underutilized, and potentially risky applications, ensuring a streamlined and secure SaaS environment.

The methods used by Zluri bring a range of benefits to organizations:

• SSO & IDP Integration: By obtaining authorized app data and login event details from Single Sign-On (SSO) and Identity Provider (IDP) systems, Zluri provides valuable insights into user access attempts and outcomes. This information enhances security, helps in identifying potential issues, and ensures efficient user access management.

• Finance Management Systems Integration: Connecting with financial management systems like NetSuite and QuickBooks enables Zluri to compile data about app procurement methods, especially those made using corporate or personal cards. This assists in tracking expenses, seeking reimbursement, and managing financial aspects related to software procurement.

• Direct Integration: Zluri's direct integration with a vast network of over 800 applications offers a comprehensive view of an organization's SaaS stack. It helps in understanding user access levels, distinguishing between standard users and admins within the SaaS ecosystem. This depth of insight empowers organizations to make informed decisions, optimize software utilization, and enhance overall SaaS management strategies.

• Desktop Agents (optional): Employing desktop agents allows Zluri to gather information about installed apps on devices and device details. This optional method provides a more complete picture of the software landscape within the organization and helps in tracking software usage and compliance.

• Browser Extension (optional): Browser agents, as browser extensions in popular browsers, capture data on website visits by users. They record information such as URLs, page titles, and timestamps of tab activity, offering insights into user web behavior. This optional method helps organizations monitor internet usage and enhance web activity tracking as needed.

These methods provide organizations comprehensive insights into their app ecosystem, user behavior, and financial aspects, enabling data-driven decisions, enhanced security, and efficient expense tracking.

Furthermore, Zluri serves as a powerful platform for access management and governance. It establishes direct integrations with primary IAM applications, providing real-time information from the direct source of truth.

In addition, Zluri provides an automation engine that simplifies IT team tasks by enabling swift access provisioning and revocation for employees with just a few clicks. Moreover, its contextual recommendation system assists new employees by suggesting the necessary apps based on their department and seniority. Beyond this, Zluri efficiently manages the complete user lifecycle within the organization.

 Key Features

• Zluri integrates with over 800 SaaS applications, enabling organizations to manage all their SaaS applications from a single platform.

• It provides security and compliance information that helps organizations to protect their data and applications, including secure access controls and data encryption.

• Many business workflows (such as onboarding, onboarding, access reviews, etc.) can be customized with Zluri to meet an organization's specific needs, ensuring that the solution fits the unique requirements of each business.

Customer Ratings

• G2: 4.8/5

With that said, let's now delve into the diverse landscape of mobile application management software.

List Of 9 Best Mobile Application Management Software

Let's dive deep into the comprehensive list of the best mobile application management tools available.

1. Jamf Pro

Jamf Pro is a leading B2B SaaS software solution for mobile application management. It enables organizations to streamline the deployment and management of their mobile devices and applications, helping to improve productivity, extra layer security, and user experience.

However, it is essential to carefully consider the software's advantages and disadvantages before ensuring it is the right choice for your organization.

Pros

• It can automate the deployment of apps, updates, and security patches, helping ensure that individual devices are always up-to-date and secure.

• With Jamf Pro, organizations can create a custom app catalogue that can be tailored to meet their specific needs, making it easier for users to find and access the apps they need.

Cons

• It is a feature-rich solution that can be complex to set up and use, requiring significant time and resources to get the most out of it.

Customer Rating

• Capterra: 4.7/5

2. Digital.ai

Digital.ai software offers a comprehensive solution for Mobile Application Management (MAM). The platform's management features allow businesses to manage and secure their mobile applications, protecting sensitive data while enhancing user experience.

Pros

• Digital.ai software helps to improve the user experience by offering features such as app configuration, push notifications, and app feedback.

• As businesses grow and the number of mobile applications increases, the software scales to meet their needs, ensuring a seamless user experience.

Cons

• The initial setup and configuration can be complex and time-consuming, limiting the tool's usage to manage mobile applications effectively.

• The tool's integration with existing systems may require additional resources and effort.

Customer Rating

• G2: 3.7/5

3. ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus

ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus is a comprehensive solution for managing mobile devices in an organization. It provides robust mobile management capabilities that enable IT administrators to manage and secure mobile applications used in the enterprise effectively. Moreover, it facilitates unified endpoint management and offers insights on mobile device usage.

However, its complexity, cost, and compatibility limitations may make it less suitable for organizations with limited resources or device compatibility.

Pros

• The software provides detailed reports and analytics on the usage of mobile devices and applications, allowing IT administrators to make informed decisions about managing mobile devices and app-specific policies in the organization.

• IT administrators can manage user access to enterprise apps and devices, ensuring that only authorized users can access sensitive data and applications.

Cons

• The software may require a steep learning curve for IT administrators who need to become more familiar with mobile device management solutions.

• It may only be compatible with some types of company-owned devices and operating systems, limiting the number of devices that can be managed.

Customer Rating

• G2: 4.5/5

• Capterra: 4.6/5

4. Ivanti

Ivanti Software provides a comprehensive solution for mobile application management (MAM), helping organizations to efficiently manage and secure the mobile applications used by their employees. With Ivanti Software, IT departments can quickly deploy, manage, and secure mobile applications, as well as monitor usage and ensure that only approved applications are used.

