IBM recently released its beta version of Endpoint Manager for Mobile Devices. The tool is their attempt at solving the prominent issue of the "bring your own device" (BYOD) movement. This is pretty self-explanatory and not even really news, considering frequency with which employees use their own laptops. However, smartphones and tablets have presented greater security and standardization issues. Because of this, it's a unique issue that IBM is hoping to solve for all enterprises, including small and midsize businesses (SMBs).

The Big Fix

This tool resulted from IBM's acquisition of Big Fix, which created a management tool for IT to handle mobile devices. IBM claims that Endpoint allows businesses to remotely control, wipe, manage, and secure devices that run Windows Phone, Symbian, iOS, and Android. They also claim it can be used to create policy compliance and remote control apps and it can sync apps for employee devices. Endpoint includes various security services as well, according to Tech Republic.

Countless mobile device management (MDM) services are out there, but one that provides in-house IT workers with the tools to create BYOD management-centric apps is unheard of. This brings up the next point: Though those countless MDM services have been out in the wild for a while, the companies created them primarily for smartphones before tablets became really big in business. True, the two biggest names in tablets (Android, iOS) run the same operating systems on both their tablets and smartphones, but MDM services weren't really created with the BYOD mindset and all of its inherent issues. Not to mention, you can use tablets in a greater variety of ways, primarily due to more screen real estate. Naturally, this translates into more issues associated that need addressing, particularly in the app space with its lack of standardization. Giving IT an easy way to solve that problem is a wise move.

A Look at the Competition

Along with Endpoint's release came IBM's announcement of their Worklight purchase, as discussed in another infoboom article. This is likely a move designed to aid in Endpoint's development, if not something similar. However, IBM isn't alone in the MDM race.

Microsoft has worked on a similar suite dubbed Active Directory. The problem is, they're not moving as quickly as IBM. However, the important part is that soon SMBs will probably have choices when it comes to tackling this issue. It's likely that other companies will step in to compete, and competition is always ultimately better for the customer. On top of all previous arguments, headlines prove that MDM services, for whatever reason, aren't addressing this problem well at the moment. With increased competition in the MDM arena, IT departments are more likely to find a solution that works. This means that companies will be able to take advantage of the BYOD movement and the resulting reduced costs of employees purchasing their own devices for work. If the prices are right and these services are well executed, there will be no reason for your SMB not to embrace this movement.

This post was written as part of the IBM for Midsize Business program, which provides midsize businesses with the tools, expertise and solutions they need to become engines of a smarter planet.