More than half of information workers (employees who work with data) use three or more devices for work, with a third using four or more, according to a Forrester survey. This creates a huge burden for IT managers, who are required to ensure all such devices are secure, protected from cyber threats, and properly used.
In this piece, we’ll look at how companies can manage their own devices alongside their SaaS spend, and ensure that all workers are safe, efficient, and informed about best use.
The Critical Role of Device Management in SaaS Operations
With our working environments evolving rapidly, effective Software as a Service (SaaS) management is essential to organizational success. Strategic device management plays a crucial role in optimizing SaaS operations by ensuring seamless integration, heightened security, and improved efficiency.
With more companies than ever applying a BYOD policy (bring your own device), or developing hybrid or remote teams, the importance of integrating SaaS and device management smoothly is more vital than ever. Cyber threats are rife; such policies only increase the potential entry points for cyber criminals and hackers. This in turn creates a need for more efficient and comprehensive device management policies and technologies.
There are sound economic reasons to employ this approach too. Understanding the nuances of device management can transform how businesses handle their SaaS environments, leading to better resource utilization and enhanced performance.
Strengthening Security through Device Management
Probably the biggest benefit of deploying strategic device management in SaaS operations is the bolstering of security. The risks from remote working and multiple device use are several:
- The use of insecure WiFi networks.
- Loss or theft of devices (including storage devices).
- Phishing attacks by email.
- Weak password use and poor access management.
- Intercepted data due to insecure communication channels.
With the increasing reliance on mobile and remote work, ensuring that devices accessing SaaS applications are secure is critical.
Implementing robust mobile device management (MDM) solutions helps in monitoring, managing, and securing devices from potential threats. By enforcing security policies and ensuring compliance, organizations can safeguard sensitive data and mitigate risks associated with unauthorized access.
MDM also helps clear the cobwebs from your SaaS stack by identifying underused and redundant apps, across all your devices, from servers and desktop computers to tablets and smartphones. This can result in considerable cost savings, while increasing efficiency, and ensuring procedural compliance.
The Evolution of Device Management in the SaaS Landscape
Device management has evolved significantly over the decades, paralleling the growth of SaaS applications. Initially focused on basic asset tracking, modern device management now encompasses advanced features such as real-time monitoring, automated updates, and integration with other IT systems. Here are some recent innovations in MDM that should help optimize your SaaS usage:
- Automations for license and subscription renewal, security patching and upgrades.
- SaaS usage monitoring, to help make the case for renewal or expansion.
- Risk monitoring, deepening your cybersecurity.
- Cost monitoring, highlighting opportunities for savings.
- SaaS research, including sourcing alternative and better tools or platforms.
This evolution from simple device tracking to service and device management has enabled organizations to maintain control over their device fleets while supporting a dynamic and scalable SaaS environment.
Keeping abreast of these developments is essential for making the most of SaaS operations.
Integrating Device Management with Broader IT Systems
To create a cohesive and efficient operational framework it is essential to integrate device management with other IT systems.
By doing so, organizations can streamline processes such as onboarding, offboarding, and compliance tracking. Tools like Torii facilitate this integration, enabling businesses to unify their SaaS management with device management, thus enhancing visibility and control.
Every laptop, smartphone or tablet must be integrated into the MDM system, for it to provide the kind of complete overview that delivers value.
This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of IT infrastructure work in harmony, reducing redundancies and improving overall operational efficiency.
Measuring the Effectiveness of Device Management Strategies
Evaluating the success of device management strategies is vital for continuous improvement. Key performance indicators (KPIs) that might shed light on your MDM’s performance include:
- Device compliance rates: how many devices are correctly set up, secure and in use.
- Incident response times: are cyberthreats, malfunctions, and glitched promptly addressed?
- User satisfaction levels: It’s worth regularly surveying users about how they interact with the MDM and whether it makes their working lives easier, or harder.
Regularly assessing such metrics helps organizations identify areas for improvement and adjust their strategies accordingly.
For instance, leveraging analytics from MDM platforms can reveal patterns and trends that inform better decision-making and resource allocation.
Future Trends in Device Management for SaaS
The future of device management in SaaS operations looks promising with advances in AI automation and machine learning.
Predictive analytics, automated threat detection, and enhanced user experience are just a few areas where AI can make a significant impact.
Companies balancing BYOD with COPE (corporate-owned, personally enabled devices) will have to employ MDM systems that can incorporate both types of devices.
Additionally, the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices into the SaaS ecosystem presents new opportunities and challenges for device management.
Staying ahead of these trends will be crucial for businesses aiming to maintain a competitive edge.
As a recent article in LinkedIn’s Pulse blog puts it, “from cross-SaaS integrations to in-console identity and access management (IAM) for users and devices, the latest MDM solutions go beyond basic device control. IT decision-makers must proactively explore and integrate these innovations to maximize efficiency and stay ahead of potential threats.”
Better Device Management is essential to SaaS Success
Strategic device management is integral to the enhancement of SaaS operations.
By focusing on security, integration, and continuous improvement, organizations can optimize their SaaS environments and drive better business outcomes. As the modern workplace becomes an ever more remotely distributed environment, good MDM and SaaS work in tandem to unify and optimize the workforce.
