Question:

I am a sys admin for a small company that uses Google Workspace as its core platform. We have Business+ subscriptions that include Google’s MDM solution – Device Management and Advanced Device Management. I want to know how effective and reliable this solution is for managing our devices across different OS (Win, Mac, Android, and IOS). Specifically, I would like to ask the following questions to an expert:

– What are the main features and benefits of Google’s (Advanced) Device Management?

– How does it compare to other (paid) MDM solutions in terms of functionality, security, and user experience?

– What are the reasons or challenges that prevent more people from using Google’s MDM solution?

Answer:

Google’s MDM Solution: A Review for Sys Admins

Google Workspace, formerly known as G Suite, is a popular cloud-based platform that offers a range of productivity and collaboration tools for businesses of all sizes. One of the features that comes with the Business+ subscription plan is the Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution, which allows sys admins to manage and secure their company’s devices across different operating systems (Win, Mac, Android, and IOS).

But how good is Google’s MDM solution, and how does it compare to other alternatives in the market? In this article, we will try to answer these questions by looking at the main features, benefits, drawbacks, and challenges of Google’s MDM solution.

Google’s MDM solution consists of two components: Device Management and Advanced Device Management. Device Management is the basic version that allows sys admins to perform common tasks such as:

• Enrolling devices and applying policies
• Wiping or locking devices remotely
• Managing apps and extensions
• Configuring network and security settings
• Monitoring device status and activity

Advanced Device Management is the premium version that offers additional features such as:

• Enforcing device encryption and passcode policies
• Detecting and blocking compromised devices
• Applying granular app permissions and restrictions
• Managing device updates and patches
• Generating detailed reports and audits

Some of the benefits of using Google’s MDM solution are:

• It is integrated with Google Workspace, which means sys admins can manage devices and users from a single console and leverage the existing identity and access management capabilities of Google Workspace.
• It supports a wide range of devices and operating systems, which means sys admins can apply consistent policies and settings across different platforms and devices.
• It is cloud-based, which means sys admins do not need to install or maintain any servers or software, and can access the MDM console from any device and location.
• It is scalable, which means sys admins can easily add or remove devices and users as the company grows or changes.
• It is cost-effective, which means sys admins can save money on licensing fees and hardware costs, as Google’s MDM solution is included in the Business+ subscription plan.

How does it compare to other (paid) MDM solutions in terms of functionality, security, and user experience?

Google’s MDM solution is not the only option available for sys admins who want to manage and secure their company’s devices. There are many other MDM solutions in the market, such as Microsoft Intune, VMware Workspace ONE, IBM MaaS360, and Cisco Meraki.

Each of these solutions has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice depends on the specific needs and preferences of the sys admins and the company. However, some of the general factors that can be used to compare different MDM solutions are:

• Functionality: This refers to the range and depth of features and capabilities that the MDM solution offers, such as device enrollment, policy enforcement, app management, security controls, reporting, and analytics. Google’s MDM solution has a decent level of functionality, especially with the Advanced Device Management option, but it may not offer some of the advanced or specialized features that other MDM solutions provide, such as app wrapping, containerization, or VPN configuration.
• Security: This refers to the level and quality of protection that the MDM solution offers, such as encryption, authentication, compliance, and threat detection. Google’s MDM solution has a high level of security, as it leverages Google’s cloud infrastructure and security standards, and offers features such as device encryption, passcode policies, and compromised device detection. However, some sys admins may have concerns about Google’s privacy practices, data collection, and access to their company’s data and devices.
• User experience: This refers to the ease and convenience of using the MDM solution, both for the sys admins and the end users, such as the interface, navigation, performance, and support. Google’s MDM solution has a good user experience, as it has a simple and intuitive interface, seamless integration with Google Workspace, and fast and reliable performance. However, some sys admins may find the MDM console to be too simplistic or limited, and some end users may find the MDM policies to be too intrusive or restrictive.

What are the reasons or challenges that prevent more people from using Google’s MDM solution?

Despite the features and benefits that Google’s MDM solution offers, it may not be the most popular or widely used option among sys admins and companies. Some of the possible reasons or challenges that prevent more people from using Google’s MDM solution are:

• Lack of awareness or familiarity: Some sys admins or companies may not be aware of Google’s MDM solution, or may not be familiar with its features and capabilities, as Google may not have marketed or promoted it as much as other MDM solutions. Additionally, some sys admins or companies may have a preference or loyalty to other MDM solutions that they have used or heard of before, and may not be willing to switch or try something new.
• Lack of compatibility or flexibility: Some sys admins or companies may have specific or complex requirements or preferences that Google’s MDM solution may not be able to meet or accommodate, such as supporting legacy or custom devices, integrating with third-party or proprietary apps, or offering more customization or configuration options. Additionally, some sys admins or companies may have existing or preferred IT infrastructures or ecosystems that Google’s MDM solution may not be compatible or interoperable with, such as Microsoft Azure, AWS, or Oracle.
• Lack of trust or confidence: Some sys admins or companies may have doubts or concerns about Google’s MDM solution, such as its reliability, security, privacy, or support. For example, some sys admins or companies may worry about Google’s access to their company’s data and devices, or Google’s compliance with their industry or regional regulations or standards. Alternatively, some sys admins or companies may question Google’s commitment or expertise in the MDM domain, or Google’s ability or willingness to provide adequate or timely support or updates for their MDM solution.

Conclusion

Google’s MDM solution is a viable and valuable option for sys admins who want to manage and secure their company’s devices across different operating systems. It offers a range of features and benefits, such as integration with Google Workspace, support for multiple platforms and devices, cloud-based delivery, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. However, it may not be the best or most suitable option for every sys admin or company, as it may have some limitations or drawbacks, such as lack of functionality, security, or user experience, compared to other MDM solutions. Additionally, it may face some challenges or barriers, such as lack of awareness, compatibility, or trust, that prevent more people from using it.

Therefore,

sys admins who are interested in Google’s MDM solution should evaluate it carefully and objectively, and compare it with other alternatives, before making a decision. They should also consider their company’s needs, preferences, and goals, and how Google’s MDM solution can help them achieve them. Ultimately, the choice of MDM solution depends on finding the best fit and balance between functionality, security, user experience, and cost.