Why Organizations Should Implement MAM Policies in Intune

The explosion of mobile devices and cloud-based applications has revolutionized the way organizations operate. However, this technological advancement also brings significant challenges, particularly in managing and securing organizational data. Microsoft Intune, part of the Microsoft Endpoint Manager suite, offers robust Mobile Application Management (MAM) policies that are crucial for controlling Office 365 apps. Implementing these policies is not just a technical necessity but a strategic imperative for modern organizations.

MAM Policies for Data Security

One of the primary reasons organizations should implement MAM policies in Intune is to enhance data security. Office 365 apps, such as Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams, are integral to daily business operations and often contain sensitive corporate data. Without proper management, this data can be vulnerable to unauthorized access and breaches. MAM policies in Intune allow IT administrators to enforce data protection.

For example, MAM policies can ensure that corporate data within Office 365 apps is encrypted. Additionally, these policies can restrict data transfer between managed and unmanaged apps, preventing accidental data leaks. By implementing such measures, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches and ensure compliance with industry regulations.

Not the Same as Mobile Device Management (MDM)

Unlike Mobile Device Management (MDM), which requires full control over the entire device, MAM focuses solely on the applications and the data they handle. This approach is particularly beneficial for organizations with a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy. Employees prefer using their personal devices for work-related tasks, and MAM allows IT administrators to manage and secure corporate data without intruding on personal data.

With MAM policies, IT can apply controls to Office 365 apps regardless of whether they are installed on corporate-owned or personal devices. This granular control includes the ability to wipe corporate data from apps without affecting personal data, enforce app-level PINs, restrict printing, and restrict copy-paste functions between managed and unmanaged apps. This ensures that corporate data remains secure while maintaining employee privacy and satisfaction.

Balancing security and user experience is often a challenging task for IT departments. Overly restrictive security measures can frustrate users and hinder productivity. MAM policies in Intune strike a balance by providing robust security controls without compromising the user experience. Users can continue to access Office 365 apps on their preferred devices with minimal disruption.

Cost-effectiveness

Implementing MAM policies can also be a cost-effective solution for organizations. By focusing on application-level management rather than device-level management, organizations can reduce the need for extensive IT infrastructure and support. This is particularly beneficial for organizations with a diverse and geographically dispersed workforce. Since MAM policies do not require full device control, organizations can avoid the costs associated with providing and maintaining corporate devices. Employees can use their own devices, reducing hardware expenses and administrative overhead.

In conclusion, implementing MAM policies to control Office 365 apps in Intune is a strategic move that offers enhanced data security, granular control, streamlined compliance, improved user experience, and cost savings. As organizations continue to navigate the complexities of modern work environments, leveraging Intune’s mobile application management capabilities ensures that corporate data remains secure, compliant, and accessible, thereby supporting overall business objectives and fostering a secure digital workplace.

Have any questions about how to set up Intune and its MAM features? Feel free to reach out to our experts at any time!