Open Source MDM vs Commercial MDM: Which is The Right Fit?

In today's fast-paced business environment, mobile devices play a vital role in executing various tasks. Therefore, organizations heavily rely on them, making it essential to manage, monitor, and secure these devices effectively. According to Statista, in 2022, there were approximately 6.6 billion smartphone users worldwide, and Android devices accounted for over 70% of the global market share.

To address the challenges of managing mobile devices, Mobile Device Management (MDM) has gained traction. There are currently two solutions available: open source MDM and commercial MDM. In this article, we will explore the benefits of both solutions to help you choose the right MDM for your organization.

Part 1. Getting to Know Open Source MDM

Open source MDM solutions belong to a specific category of open source software that manages an organization's mobile devices. Notably, open source software has publicly accessible source code that developers and users can access, modify, and distribute freely. Collaboration is at the heart of open source software development, and a community of developers can contribute to the project by improving the program and adding new features based on user feedback.

As a popular alternative to commercial, proprietary MDM technologies, Open Source MDM solutions offer distinct features that set them apart. In the following section, we will take a closer look at some of the core features of Open Source MDM.

How Open Source MDM Differs from Commercial MDM Solutions

1. Features and Functionality:

Open-source mobile device management tools provide greater flexibility and customization options due to their accessible source code, which allows organizations to tailor solutions to their specific needs. On the other hand, commercial MDM solutions often come with many features and integrations, providing comprehensive device management capabilities.

2. Scalability and Performance:

Open Source MDM solutions can scale to meet the needs of organizations of varying sizes. However, achieving performance and stability similar to commercial MDM products may require more effort and resources from organizations. In contrast, commercial MDM vendors heavily invest in research and development to ensure their products can handle large numbers of devices, provide high performance, and remain stable under heavy loads.

3. Vendor Support and SLAs:

Open-source mobile device management tools benefit from community support, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among users. Therefore, open-source communities can provide valuable expertise and responsiveness driven by shared goals and experiences. On the other hand, commercial MDM vendors may offer dedicated customer support and service level agreements (SLAs) to ensure timely issue resolution and minimize downtime.

4. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO):

Open Source MDM solutions offer cost savings through lower licensing and subscription fees, making them appealing to budget-conscious organizations. However, it is important to consider the total cost of ownership, including implementation, customization, maintenance, and support costs. Commercial MDM solutions may have higher initial costs but are often more predictable and fixed in comparison.

Part 2. Who Should Consider Using Open Source MDM?

Open Source MDM solutions can be ideal for organizations with specific needs and resources:

• Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs):With limited budgets, SMBs can benefit from the cost-effectiveness and flexibility of open-source mobile device management.

• Organizations with In-house Development Expertise:Companies with skilled development teams can leverage Open Source MDM for customization and control.

• Companies with Specific Security or Compliance Requirements:These organizations can benefit from the transparency and control of open-source mobile device management.

Part 3. Benefits of Open Source MDM for Android Devices

Open Source MDM solutions can offer specific advantages for managing Android devices, thanks to the platform's openness and flexibility:

Customization:

With Open Source MDM solutions, businesses and developers can customize the software to suit their needs. This allows them to create a tailored solution that is compatible with their Android device ecosystem and management requirements.

Community-driven Support:

Organizations can access numerous community-driven resources, including documentation, forums, and community support. This can be particularly helpful for troubleshooting device-specific issues and staying informed about best practices for managing Android devices.

Cost-effectiveness:

Open-source mobile device management tools are free or at significantly lower prices. The main reason behind the affordability of these tools is the open-source software philosophy, which allows users to access, modify, and distribute the source code without any licensing fees or restrictions.

Flexibility:

Open Source MDM solutions offer greater flexibility, as organizations can tailor the software to meet their specific requirements. This can lead to a more efficient MDM solution optimized for the organization's unique needs.

Transparency:

As the source code is publicly accessible, this allows organizations to review the code for potential security vulnerabilities and address them proactively. Additionally, the collaborative nature of open-source development ensures that vulnerabilities are often discovered and fixed faster than in closed-source software.

AirDroid Business: MDM Buyer's Guide

Download Free Guide

If you want deeper insights into what is MDM, take a look at our MDM beginner's guide. It’s loaded with detailed information to help you make the best decision for your organization's needs.

Part 4. What's the Catch for Implementing Open Source MDM?

While Open Source MDM solutions offer several benefits, there are potential drawbacks that organizations should consider before implementation:

Limited Support

Open-source mobile device management tools typically rely on community-driven support, which can be inconsistent and may provide a different level of expertise or responsiveness than dedicated customer support offered by commercial MDM vendors.

Potential Security Risks

Although Open Source MDM solutions provide transparency through publicly available source code, ensuring security often falls on the organization implementing the solution. Companies must proactively review and update the software to mitigate security vulnerabilities.

