Dynamic Grouping of Managed Devices for MDM Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile device management (MDM) systems rely heavily on IT administrators for device inventory management and software updates, which can be inefficient and costly, especially in large environments, as they require manual identification and targeting of devices for actions such as software installation and backup reminders.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that allows for the creation of dynamically updated groups of managed devices based on specific criteria, enabling IT administrators to perform MDM actions on groups that are automatically updated as devices check-in and provide inventory information, facilitating faster and more efficient management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If IT administrators manually manage device inventory and target devices for MDM actions, then device control and management are maintained, but the time and effort required increases significantly, especially in large environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device population into dynamic groups based on inventory criteria (e.g., devices without backups, devices needing software updates). This segmentation allows administrators to target specific subsets of devices rather than managing all devices individually, significantly reducing the time to identify and act on devices requiring MDM actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically maintaining dynamic groups of devices based on their inventory status before MDM actions are needed. Devices are pre-categorized into groups (e.g., 'devices without backup in last 30 days') so that when an administrator needs to send backup reminders or install software, the target devices are already identified and ready for action.
2Measurement precision
If IT administrators manually query device databases to identify devices for MDM actions, then accurate device targeting is achieved, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically maintaining and updating dynamic device groups based on inventory criteria without requiring administrator intervention. The server autonomously queries the device database, evaluates inventory information, and updates group memberships, eliminating the complex manual querying process while maintaining accurate device identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic groups as an intermediary layer between the device database and the administrator. Instead of directly querying the complex device database to identify target devices, administrators simply select from pre-maintained dynamic groups, which act as intermediaries that have already performed the complex identification and filtering tasks.
3Reliability
If manual device management processes are used, then comprehensive device control is maintained, but the cost and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service automation where the MDM server automatically maintains dynamic groups by querying device inventory and updating group memberships based on criteria. This automation reduces the need for manual administrator intervention while maintaining comprehensive device control, thereby reducing operational costs and resource requirements without sacrificing management reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A particular method includes generating, at a server configured to access inventory data associated with one or more managed devices, a graphical user interface (GUI) that is operable to define grouping criteria for one or more dynamic groups of managed devices. The method also includes receiving, at the server via the GUI, first grouping criteria and data identifying an action to be performed with respect to managed devices that satisfy the first grouping criteria. The first grouping criteria is based on at least second grouping criteria and a logical operator. The method further includes determining, at the server based on the inventory data, a group of managed devices that satisfy the first grouping criteria. The method includes initiating, by the server, transmission of a push notification regarding the action to each managed device in the group of managed devices.