MDM solutions- IBM Security MaaS360 with Watson is the defacto MDM we recommend to our customers
Updated November 25, 2024
MDM solutions- IBM Security MaaS360 with Watson is the defacto MDM we recommend to our customers
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Overall Satisfaction with IBM MaaS360
We are both a mobility reseller and a security consultancy for a large number of organizations. Specific to security, our customers have a wide list of mobile device usage requirements which present a vast array of security concerns as it relates to the protection of IP, Regulatory compliance, and control of business-focused usage during the work day.
As such, it is our job to present resolutions to these challenges, which are addressed both by written policy and the implementation of an MDM solution.
As such, it is our job to present resolutions to these challenges, which are addressed both by written policy and the implementation of an MDM solution.
Pros
- Properly configured workflows make for easy ongoing management and tweaks to the management of enrolled mobile devices
- Granular functionality which can be used to address many complex configuration requirements
- Best in Class support and product education resources by comparison to competing MDM solutions.
Cons
- In dashboard help verbiage
- Simpler customization for white label items
- Better support for windows o/s devices
- This has become a significant part of our solutions portfolio we provide to our customers.
- We have increased over all revenue derived directly from services related to IBM Security MaaS360 with Watson by 400% over the past 4 years.
- Finding the correct distributor to work with is mandatory. We had serious issues with the prior distributor as compared to our current one.
- Microsoft Endpoint Manager (Microsoft Intune + SCCM) and SOTI MobiControl
We all know the big guys are VMWare WorkSpace 1, SOTI, Mobile Iron, and Intune. There are hundreds of other MDM solutions apart from the latter. While most solutions are very comparable in functionality AND all share the same technology in order to function, the real measurable is the availability of support and ongoing education resources. These are vital for both on-boarding and then ongoing management of the solution.
Having been involved in this industry for almost 18 years, it is vitally clear IBM and the IBM Security MaaS360 with Watson solution are at the top of the list for available technical support and ongoing education. As an IBM Security Champion, I have experienced the best and the worst with about 25 MDM solutions, including IBM Security MaaS360 with Watson. For me, it has been a no-brainer selecting IBM Security MaaS360 with Watson for these reasons.
Having been involved in this industry for almost 18 years, it is vitally clear IBM and the IBM Security MaaS360 with Watson solution are at the top of the list for available technical support and ongoing education. As an IBM Security Champion, I have experienced the best and the worst with about 25 MDM solutions, including IBM Security MaaS360 with Watson. For me, it has been a no-brainer selecting IBM Security MaaS360 with Watson for these reasons.
Do you think IBM MaaS360 delivers good value for the price?
Yes
Are you happy with IBM MaaS360's feature set?
Yes
Did IBM MaaS360 live up to sales and marketing promises?
Yes
Did implementation of IBM MaaS360 go as expected?
Yes
Would you buy IBM MaaS360 again?
Yes
Using IBM MaaS360
20 - Ownership, HR, Accounting, Sales, INFOSEC, Help Desk
4 - Technical competence and ability to adjust to changes within the solution as well as ongoing changes with Android/iOS operating systems, ActiveSync Windows laptops and computers.
Comittment to maintain current knowledge of all nuances of MaaS360 based on the above comment.
Understanding of Microsoft Active Directory, Apple Business Manager, Apple APN, Active Sync, LDAP, Samsung KME program.
Understanding of Apple Business Manager/DEP enrollments and VPP program for App management
Comittment to maintain current knowledge of all nuances of MaaS360 based on the above comment.
Understanding of Microsoft Active Directory, Apple Business Manager, Apple APN, Active Sync, LDAP, Samsung KME program.
Understanding of Apple Business Manager/DEP enrollments and VPP program for App management
- Secure and protect company and client sensitive information accessed by our users' mobile devices and residing on our users' mobile devices.
- Hedge concerns over business focused usage of users' mobile devices during working hours.
- Abilty to control and manage all devices connecting to our company infrastructure.
- Location services in any MDM are never 100% consistent, but are very useful when looking for lost devices or addressing work related issues with certain employees.
- Configuring CLoud Extender has allowed us to have total visibility into knowing every mobile device accessing our Exchange environment, including those not enrolled in MaaS360
- We plan to become an MSP and turn this into an additional revenue stream by offering turnkey MDM Services for our existing customers and new prospects.
Evaluating IBM MaaS360 and Competitors
- Scalability
- Integration with Other Systems
- Ease of Use
- Other
We have individuals in our organization with years of technical and support experience with MDM solutions. The single most important factor in selecting MaaS360, is access to technical support. IBM has set themselves apart from the other major solutions by maintaining a dedicated support, sales and development team. The others have simply absorbed their MDM solutions into their products suite which effectively makes the MDM support simply another sku in the list.