Lack of Comprehensive Features

Open-source mobile device management solutions offer a different breadth of features and integrations than commercial alternatives, potentially requiring additional customization or third-party tools to achieve comparable functionality.

Implementation Challenges

Deploying and configuring an Open Source MDM solution can be more complex and time-consuming than implementing a commercial product, particularly for organizations without in-house technical expertise.

Part 5. Top Open Source MDM Solutions

Choosing the right Open Source MDM solution can significantly impact an organization's ability to manage and secure its Android devices effectively. To help in the decision-making process, we have compiled a list of top open-source mobile device management tools, each offering unique features and benefits:

Flyve MDM

Flyve MDM is an open-source mobile device management solution focusing on ease of use and flexibility. It offers a user-friendly interface and provides essential MDM features such as remote device control, application management, and security policy enforcement. Flyve MDM can be a self-hosted MDM or used as a cloud-based service, offering flexibility for organizations of all sizes.

Headwind MDM

Headwind MDM is an open-source Android device management solution that supports both on-premises and cloud deployments. It offers remote configuration, application management, device monitoring, and location tracking features. Headwind MDM is particularly suitable for organizations that manage custom Android devices or specific device types, such as kiosks and digital signage.

Miradore

Miradore is a cloud-based MDM solution with a free version that offers essential MDM features for Android devices. While not entirely open-source, Miradore's free tier provides device enrollment, application management, and security policy enforcement. The paid version adds advanced features such as remote wipe, location tracking, and detailed reporting.

OneMDM

OneMDM is an Open Source MDM solution focused on Android device management. It provides essential features such as device enrollment, application management, and security policy enforcement. OneMDM is particularly suited for organizations with a strong focus on Android devices and in-house development expertise, as it requires some technical knowledge to set up and configure.

ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus

ManageEngine offers a free edition of its Mobile Device Manager Plus software, which supports up to 25 devices. While not entirely open source, the free version provides essential MDM features, such as device enrollment, application management, and security policy enforcement for Android devices. The paid version offers additional features and scalability for larger organizations.

Part 6. MDM vs Open Source MDM: Which Solution is Best for You?

Choosing between commercial MDM solutions and Open Source MDM solutions can be challenging. Organizations should carefully consider various factors to determine the best fit for their needs. The table below compares commercial MDM and open-source mobile device management tools based on standard criteria:

Criteria	Commercial MDM	Open Source MDM
Budget	Licensing fees and subscription costs	Lower or no upfront costs; potential hidden TCO
Customization	Limited customization options	Greater flexibility and customization options
Technical Expertise	Typically user friendly, with less expertise required	May require in-house expertise for customization and support
Security Requirements	Vendor-managed security; regular updates	Responsibility for security falls on the organization; proactive measures required
Support and Maintenance	Dedicated customer support and SLAs	Community-driven support; may be inconsistent
Organizational Size and Scale	Designed for scalability and performance	May require additional effort to scale

Part 7. Conclusion

In conclusion, Open Source MDM solutions are a promising alternative to commercial MDM solutions when it comes to mobile device management, particularly for Android devices. They offer benefits such as cost-effectiveness, customization, rapid development cycles, and community-driven support that can be valuable for small and medium-sized businesses, startups, and educational or non-profit institutions.

By embracing the flexibility and innovation of Open Source MDM solutions, organizations can tailor their mobile device management approach to suit their unique needs and requirements. However, organizations must consider potential disadvantages such as limited support, security risks, and implementation challenges when deciding on an Open Source MDM solution.

FAQs

How can I get support for Open Source MDM?

Maverick

Support for Open Source MDM solutions typically comes from community-driven resources such as forums, documentation, and mailing lists. Organizations can also seek assistance from fellow users and developers within the open-source community. Some open-source mobile device management providers may offer paid support plans for businesses that require dedicated, professional support. Additionally, organizations with in-house technical expertise can leverage their internal resources for troubleshooting, customization, and maintenance.

What are the security considerations with Open Source MDM?

Maverick

Open Source MDM solutions provide transparency through publicly available source code, allowing organizations to assess and address potential security vulnerabilities. However, the responsibility of ensuring security falls on the implementing organization. Companies should proactively review and update the software, apply security patches, and monitor for potential threats. When selecting an open-source mobile device management solution, it is important to consider data privacy regulations and compliance requirements.

Can Open Source MDM be used for commercial purposes?

Maverick

Yes, Open Source MDM solutions can be used for commercial purposes. Most open-source software is released under licenses that permit use, modification, and distribution for personal and commercial applications. However, reviewing the specific license terms and conditions of the chosen open-source mobile device management solution is crucial to ensure compliance with the licensing requirements. Organizations may need to contribute to the open-source community by sharing improvements or modifications made to the software.