How to Setup Unified Endpoint Management Software

Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) software is the gold standard solution for organizations trying to manage and secure a large, diverse fleet of mobile devices and endpoints effectively. It helps standardize security across a cacophony of device types and operating models, providing clear visibility into where devices are and how applications are being accessed, all while keeping security airtight and compliance rock-solid.

And the right solution doesn’t just supercharge productivity for those in charge of mobile security. It can help mitigate costly cybersecurity risks and data breaches as well as drive cost savings as high as $300+ per user depending on the platform. This makes UEM a smart investment for keeping corporate mobility programs running smoothly and budgets in check.

Enhancing security and implementing more than one UEM software to address multiple device types are common reasons companies need to set up their UEM systems. But the process can be challenging due to the complexity of integration, security concerns, business continuity challenges, and ongoing management needs. How can you ensure a smooth deployment? With years of extensive UEM experience and over 14M endpoints under management, Tangoe can show you how.

Step 1

Assess Your Current Environment

Before jumping into UEM implementation, it helps to understand your current IT environment and operations, device types, security posture, and business needs. Getting the bigger picture as well as the underlying details will help you craft a comprehensive plan.

Start by Creating a Comprehensive Device Inventory

Identify all the types of endpoints that need to be managed by UEM (e.g., desktops, laptops, smartphones, tablets, IoT devices, point of sale (POS) systems, wearables) and catalog all information about them, from model numbers, service types, and operating systems to installed applications, security requirements, compliance status, and repair history.  

You’ll need to do this for all devices whether they’re corporate-owned, personally owned, or as part of Device-as-a-Service (DaaS). This can be challenging, especially when employees use unsanctioned devices and/or applications for work.  

Don’t forget to include all costs related to your fleet of corporate devices. This includes invoices, costs per month/year, service type or data plan, contract terms, cost allocation history, as this will aid in financial management. 

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Evaluate Current Stakeholders, Systems, and Needs

  • Define key stakeholders: Involve key decision-makers across IT, security, HR and compliance, as well as department heads, in the planning process. A cohesive, organization-wide strategy fosters accountability, transparency, and trust.
  • Be aware of overlapping systems: Review current endpoint management tools and solutions (if any), such as Mobile Device Management (MDM) and Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM). These existing systems might already be managing certain endpoints, so you’ll need to understand their capabilities to identify any gaps, avoid duplication of effort, and see how you can leverage and align with existing standards and procedures.
  • Identify business and security needs: What requirements need to be in place for industry compliance, devices under different ownership models, and devices operating internationally? Think about the considerations outlined in step two below.

Step 2

Plan Your UEM Deployment

With this preliminary work complete, you can start developing a UEM strategy that will guide how your devices are managed and protected.
Consider these priorities:
  • Security policies: Define your security policies for device encryption, password requirements, app whitelisting/blacklisting, geofencing, etc. Don’t stop at high-level security policies. Dig into the finer details like policies for specific app management, VPN access, and restricting data sharing between personal and work applications. Keep in mind your entire fleet, from corporate-owned devices to those under BYOD and DaaS programs.
  • Device usage guidelines: Outline acceptable usage policies, including BYOD rules, app installation guidelines, and device restrictions.
  • Access controls: Determine how access to company resources (e.g., email, VPN, company apps) will be controlled across different device types and user roles.
  • Compliance requirements: Ensure that your UEM policies meet all applicable industry regulations and internal compliance standards (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS).
  • Security incident response: Don’t forget to establish clear protocols for compromised devices, such as remote wiping, quarantining devices, and triggering alerts when unusual behavior is detected.
  • System integration: UEM software should work seamlessly with device management systems, as well as other security applications and IT tools such as IT ticketing systems.
  • Daily security and compliance monitoring: Who will do the work of overseeing devices, upgrading applications, flagging smartphones when they fall out of compliance with security policies, and making corrections to mitigate risk?

When most companies use more than one UEM software tool, creating a repeatable process is paramount. Investments in plans and processes can be leveraged in the future as your fleet grows and your needs evolve.

Step 3

Simplify Your Approach to Mobile Security

The need to converge multiple UEM software tools under a single security strategy forces companies to piece together multiple platforms and third-party tools – adding cost, complexity, and security risk.

Managed Mobility Services (MMS) can remove that complexity. One solution provides a variety of UEM software tools from leading providers coupled with implementation and integration services, day-to-day device management including ongoing compliance and security monitoring, as well as mobile cost management. By partnering with a single provider such as Tangoe, companies can speed up security upgrades, simplify management, and ensure consistent security policies and service uptime across all parts of their mobility operations.  

Healthcare company upgrades UEM and gains 4,500 hours in IT productivity

3 Reasons to Trust Tangoe for UEM Software and Managed Services

Tangoe offers UEM solutions as part of our broader MMS offering or as a standalone service for companies needing to strengthen their mobile security posture. Our solutions include UEM software from top providers surrounded by fully managed services including implementation, integration, and ongoing management, so your IT and security teams can drive productivity and efficiency.

1

UEM Software, Installation, and Integration Services

2

Ongoing Management of Mobile Security & Compliance

  • Comprehensive endpoint monitoring with swift threat detection and response
  • Security health checks founded in NIST and CIS best practices
  • Policies based on identity and user roles, ensuring Zero-Trust
  • Data Loss Prevention controls that keep corporate data secure
  • Application access that can be restricted with tools to control user behaviors

3

End-to-End Services for a Total UEM Solution

  • Professional services: leverage experts who can design and implement a custom UEM solution (including UEM platform migrations and device migrations), plus take the lead in building security policies with full regulatory compliance.
  • Managed services: offload the work of administering and securing your devices across every phase of their lifecycle. This includes reallocating devices when employees leave, unlocking devices, wiping data, and re-enrolling devices in the UEM system.
  • Streamlined processes through automated workflows across the device lifecycle: Tangoe’s industry-leading platform boasts a range of AI capabilities that accelerate mobility management, including robotic process automation, machine learning, predictive analytics, and other advanced statistical methodologies.

Transform mobile security and IT productivity using a powerhouse combination of MMS and UEM.