If you’re managing VR devices for enterprise, you’ve likely come across SureMDM. It’s a mobile device management solution built to help companies control and secure their VR devices.
While SureMDM offers a wide range of tools for VR fleet management, it’s important to understand whether it truly meets the needs of scaling XR environments.
Therefore, in this ArborXR article, we’ll explore SureMDM’s key features, pricing, strengths, and limitations. We’ll also introduce a better alternative that may be a better fit for XR devices.
What Is SureMDM VR MDM?
SureMDM is a unified endpoint management (UEM) platform developed by 42Gears. It’s designed to help enterprises manage their mobile devices, computers, and IoT endpoints. While primarily focused on traditional device management, SureMDM has expanded to support select VR headsets.
In the context of VR device management, SureMDM enables you to remotely monitor VR devices, push software updates, and enforce security policies. Its cloud-based console allows IT teams to manage VR headsets at scale, ensuring that each device is optimized for performance and security.
Key Features of SureMDM for VR
Here are the key features that make SureMDM a valuable tool for organizations leveraging VR technology:
- Device Enrollment and Management: Centralized control over device enrollment and management, allowing you to push content, apps, and identity certificates over the air.
- Kiosk Mode (Limited): Provides basic control for restricting access to applications, with no support for single or multi-app kiosk modes essential for custom VR environments.
- Screen Sharing: Enables real-time remote screen sharing for demonstrations or troubleshooting, allowing admins to see what users see and provide instant support.
- Remote File Transfer: Facilitates transferring files such as app updates or content packages to VR devices over-the-air or through URLs.
- Remote Monitoring and Troubleshooting: Provides tools to track device health and performance remotely.
- Application Management: Allows the installation, update, and removal of apps across multiple VR devices without user intervention or disrupting user experience.
- Single Application Mode: Turns your VR devices into dedicated-purpose devices with just one application running at all times.
- User Management and Reporting: Offers role-based access control and generates detailed reports on device usage, app performance, and user activity for better decision-making.
Pricing
SureMDM pricing starts at $3 to $9 per device per month, depending on the plan (Standard, Premium, or Enterprise). It offers a 30-day free trial, flexible licensing, and options for both cloud-hosted and on-premise deployment.
What We Like
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: SureMDM supports VR devices across Android, iOS, and Windows platforms. This flexibility is great for managing a variety of devices beyond VR, such as phones, tablets, and PCs.
- Remote File Management: You can view a device’s file structure and remotely download files, such as log files. This is a valuable feature for troubleshooting, as it simplifies remote access to important data.
- Security Controls: Basic security features such as remote wiping, data encryption, and geofencing ensure device data remains protected in case of theft or loss.
- Multiple Device Policies: SureMDM provides several customizable policies, such as enforcing password rules, restricting app usage, and locking devices after periods of inactivity.
What We Don’t Like
- Limited Supported VR Devices: SureMDM currently supports just three VR devices (Pico G2, Lenovo Mirage, HTC Vive Focus), which is limiting compared to platforms like ArborXR, which cater to a wider range of AR and VR devices, including models from Meta, HTC, and Pico.
- Complicated Device Enrollment: SureMDM requires users to consult detailed guides that require running ADB commands on devices. Often, this leads to seeking external help to enroll devices. In contrast, ArborXR offers simple and quick enrollment methods for single or multiple devices such as the Device Setup App or QR code, neither of which require running ADB commands
- Limited App Management: While SureMDM allows administrators to upload and install APKs, it lacks advanced version control features. For instance, it does not offer release channels which enables scenarios like deploying beta versions to test devices and production versions to deployed devices.
- Limited Kiosk Mode Support: SureMDM supports single- app kiosk mode but does not support multi-app kiosk mode, meaning you cannot lock devices into a set of specific applications or customize the VR home environment.
A Better Alternative for XR Device Management: ArborXR
While SureMDM offers basic VR management features, it has significant limitations. At it’s core, SureMDM is a traditional UEM built for smartphones and laptops that has added limited support for VR headsets. The platform struggles with large-scale app deployment, offers minimal control over the in-headset experience, and supports only a handful of VR devices. These constraints make it challenging to effectively manage immersive XR environments.
ArborXR is purpose-built for AR and VR management, currently simplifying XR device management for more than 3,000 organizations globally.
Let’s explore ArborXR’s key features.
