If your organization manages multiple devices, an MDM isn’t “nice-to-have” — it’s essential. It helps you keep track of all your devices, minimizes risks like security breaches and theft, and saves you money in the long run.
In this ArborXR article, we’ll cover the basics of MDMs, their key features, and why they’re important. We’ll also explain why legacy MDMs are a bad fit for XR device management and why we recommend a purpose-built solution like ArborXR.
What Is an MDM?
MDM stands for “mobile device management.” It’s technically a process, but it’s more often used to refer to the software that enables it (just like CRM or HRM). Essentially, MDMs allow organizations to remotely manage and monitor their mobile devices, such as:
- Smartphones
- Tablets
- Laptops
- Desktops
- Wearables
- IoT devices
- Virtual reality headsets
- Augmented Reality headsets
- Mixed reality headsets
…and, most recently, XR devices like VR/AR/MR headsets.
If you’re responsible for administering, updating, securing, or locating a fleet of devices, you probably don’t need us to explain the value of an MDM. But to quickly recap, the main benefits boil down to high-level remote control of devices and their apps.
With an MDM, IT admins can:
- Customize settings
- Enforce security policies
- Distribute content and apps (and keep them updated)
- Track device location and usage data
- Remotely wipe or lock compromised devices
All this makes life much easier and minimizes the risk of data breaches and device misuse.
Key Features of an MDM
Device Provisioning
A good MDM makes initial device setup very easy. Here are just a few of the things you can use it for:
- Remote Management: Configure and update devices remotely—no need for physical access, cables, or prolonged downtime.
- Batch Configuration: Apply specific settings to different groups of users or devices simultaneously.
- App Installation: Preload all necessary apps during enrollment so everything is ready to go from the start.
Device Management
Apart from the initial enrollment, a great MDM system gives you full control. You can track locations, erase data from lost devices, and remotely lock or shut down devices to prevent unauthorized access and minimize distractions.
Application Management
An MDM system gives you complete control over app distribution and device management.
You can remotely install, update, or remove apps and even restrict access to specific ones. For example, with ArborXR’s kiosk mode, you can remotely limit users to a specific app in XR devices. Plus, you can sideload apps from third-party developers, so if the content you need isn’t in the official app stores, you have other options available.
Remote Management and Monitoring
Last but not least—MDMs let you remotely control and monitor everything happening on your devices.
For example, you can diagnose and fix issues, track battery life and usage, and monitor performance—all from a simple dashboard. With an XR MDM like ArborXR, you can even view what users see in their XR devices in real-time, allowing for more efficient troubleshooting and support.
Benefits of MDM for Businesses
Keeps Your Devices Secure
With an MDM, it’s a lot easier to keep all your devices compliant with your security policies. For example, you can enforce encryption and password protection across all your devices remotely, all simultaneously.
Plus, features like location tracking and remote device locking give you added peace of mind in the event of a missing device.
Saves Time and Reduces Costs
Losing devices or dealing with data breaches can be costly. A good MDM helps you avoid these costs thanks to the security features mentioned above.
But beyond that, MDMs are powerful time- and money-saving tools. Reduced device downtime means increased productivity. Plus, the time administrators save when managing devices can be reinvested into other, more important tasks.
Protects Sensitive Company Data
An MDM also helps ensure that sensitive company data stays safe from unauthorized access.
Remember that kiosk mode we mentioned earlier? It’s a great way to ensure users only use devices for their intended purpose—whether that’s training or viewing a specific app. When devices are set up correctly, accessing sensitive data isn’t possible.
Plus, most MDMs allow you to implement access rules that limit who can access specific apps or data.
Limitations of Legacy MDMs for XR Management
So far, we’ve been speaking mainly about MDMs in a general sense. Now, we need to get specific by differentiating between legacy, non-specialized MDMs and those that are specifically designed for next-gen use cases like XR management.
Why? Companies that try to adopt XR technologies like VR and AR are running into major problems when they try to manage those XR devices with legacy MDMs.
Here are some of the biggest issues:
They’re a Nightmare for VR Admins
Legacy MDMs can be a real headache for VR admins—clunky and difficult to navigate. Some even require certifications just to use them. Even if you finally get the hang of it, provisioning and enrolling XR devices can be slow and complicated.
They Fall Short in App Management
The major deal breaker for us here is file size restrictions. XR apps often come in large sizes, especially those ultra-realistic VR simulations. Unfortunately, due to size restrictions, many legacy MDMs can’t handle these large files. That means there could be cases where you can’t mass-deploy content to all your headsets.
But the challenges don’t end there. Legacy MDMs are often poorly equipped to handle the complex versioning processes involved when creating and maintaining enterprise XR content. They tend to struggle with managing multiple iterations of applications, content versions, and frequent updates, which can make management cumbersome and complicated.
Many ISVs aren’t fans of these platforms either. They find it tricky to deploy content to clients, often resorting to workarounds that aren’t exactly efficient or scalable, such as sharing Dropbox or Google Drive links.
They Provide Limited In-App Experience Control
Legacy MDMs don’t offer much remote control over the device’s experience. At most, you get basic kiosk mode. There’s no VR launcher, so you can’t customize the home environment with your brand or choose specific apps for users.
Plus, they don’t offer single sign-on (SSO), which means you won’t know who’s using the device at any given time.
Break Traditional MDM Limitations with ArborXR
ArborXR is a purpose-built XR MDM designed to overcome the shortcomings of legacy MDMs. It’s packed with XR-specific features that help organizations manage and optimize their XR device fleets more efficiently and unlock the benefits of immersive technology.
Here’s what sets us apart:
1. Built Just for XR
Unlike traditional MDMs, ArborXR is designed specifically for XR devices. It’s compatible with a wide range of headsets—from Meta and PICO to Apple and Magic Leap. See our list of supported devices for details.
2. Streamlined Setup and Management
You can set up all your devices wirelessly and remotely—no cables, LAN connections, or staging areas needed. This not only speeds up deployment but also cuts down on complexity. Plus, ArborXR’s advanced location tracking lets you see exactly where each device is in real-time.
3. XR Content Management
ArborXR also comes with lots of fantastic content management features. Here are just a few highlights:
- Device Groups: Organize your devices into groups so you can perform actions like deploying and updating content all at once.
- Training Content Libraries: Build an organized library of training content that can be updated and installed on devices remotely.
- Release Channels: Manage multiple app versions, enabling phased rollouts and targeted updates across different user groups.
- Direct ISV Support: Receive content straight from top developers without worrying about annoying Google Drive links. Plus, our XR directory connects you with the best enterprise developers.
4. Device & Experience Customization
ArborXR gives you granular control over device settings and user experiences.
With the ArborXR Home feature, you can personalize the XR headset’s home environment to fit your style—choose themes, pick the apps users can access, and more. Plus, Kiosk Mode keeps interactions focused and streamlined.
Conclusion
MDMs are an essential tool for device administrators, IT departments, and businesses looking to manage their devices effectively. But if you’re interested in managing XR devices, you’ll need a dedicated solution to handle the complexities.
At ArborXR, we’ve helped thousands of universities, Fortune 500 companies, and tech startups take control of their XR devices. We offer enterprise-grade security, seamless device management, and customizable user experiences.
Want to see ArborXR in action? Get started with a 30-day free trial today.