Learn about access to support before testing.
IBM MaaS360 Implementation
- Implemented in-house
Yes - The first phase is the MOST IMPORTANT phase: Gaining understanding and concensus on:
1. How our employee's are using their devices to perfrom their jobs
2. The resulting security and compliance issues that exist as a result of the above
3. The logistics of enrolling devices already in the field
4. Time frames to complete deployment and enrollments.
5. New device usage plans and any resulting security/compliance that could arise
Second phase: Configuration of MaaS, complete all necessary steps for Apple Business Manager/DEP, VPP, KME and related Wireless Carrier requirements.
Third Phase: Project planning for enrollments
Fourth Phase: Conduct enrollments.
1. How our employee's are using their devices to perfrom their jobs
2. The resulting security and compliance issues that exist as a result of the above
3. The logistics of enrolling devices already in the field
4. Time frames to complete deployment and enrollments.
5. New device usage plans and any resulting security/compliance that could arise
Second phase: Configuration of MaaS, complete all necessary steps for Apple Business Manager/DEP, VPP, KME and related Wireless Carrier requirements.
Third Phase: Project planning for enrollments
Fourth Phase: Conduct enrollments.
Change management was a big part of the implementation and was well-handled - All stakeholders in the organization, IT and any person supporting MaaS360 must be invested in the project or change will be a huge issue.
- the logistics of enrolling devices for users in the field.
IBM MaaS360 Training
- Online Training
- No Training
Training is always important but hands on worked for me too. Whenever I hit a roadblock I could easily get answers using the IBM technical resources I have access to.
Configuring IBM MaaS360
Plan your roll out
Know your requirements
Know the configuration workflows
Have a consistent process to maintain the solution
Know your requirements
Know the configuration workflows
Have a consistent process to maintain the solution
Some - we have done small customizations to the interface - We branded the email notifications and the dashboard for each the customers we provide a turnkey MaaS360 solution.
No - we have not done any custom code
Learn the product before you deploy and know your requirements.
IBM MaaS360 Support
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Quick Resolution Good followup Knowledgeable team Problems get solved Kept well informed Immediate help available Support understands my problem Support cares about my success Quick Initial Response | None |
I am a partner and do not require premium support.
EVERY TIME!
There is a recent serious issue where Microsoft has begun to deprecate Basic Authentication for EAS at M365 installs. This has resulted in many of our customers losing access to email on their mobile devices.
IBM has been stellar in helping us assist our panicking customers to address the issue quickly even though the issues are out of scope as it relates to the mdm solution.
There is a recent serious issue where Microsoft has begun to deprecate Basic Authentication for EAS at M365 installs. This has resulted in many of our customers losing access to email on their mobile devices.
IBM has been stellar in helping us assist our panicking customers to address the issue quickly even though the issues are out of scope as it relates to the mdm solution.
Using IBM MaaS360
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Like to use Relatively simple Easy to use Well integrated Consistent Quick to learn Convenient Feel confident using | Requires technical support Lots to learn |
- Renewal of APN, VPP, DEP tokens/certs
- Apple Business Manager/DEP iOS device enrollments
- VPP app distribution
- OATH, MFA, 2FA Exchange email config on devices during enrollments
- Android Enterprise config
- COSU/APP lock
- Cloud Extender config
Yes, but I don't use it
IBM MaaS360 Reliability
Integrating IBM MaaS360
- IBM/Zimperium Mobile Threat Defense
We did a complete integration with IBM/ZImperium Mobile Threat Defense as part of our ongoing efforts to demonstrate best practises when securing mobile devices.
With the assistance of an IBM SE specialist, we completed the required steps in 90 minutes. Upon completing the integration we spent time understanding how to configure settings etc. and then deployed MTD to our company employees already enrolled in MaaS360. It was seamless and instantly effective as we identified several malware/application exploits which were mediated immediately
- IBM/Zimperium Mobile Threat defense-single pane of glass
We are aware IBM and Zimperium plan to create further integration to allow a single pane of glass dashboard to manage both Mobile Threat Defense and MaaS360.
We are also aware IBM and Zimperium are working on consolidating Mobile Threat Defense into the MaaS360 device app. This will make deployments very simple.
We are also aware IBM and Zimperium are working on consolidating Mobile Threat Defense into the MaaS360 device app. This will make deployments very simple.
- File import/export
- Single Signon
The key to any integration is to engage the correct resources at IBM and the vendor. IBM is incredible in terms of makeing these resources available quickly and effectively.
Relationship with IBM
Support, deployment services
Be open and flexible with your project requirements.
Communicate clearly with the vendor
Apply all recommended changes to the project plan in order to get to the finish line quicker.
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