Apps Admins:   Here's How to Monitor Key Activities on Managed Devices in the Google Admin Console.

One of the most useful of Google Apps new features for Admins  is the ability to monitor limited activities on company mobile devices.   Security on mobile devices has become a concern in the modern world and businesses have to be mindful of company activity to avoid data breaches. Also many company devices require certain versions of software or operating systems platforms to properly function. With mobile management you not only keep company mobile devices safe you also keep them functional. Here is a brief overview of what Google Mobile Management allows you to do as an administrator and how it makes your job easier.

What Google Mobile Management Tracks

Google Mobile Management keeps detailed information about mobile devices in the following areas:

• Mobile Application Changes: as noted above sometimes you have to keep applications running on older or specific version to ensure functionality. The newest releases may not always be the best. For example an update could break functionality with other software or company systems. An untested update can also introduce security vulnerabilities. By being able to track this you can become aware of an issue before it becomes a problem.

• Operating System Updates: much like application changes many companies do not necessarily run the latest version of the Android or iOS platform. Operating system updates can introduce many of the same issues and being able to track this is essential.

• Device Settings Changes: company devices often do not need a full range of smartphone features and may have certain settings modified or disabled. Aside from being able to track overall settings you can also track more involved aspects such as device serial number. Settings tracking can be essential for security in cases involving lost or stolen hardware.

Google Mobile Management Key Features

Google Mobile management has several features that not only keep you company safe but also make management of mobile devices easier. Features include:

• Cross Platform: Google’s Mobile Management is cross platform and allows you to track both Android and iOS devices from a single centralized control panel

• Reporting: you can search detailed reports using a variety of search criteria and also set up alerts for events involving specific users.
  
  

• Software Control: you can easily whitelist specific Google Apps and distribute them to all mobile devices from your control panel. Plus you can also set up a private software store for Android devices giving users easy access to approved (and essential) apps.

• Push Settings: once a device is added to Google’s Mobile Management you can easily push configuration settings such as company WiFi and email directly to the device allowing for quick and easy setup.
  
  

• Long Distance Control: via your control panel you can wipe the device and restore it to its default settings. In severe cases (i.e. theft) you can block a device from your company network completely removing all access to your company’s shared data.

• Portable: if you re away from your computer the Admin app allows you to manage devices via your Android or iOS device.
  
  

• Android Features: specifically include complete device control allowing you to control network access, location tracking, data transfer (USB, SD Cards, etc.), and sideloading of apps.
  
  

• iOS Features: specifically include iCloud control, calendar/contact control, encryption, Google App integration, and Apple Push Certificate for further security.

Google Apps New Features Activity Monitoring: Conclusion

As you can see Google Apps new features updating of mobile device management brings with it several useful features. These updates have made devices safer and more stable for end users. These changes also allow access to more powerful and easier to use management tools for administrators.