What is device management and its role in enterprise?

Would you agree that device usage has skyrocketed? Mostly because businesses embrace automation and the latest tech to boost productivity. Companies now rely on a range of devices—smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktops, virtual machines—for various functions. But managing and securing these devices is critical to protecting business interests.

Managing different operating systems is crucial for ensuring data security and maintaining smooth operations. Whether employees use BYOD or company-issued devices.

Now, let’s dive into the key features of device management and how it supports various operating systems.

What is device management?

Device management is the centralized process of configuring, securing, monitoring, and maintaining all devices—smartphones, laptops, tablets, desktops, rugged devices, kiosks, and digital signage—used within an organization. Whether these are corporate-owned or personal (BYOD), the goal is to ensure each device runs securely, stays updated, and complies with IT policies.

IT teams can remotely deploy apps, set restrictions, enforce compliance rules, and monitor real-time device health—all from a single console. It also allows policies to adapt based on device type, user role, or location, critical for hybrid and remote environments.

Think of it as a control tower that keeps every endpoint aligned with organizational standards while reducing manual work and response time for IT.

Why is device management important?

As businesses grow, so do their endpoints and without proper management, they become entry points for risks. Unmanaged devices can carry outdated software, misconfigurations, or unprotected data.

Device management tools reduce this risk with OS patching, encryption enforcement, remote wipe, VPN setup, and more. On the operations side, IT teams can push updates, troubleshoot issues remotely, and streamline onboarding, saving time and minimizing downtime.

Additionally, device logs and audit reports help meet industry-specific compliance needs, especially in healthcare, finance, and education.

In essence, device management ensures every endpoint remains secure, efficient, and compliant—no matter where or how it’s used.

What are the key features of device management

Security management

Effective device management establishes robust policies to safeguard corporate data. With features like malware and phishing protection, remote wiping for lost or stolen devices, and real-time security alerts, an MDM ensures that any breach is quickly addressed while sensitive information remains secure.

Mobile Application Management (MAM)

MDM simplifies app control by enabling the silent installation or removal of applications through an enterprise app store. IT admins can remotely configure, update, and manage apps on all devices, ensuring that only approved software is accessible while restricting unwanted applications.

Content management

A vital component of device management is controlling the content on devices. This feature lets IT teams regulate access permissions, deploy critical updates, and manage which apps or websites can be accessed, thereby preventing data leaks and ensuring compliance with corporate policies.

Location tracking

MDM solutions allow IT admins to set geographic limits for device usage. Devices that stray beyond predefined boundaries can be automatically locked, adding an extra layer of security against theft or unauthorized use.

BYOD support

With the rise of personal devices in the workplace, MDM helps segregate corporate data from personal information. Creating secure work containers ensures that employees can use their own devices without compromising company data. BYOD management helps keep a balance between corporate data security and user privacy.

Kiosk support

MDM enables devices to operate in kiosk mode, restricting them to a single app or a set of approved apps. This is particularly useful for dedicated use cases or public-facing devices, ensuring that users cannot tamper with device settings or access unauthorized features.

Data encryption

Data encryption is an essential feature of device management that protects corporate and personal information. By encrypting sensitive data across all operating systems, MDM minimizes the risk of data breaches—even if a device is lost or stolen.

Secure Internet access

To reduce exposure to insecure networks, MDM restricts devices to trusted internet sources only. This controlled access prevents malware infections and data breaches, ensuring that devices remain connected to safe and secure networks.

Device management on different operating systems (OS)

Enterprises deploy a range of operating systems in their IT environment, each with its own set of native controls and unique management capabilities. Modern MDM solutions leverage these differences to provide tailored oversight and configuration across all platforms.

Android device management

Android’s open architecture offers high flexibility. MDM solutions on Android can:

• Utilize Android Enterprise APIs: Enable granular control over app permissions and device settings.
• Rapid deployment: Support seamless out-of-the-box enrollment and remote configuration for a diverse range of devices.
• Customize device configurations: Configuring device settings and managing access controls for specific apps.