Large Scale Device Deployment
As a true AR/VR MDM, ArborXR excels in large-scale XR device deployment and management, making it easy to handle extensive fleets.
ArborXR streamlines deployment with tools designed specifically for XR fleets.
The ArborXR Device Setup App enables bulk device enrollment through QR codes and Configuration Packages, eliminating complex ADB commands or in-headset logins. We support major XR manufacturers including HTC, Meta, PICO, and more.
For example, Axon has used ArborXR to deploy VR training technology for public safety agencies across North America. This enabled remote software updates on their HTC VIVE Focus 3 headsets, enhancing training efficiency and supporting Axon’s mission to protect life.
Superior App Management
Unlike SureMDM, ArborXR simplifies remote app and content management by supporting the following:
Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates
While traditional MDMs like SureMDM limit file sizes to 2GB, ArborXR has no file size restrictions. It supports the remote deployment of large apps, 360° videos, and other big files commonly used in VR/AR without complications.
XR Libraries is one of the many companies that have leveraged this ArborXR feature. Using our platform, they successfully deployed VR content and made software updates for over 1,000 headsets remotely, scaling their program and reducing resource expenditure by 60%.
Advanced Version Control
Most MDMs only support one app version at a time, so new builds replace the old ones, preventing easy rollback if issues arise. ArborXR allows you to manage app versions by letting you upload all builds of an app to a central location and deploy the builds you prefer.
Deliver Smooth Single or Multi-App Kiosk Experiences
SureMDM lacks a full-fledged VR kiosk mode, offering only basic control for restricting access to applications. ArborXR’s custom launcher, on the other hand, enables organizations to create smooth single or multi-app kiosk experiences within XR environments.
With the launcher, you can lock devices into a controlled environment, ensuring users only access approved applications or content. This level of control is ideal for industries like education, healthcare, or training, where a focused user experience is critical.
Additionally, the branding options allow companies to customize the interface, creating a branded, immersive experience inside the headset.
Seamless Content Sharing and Management
With ArborXR, you can manage and share content across VR/AR devices more effectively than traditional MDM solutions like SureMDM with features like:
Custom Content Libraries
ArborXR allows organizations to create and manage custom libraries of apps and content, such as 360° videos, from a central location. This simplifies content distribution across devices and improves efficiency.
Digital Twin Studios (DTS), an expert in creating custom content for VR-based training, leveraged this ArborXR capability to deploy virtual content across hundreds of VR headsets to train the staff of Virgin Hotels virtually. This made learning fun and interactive while helping with the recruitment and retention of employees.
Direct Connection with ISVs
Another perk of using our platform is that you can find the content you need easily.
Hundreds of developers use ArborXR to share apps and updates with their customers. Rather than dealing with the complexity of sideloading or the limitations of storefront content channels, AborXR lets you receive content directly from vetted enterprise content partners.
ArborXR’s app sharing functionality allows app developers to share apps with other organizations effortlessly, using just a few clicks. App developers can share apps with both “internal” organizations where they are a user and “external” organizations to which they do not have direct access.
This ensures that relevant content is easily accessible and regularly updated, creating a more dynamic and effective XR ecosystem.
The ArborXR Directory
Finding trusted XR developers can be overwhelming, involving hours of searching, demo scheduling, and vetting. The success of an XR program relies on developers who create custom, industry-specific solutions with proven track records. For organizations already scaling XR, the challenge is in building a network of vetted vendors who meet rigorous standards and security audits. The ArborXR Directory serves as a centralized hub where users can explore industry-approved developers, access demo apps, and locate ideal partners to support and grow their XR programs effectively.
Whether you want to create VR training content or other business content, check our XR directory to find the right ISV partner for your licensed or custom content needs.
User-Friendly Admin Interface
ArborXR offers an admin console designed specifically for XR, unlike the generic and often confusing UIs found in SureMDM and many traditional MDMs.
The ArborXR web-based console is optimized for XR management, simplifying complex tasks like device enrollment and bulk content deployment. You can also perform the initial device setup without needing to put on an XR headset, making it more efficient for IT teams.
ArborXR: Your Best Solution for XR Device Management
While SureMDM offers basic features for VR device management, ArborXR stands out as a specialized solution designed for XR. It simplifies device deployment and remote app installation and delivers seamless single or multi-app kiosk experiences. For businesses seeking to manage XR devices at scale, ArborXR provides the tailored tools you need. Get started today and get a 30-day free trial to experience the ArborXR platform.