While it has its advantages and disadvantages, Ivanti Software can help improve the organization's overall efficiency and productivity and provide IT teams with the tools they need to manage mobile devices effectively.

Pros

• Ivanti Software helps increase productivity and improve the organization's overall efficiency by providing employees with the right tools and applications.

• Its intuitive, user-friendly interface makes it easy for IT departments to manage mobile applications, reducing the time and effort required to manage these devices.

Cons

• The cost of Ivanti Software can be a significant investment for some organizations, particularly for smaller businesses.

• It lacks of integration ​​with existing systems and processes can be a challenge, particularly for organizations with complex IT environments.

Customer Rating

• G2: 3.7/5

5. IBM MaaS360 with Watson

IBM MaaS360 is a comprehensive Mobile Application Management (MAM) solution designed to help organizations manage and secure their mobile devices, applications, and data. With IBM MaaS360, IT administrators can enforce policies and controls to protect sensitive information while allowing employees to work from anywhere on their corporate devices.

Pros

• MAM software can help organizations comply with regulations and standards while also protecting sensitive information from theft or loss.

• It can scale with the needs of growing organizations, making it a valuable tool for both large and small enterprises.

Cons

• It may not support all the applications that organizations need to manage, which can limit their usefulness.

Customer Rating

• Capterra: 4.1/5

6. Esper

Esper stands out as a Mobile application Management solution primarily tailored for Android devices. It specializes in supporting dedicated Android devices and holds the distinction of being the first DevOps tool tailored for such systems. Its purpose is to provide a secure and user-friendly platform for developers and IT teams to seamlessly deploy applications and oversee device management in production environments.

Furthermore, Esper enhances enterprise application deployment by incorporating quality control measures that permit the rollback of failed or malfunctioning tools. This feature not only saves valuable time but also diminishes the need for manual device management, reducing the likelihood of errors and inaccuracies.

Pros

• This versatility allows organizations to manage various device models and versions within their mobile fleet, making it a suitable choice for businesses with diverse hardware needs.

• Esper simplifies the deployment of mobile applications, making it efficient and hassle-free for IT teams. This streamlining can save time and reduce the complexity of rolling out applications to multiple devices.

Cons

• Esper is primarily designed for Android devices. While this is an advantage for Android-centric organizations, it may pose limitations for those with mixed-device environments that include iOS or other operating systems.

• Implementing a new mobile app management system may require your team to learn new tools and processes. Depending on an organization's existing infrastructure and the level of technical expertise available, this learning curve could potentially slow down initial implementation.

Customer Rating

• G2- 4.6/5

7. Meraki Systems Manager

Meraki Systems Manager is a cloud-based mobile device management (MDM) solution that helps organizations secure, monitor, and manage their mobile devices. With regard to mobile application management (MAM), Meraki Systems Manager provides a powerful and flexible platform for managing and securing applications on mobile devices.

Pros

• The software provides real-time visibility into app usage, enabling administrators to monitor app performance and usage patterns and identify potential security issues.

• MAM capabilities provide secure app distribution and management, ensuring that only approved apps are installed on devices and that sensitive data is protected.

Cons

• It may not be cost-effective for small businesses or organizations with limited budgets.

• While Meraki Systems Manager offers a range of powerful MAM features, some organizations may require more customization options to meet their specific needs.

Customer Rating

• G2: 4/5

8. Oracle Mobile Security Suite

Oracle Mobile Security Suite is a comprehensive solution that helps organizations protect their mobile applications and data. The software provides a range of capabilities for managing and securing mobile apps, including mobile application management (MAM), mobile threat defence (MTD), and entire device management (MDM).

Pros

• Oracle Mobile Security Suite can help increase employee productivity and reduce downtime by providing secure corporate data and apps access.

• The software integrates with other Oracle products, such as Oracle Identity Management, to provide a unified solution for managing and securing mobile applications.

Cons

• It may not support all types of mobile apps, which could limit the range of apps that can be managed and secured through the platform.

Customer Rating

• G2: 4.2/5

9. Sophos Mobile

Sophos Mobile is a cutting-edge mobile device management tool that facilitates mobile application management (MAM). It offers organizations a secure and scalable way to manage their mobile applications, device configurations, and data.

With Sophos Mobile, IT administrators can enforce corporate policies and controls to protect sensitive information while device users can work from anywhere on their mobile devices.

 Pros

• Sophos Mobile makes it easy for IT administrators to distribute and manage applications on employee devices without requiring manual installation.

• With Sophos Mobile, organizations can ensure that they comply with regulations and standards while also protecting sensitive information from theft or loss.

Cons

• The software can be challenging to set up and manage for those unfamiliar with mobile device management.

• It can be intrusive for users, affecting their overall mobile device experience. 

Customer Ratings

• G2: 4/5

About the author

Tathagata Chakrabarti

Tathagata is a Technical Content Writer with 4+ of experience in the SaaS industry. He has a keen eye for research and understanding macro trends in the SaaS & AI-based technology space. He has worked across several marketing & strategy roles in various domains like banking, e-commerce, and education sectors. In his leisure time, Tathagata is a full-time PC gamer.