Questions to Ask

Questions to ask MDM providers

  • Do you need to support iOS 3 and iOS 4? Many vendors only support the feature set of iOS 4 and above.

  • When will support be available for iOS 5? All new iPhone and iPads will come with iOS 5 pre-installed.

  • Does the product support over the air enrollment?

  • Does the product support remote configuration?

  • What are the hardware requirements for this server? Ideally, the MDM host should be on a dedicated system with good bandwidth to the Internet.

  • Is the admin interface web-based or does it require a native app?

  • Is there any access for non-admins? If so, what features are available to standard users?

  • Does the product support other mobile devices? Your organization may need support for Symbian, Android, iOS, etc.

  • Is there a free trial period to test out the vendor’s MDM solution?

  • Can they provide references for other similar installations?

  • What are the licensing costs, per device? Are there yearly costs?

  • What are the monthly costs if it’s being hosted for me? This saves a significant amount on initial investment of hardware, software and professional services?

  • How does the device enrollment process work?

  • How quick does technical support respond? How quick do updates come out?

  • Is the MDM solution currently shipping and available today?

  • Does the product offer an app portal where end users can download apps?

  • Is the product available in all countries?


Figure 13 – Profile Manager Web Interface


Russell Poucher is the President of Creative Resources Technology Group (located in Southern California and Hawaii), a national provider of IT Services, Managed Services and Apple Certified Training Classes. He has been in the IT industry for more than 20 years as a Senior System Engineer and Apple Certified Trainer. You can reach him at russell@creativeresources.net.