App update management is a critical part of maintaining security and operational efficiency within an organization. ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus (MDM) offers a structured way to automate or control app updates across multiple devices. In this guide, we will explore step-by-step how to implement app update policies using ManageEngine MDM.
Step 1: Access the MDM Console
Log into the ManageEngine MDM dashboard using your admin credentials. The dashboard provides you with the tools needed to manage devices, apps, and update policies.
- Navigation: Go to the App Update Policy option in the App Management section in the sidebar to begin configuring update policies.
Step 2: Create a New Update Policy
Click on the App Update Policies under App Management, then choose the option to create a new policy. You will need to name the policy that describes its purpose. This will help organize policies for different devices or user groups.
- Example: If you're creating a policy for employees in the Sales department using Android devices, name the policy accordingly.
Step 3: Choose Update Mode (Automatic vs. Manual Approval)
ManageEngine MDM allows flexibility in how updates are deployed. You can either:
- Automatic Updates: This setting automatically approves and pushes app updates as soon as they are available. Ideal for non-critical applications where downtime from updates is minimal.
- Manual Approval: Here, you can review app updates individually before they are deployed, which is useful for business-critical apps or during large-scale rollouts where thorough testing is required.
Step 4: Schedule App Updates
Scheduling is essential to ensure that updates don't interrupt users during peak work hours.
- Immediate Deployment: The app will update as soon as the update is approved or available.
- Scheduled Window: You can select specific times and days when updates should be deployed (e.g., outside of office hours). This is especially useful for organizations that cannot afford downtime during business-critical periods.
You can configure the schedule for daily, weekly, or monthly updates.
Step 5: Select Target Apps and Devices
Next, determine which apps the policy will apply to and which devices should receive the updates. MDM allows you to differentiate between:
- All Apps: Includes all the apps in the app repository.
- Enterprise Apps: Custom-built apps developed internally for organizational use.
- Store Apps: Applications downloaded from platforms like the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Windows Store.
You can also select specific device groups, departments, or user categories that the update policy will affect. This allows for granular control over different device sets, ensuring that critical apps for certain teams are always up-to-date.
Step 6: Syncing with App Stores
Ensure that the app data in MDM is up-to-date by syncing with relevant app stores or repositories. This ensures that the latest versions of public apps are always available for update, avoiding any gaps in functionality.
- For store apps, syncing with Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Microsoft Store ensures you’re deploying the most current versions.
- For enterprise apps, syncing with your internal app repository ensures that your custom apps are updated when new features or security patches are released.
Conclusion
Using ManageEngine MDM's app update policies, IT admins can ensure that all devices within the organization have up-to-date apps, reducing security vulnerabilities while maintaining operational efficiency. Whether it’s scheduling updates during non-business hours, manually approving critical updates, or automating them for non-essential apps, the flexibility of ManageEngine MDM provides an all-encompassing solution for app lifecycle management.
By following these detailed steps, you can configure and manage app updates tailored to the unique needs of your organization.
For more information, visit the official ManageEngine MDM App Update Policies page.
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