Mobile Management Solutions - MDM vs. MAM

Mobile device management and mobile application management do different things but also have some overlap. Knowing their differences is important.

Mobile device management and mobile application management are two of the more popular technologies for enabling secure Smartphone and tablet use in the enterprise. They have different use cases, but some of their features overlap, and more vendors are combining the two technologies into single products.

       Mobile Device Management (MDM) takes a full-device approach to securing and controlling smart phones and tablets. IT can secure access to the device by requiring the use of a pass code and keep sensitive data out of the wrong hands by remotely wiping a lost or stolen device. Other basic features of MDM tools include the ability to enforce policies, track inventory and perform real-time monitoring and reporting. The problem with MDM is that the full-device approach can be too heavy-handed in an era where employees, not their employers, own their smart phones and tablets.

       Mobile Application Management (MAM) offers more granular controls. MAM gives IT the ability to manage and secure only those apps that were specifically developed to work with a particular MAM product. Admins can also use MAM to deploy apps and limit the sharing of corporate data among apps. MAM has its own challenges as well. Because every app requires unique coding to work with each individual MAM product, the availability of apps for a specific platform can be limited.

The general perception is that MDM is more of a security play, while MAM focuses on enablement. MDM takes care of basic security and controls, but mobile application management tools allow organizations to unlock the full potential of mobile devices. With MAM, IT can enable workers to get more real work done on their smart phones and tablets -- which is what they want in the first place. Some mobile device management tools can integrate with MAM to automatically deploy and update mobile apps. Others also offer mobile document management features that can tie in nicely to server-based applications such as SharePoint. 

Reasoning of why your app should include Push Notifications

Push notifications are a powerful tool to connect with customers and boost business. You should use your push notifications to keep up with their hectic daily pace. Keep it simple, make it efficient. The shortest distance between you and your customers is a push notification.

Push Notifications allow you to market directly to your clients: If you are able to get your customers to download your app and opt in for push notifications, they are essentially providing permission for you to market to them directly. 

• Your notifications should offer your customers something useful, relevant, and delightful.
• They should make whatever action you want the customer to take quick and easy.
• You should send them at a frequency and time consistent with the habits and lifestyles of your clients.

Push Notifications increase retention rate: push notifications are an effective way for the app to interact with a user. Optimal timing for sending out push notifications varies by business or service. Your ultimate goal is to catch your target audience at a time when they are most likely to read your message and act.

Push Notifications have a high read rate: Email marketing has a dismal read rate. In comparison, push notifications have a higher read rate with click-through rates that are twice as high.

So, if you are currently developing an app you should consider adding the ability to send push notifications.

When you do find your golden formula, stick to it and be consistent.

Fingerprint security is finally coming to Android apps

Fingerprint sensors are going to be big on Android this year with support being built right into Marshmallow. A number of Android phones already have a head start on including these sensors — some better than others — and it looks like we can expect apps to start adding support now that they're rolling out wider. Among those apps is Bank of America, which announced today that it's added support for fingerprint scans on Android, allowing people to set up a fingerprint within the app to log them in. It's also adding support for Touch ID on iOS, which draws an interesting parallel: it took Bank of America a full year to add this feature on iOS, whereas Android only begins to offer proper support for fingerprint sensors this (or maybe next) month.

Bank of America is also launching an Apple Watch app today. Given that it's out now, the app can't be one of the new native Watch apps that should start launching as soon as tomorrow. If Touch ID is any indication, Apple Watch owners can expect a native Bank of America app next year.

Why Your App's UX Is More Important Than You Think

Mobile application development technology is evolving at a very shocking pace. However, in a market where quality and performance always come before brand loyalty, creating a fluid user experience (UX) is key to the success of any mobile app development project.

User experience is becoming an increasingly crucial feature when it comes to the digital landscape. It defines how the user feels and thinks about your product from his or her own perspective. It is about making something valuable, easy to use and effective for your target market. If your app is confusing or frustrating, then it is providing a poor UX, and users will likely uninstall or abandon it in a heartbeat.

Therefore, there is a need to adopt a user-centred approach to mobile application development that gives emphasis to the needs of target users. Improved UX translates into several key benefits for the companies that provide it.

A poorly designed application reduces customer loyalty. Users won't have a high tolerance for unstable applications and nothing can turn them away faster than a bad first impression. A good user experience can create the kind of loyalty that keeps people coming back for more, increasing engagement. Giving users a reason to return by being engaging and useful is one of the ways to enhance UX and encourage member loyalty. This leaves a positive first impression on the user and gives them a sense of value for having downloaded your app.

A well-thought-through mobile solution needs to conform to your overall digital strategy, offering a seamless and unmatched user experience. This means that the functionality and content that are delivered on your app must be in line with what your target audience actually wants. Regardless of the function or purpose of your app, the end product must provide a superior quality user experience. If you are unable to provide a quality mobile experience, you could be doing more harm than good to your reputation.