ManageEngine to Debut iOS MDM at Mobile World Congress

ManagEngine, the IT management software provider owned by Zoho Corp., hopes to make some noise at Mobile World Congress (Feb. 27-March 1, Barcelona, Spain). Indeed, ManageEngine is set to debut its mobile device management (MDM) solution for Apple iOS (iPhone, iPad) devices at the event.

ManageEngine President Raj Sabhlok told me last week that the mobile device revolution had captured ManageEngine’s attention in a big way. And in a prepared statement on Feb. 7, Sabhlok predicted that tablet sales would “further entrench and complicate security, bandwidth use, and asset management in the enterprise.”

In response, ManageEngine is trying to help IT organizations manage the overwhelming number of mobile devices entering their networks, beginning with iOS devices. The company is extending its Desktop Central solution to mobile iOS devices, including security, asset and configuration management. ManageEngine also is extending its IT360 solution to the iPad, empowering MSPs and corporate IT administrators to manage IT infrastructures straight from the tablet. Lastly, ManageEngine will be unveiling a new user interface (UI) designed specifically for iPad users. The company plans to releases similar MDM solutions for other mobile operating systems, though no timetable has been given yet.

ManageEngine’s launch strategy seems sound. Think about it — there’s really no better place to launch an MDM solution than the World Mobile Congress, where companies will release scores of new smartphones and tablets, and MSPs and enterprise businesses will be looking for solutions to manage all of these new devices.

A growing number of MSP-centric software companies have introduced mobile device management capabilities. Two recent examples: Kaseya launched a mobile device management module in 2011, and Level Platforms is planning to offer MDM as part of its Managed Workplace 2012 launch.