Cloud-based Mobile Device Management vs On-site Device Management
Managing mobile devices can be a daunting task, especially when dealing with a large fleet of devices. Two popular options for device management are cloud-based solutions and on-site solutions. In this post, we'll compare the two solutions and determine their differences and similarities in terms of cost, features, and performance.
Cost
In terms of cost, on-site device management requires upfront hardware and software investment to support device management. This can be expensive and requires ongoing maintenance and upgrades to maintain optimal performance. Additionally, staffing costs also need to be factored in to manage and maintain the system.
Cloud-based device management, on the other hand, requires a subscription fee to use the service. The cost of the service could be pay-per-device or per user per month. An advantage of cloud-based management is that the costs are predictable, which can be useful for budgeting purposes. Furthermore, the infrastructure, security, and maintenance are handled by the service provider, which can save costs for businesses.
Features
In terms of features, both cloud-based and on-site device management provide similar core features such as device enrollment, device monitoring, app distribution, and remote wiping. However, there are differences in additional features that may or may not be included in each solution, depending on the provider.
For example, cloud-based device management sometimes includes additional features such as location tracking, battery monitoring, compliance checks, and real-time notifications. Some on-site device management solutions offer greater customization and control over devices, which can be useful for industry-specific needs.
Performance
When it comes to performance, cloud-based device management solutions are often faster and more reliable than on-site solutions. The cloud provider has access to significant computing resources to process data and manage devices. The provider can scale its operations to accommodate more users, leveraging the power of cloud infrastructure.
On the other hand, on-site solutions can be impacted by limited resources, such as storage or processing power. Large volumes of data may cause the system to slow down, requiring additional hardware or software investments.
Conclusion
Both cloud-based device management and on-site device management have their own advantages and disadvantages. Cloud-based solutions offer convenience, scalability, and cost savings, while on-site solutions offer customization and greater control. Ultimately, the choice of device management is dependent on the specific needs of the business.
Regardless of the choice, device management is a crucial aspect of any organization that deals with mobile devices. A well-managed fleet can improve productivity and reduce overhead costs.
References
- Microsoft. (2021). On-premises MDM vs. cloud-based MDM. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/endpoint-manager/on-premises-mdm-vs-cloud-based-mdm
- Jamf. (2021). Cloud vs. On-Premises: Choosing the Right MDM Solution. https://www.jamf.com/blog/cloud-vs-on-premises-mdm-deployment-choose-the-right-mobility-solution/