Before You Sign That MDM Contract: Why Growing Companies Should Consider an MSP

As your company grows, managing a fleet of mobile devices quickly becomes a complex and resource-intensive challenge. Security, compliance, user support, and efficient onboarding are just a few of the issues that can overwhelm a small IT team or business leader. Many organizations, eager to solve these problems, look to Mobile Device Management (MDM) vendors for help. But before you sign an expensive contract with a company that only focuses on MDM, it is important to consider your options, especially the advantages of working with a Managed Service Provider (MSP). 

The Real Challenges of MDM in a Growing Business 

Mobile devices are now essential for productivity, remote work, and customer engagement. But as your device count rises, so do the challenges: 

• Complexity: Managing multiple device types, operating systems, and user profiles can drain your IT resources. 

• Security: Without centralized control, data breaches and compliance risks increase. 

• User Experience: Employees expect seamless onboarding, app deployment, and support. Delays hurt productivity. 

Many companies discover that their internal IT team spends more time configuring, troubleshooting, and tracking devices than focusing on strategic projects. 

The Drawbacks of Single-Focus MDM Vendors 

Specialized MDM vendors offer powerful tools, but they often come with high costs and limited scope: 

• Expensive Contracts: Many MDM solutions require long-term, per-device contracts that add up quickly as your team grows. From experience, we know that if you sign a contract with one of the big MDM companies, that contract could be the same price or even more expensive than working with an MSP. With an MSP, you receive MDM plus a full suite of IT services for a similar or lower investment. 

• Narrow Focus: These vendors solve device management, but often do not address broader IT needs like cybersecurity, cloud management, or compliance. 

• Hidden Costs: You may end up buying additional services a la carte, like support, licensing, or integration, at a premium, without realizing these could be bundled elsewhere. 

Why an MSP Is the Smarter Choice 

A Managed Service Provider offers a holistic approach to IT management, with MDM as just one part of a comprehensive suite of services. Here is why partnering with an MSP often makes more sense for growing companies: 

1. All-in-One Solutions

MSPs handle not just MDM, but also cybersecurity, compliance, cloud services, help desk support, and more. This means you get centralized management for all your IT needs, not just mobile devices. 

2. Cost Savings and Flexibility

Instead of paying for each service separately, MSPs typically offer predictable, bundled pricing. This saves you money and makes it easier to scale as your business grows. 

3. Expertise and Support

MSPs bring a team of experts with experience across multiple IT domains. They can help you choose, implement, and manage the right MDM solution for your environment, while also providing 24/7 support and proactive monitoring. 

4. Security and Compliance

With an MSP, you get robust security policies, remote wipe capabilities, and compliance management across all devices, not just mobile phones. This is essential for industries with strict regulatory requirements. 

5. Future-Proofing Your IT

MSPs can adapt your IT strategy as your needs evolve. Whether you add new locations, expand your remote workforce, or adopt new technologies, an MSP ensures your device management keeps pace with your business. 

Real-World Example: Avoiding the A La Carte Trap 

We often see companies sign up with a dedicated MDM vendor, only to realize later they need additional services, like file management, licensing, or advanced security. Buying these services separately can quickly become expensive and complicated. With an MSP, these services are typically included in a comprehensive, integrated package, saving you time, money, and headaches. 

Key Takeaway 

Before you commit to a costly contract with a single-focus MDM provider, take a step back and consider the bigger picture. An MSP can deliver MDM as part of a broader, more flexible IT solution, helping you manage devices, secure your data, and support your team as you grow. 

If you are evaluating MDM solutions or want to learn how an MSP can simplify your IT management, reach out to Fluid IT Services. We help growing companies in Dallas-Fort Worth get the most value from their technology investments, without unnecessary contracts or hidden fees. 

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