Windows device management

Windows devices, especially those running Windows 10/11, integrate well with enterprise management tools. MDM on Windows typically:

• Leverages native features: Uses built-in enterprise controls such as Group Policy and Windows Update for Business.
• Automates patch management: Ensures timely OS and application updates with automated patch deployments.
• Advanced scripting: Employs tools like PowerShell for automated configuration and complex task automation.

Apple device management (iOS & macOS)

Apple’s ecosystem is renowned for its strong security frameworks and streamlined management. MDM for Apple devices focuses on:

• Seamless enrollment: Utilizing the Apple Device Enrollment Program (DEP) and Apple Business Manager for quick provisioning.
• Strict data separation: Enforcing work-data containers and managed Apple IDs to segregate personal and corporate data.
• Robust security controls: Leveraging inbuilt encryption, automatic app installations, and strict compliance policies to safeguard sensitive information.

Chrome OS device management

Chrome OS devices are designed for cloud-first environments, offering:

• Policy-based management: Centralized control via Google Admin Console that enforces web-based security policies.
• Simplified remote enrollment: Quick and easy setup, ideal for education and lightweight enterprise use.
• Automatic updates: Ensuring devices remain secure and compliant with minimal IT intervention.

Linux device management

Although less common in mainstream enterprise settings, Linux systems provide unmatched customization and control. MDM for Linux devices often includes:

• Scripted automation: Custom scripts and configuration management tools for granular policy enforcement.
• Flexible security settings: Advanced control over firewall rules, access permissions, and system updates.
• Integration with enterprise tools: Compatibility with automation frameworks that ensure ongoing compliance and security.

Device management for enterprises with Scalefusion UEM

Scalefusion UEM is designed to meet the diverse needs of enterprises across industries. Its powerful capabilities ensure robust security, seamless onboarding, and efficient operations. Here are some of its standout features:

Zero-touch enrollment

Automatically enroll Android, Apple, ChromeOS, and Windows devices without manual intervention. This feature lets IT admins deploy out-of-the-box policies instantly, significantly reducing setup time and streamlining onboarding.

BYOD management

As many employees use personal devices for work, Scalefusion offers effective BYOD management. It enforces containerization policies to secure corporate data while preserving personal privacy, ensuring a clear separation between work and personal use.

Kiosk management

Ideal for industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare, this feature enables the management of unattended digital devices—such as kiosks and digital signage—alongside employee devices, ensuring they function reliably in dedicated roles.

Rugged device management

For sectors like construction, mining, warehousing, and manufacturing, Scalefusion supports the management of rugged devices built to withstand harsh conditions. It ensures these devices remain secure and enterprise-ready, even in challenging environments.

Endpoint security

Scalefusion Veltar redefines endpoint security with a unified approach to threat protection, access control, and compliance. It delivers advanced security, combining VPN encryption, web content filtering, and seamless third-party integrations. With Veltar, IT and security teams gain complete visibility and control over endpoints, ensuring data protection without compromising agility.

Zero-trust access

Scalefusion OneIdP brings UEM-driven Zero Trust security, ensuring only compliant, managed devices access corporate apps and emails. It combines identity authentication with real-time device compliance checks, enforcing adaptive access policies across all endpoints. With seamless SSO, OTP-based authentication, and just-in-time admin controls, OneIdP simplifies identity management while strengthening enterprise security.

Multi-platform and device support

Manage a diverse range of devices—from smartphones, laptops, and tablets to digital signage, POS systems, and custom rugged devices—using a single platform. Scalefusion supports multiple operating systems—Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux, Android, ChromeOS, and Linux—ensuring comprehensive control across your entire device ecosystem.

Power up your enterprise with smart device management

Enterprise device management should be seamless and secure, integrating both corporate-owned and BYOD devices effortlessly into the workflow. It’s about enabling productivity while safeguarding data, not hindering it.

With Scalefusion UEM, you get more than just that—you get flexibility & security combined. From securing endpoints with Veltar to enforcing zero-trust access with OneIdP, Scalefusion makes IT management effortless.