MDM (mobile device management) software is a must for enterprises and educational institutions. Without it, central device management would not be possible.
For enterprises, MDM software is useful for deploying apps and updates remotely to all devices, locking down distracting features, and curating a custom interface.
For educational institutions, the software is particularly useful for curating tailored experiences, monitoring VR/AR use from a central location, and restricting student access to specific features or apps.
That said, there are three big MDM players in the VR space: ArborXR, ManageXR, and Meta’s updated MDM.
ArborXR, ManageXR, and MHMS: Major Features
All three MDM solutions offer similar features, but there are differences and use cases to keep in mind.
Tailored Interface:
- ArborXR: Customize the home page at launch and restrict/remove access to certain features/apps
- ManageXR: Create and lock the device to a customized home environment
- MHMS: Limited customization. Restrict experiences and app usage, and personalize device settings
Monitoring:
- ArborXR: Monitor all headset/screen usage in real-time
- ManageXR: Monitor all headset/screen usage in real-time
- MHMS: Limited monitoring. Review device statuses in the admin center
Kiosk Mode:
- ArborXR: Limit device usage to a single app
- ManageXR: Limit device usage to a single app/video
- MHMS: Limit device usage to a single app
App Deployment:
- ArborXR: Add, update, or remove content across multiple headsets
- ManageXR: Add, update, or remove content across multiple headsets
- MHMS: Add, update, or remove content across multiple headsets
User Interface:
- ArborXR: Designed for IT users and large organizations
- ManageXR: Designed for nontechnical users and smaller organizations
- MHMS: Flexible for larger and smaller organizations
Based on the above chart, MHMS may not seem like an appealing choice; however, it is designed to give enterprises and educational institutions a MDM solution to cover more basic needs while allowing for advanced MDM features if desired, through third-party providers.
In other words, MDMS users can add other MDM solutions, including ArborXR and ManageXR, to gain access to more advanced features.
Mobile Device Management Licenses Offered
ArborXR offers a three-tiered monthly/yearly subscription for businesses and a reduced subscription price for educational institutions. These licenses are offered on a per-device basis.
Business:
- Starter: $84/yearly or $8/monthly
- Essential: $120/yearly or $12/monthly
- Enterprise: Custom Pricing
Education:
- Starter: $4/monthly
- Essential: $6/monthly
- Enterprise: Custom Pricing
ManageXR offers a near identical pricing structure for their licenses:
Business:
- Starter: $84/yearly or $8/monthly
- Essential: $120/yearly or $12/monthly
- Enterprise: Custom Pricing
Education:
- Starter: $7/monthly
- Essential: $10/monthly
- Enterprise: Custom Pricing
Meta Horizon Managed Services comes with a purchase of a Meta Quest 3(s) for the first two years. Education customers can buy lifetime access (*lifetime of the device) for an additional $100 on top of their headset purchase. Enterprise customers receive custom pricing.
Of the three, MHMS is the most affordable but also offers the least amount of features. For those wanting more advanced MDM features, other third-party MDM integrations can be added, but at an additional cost to the existing MHMS license.
ArborXR and ManageXR essentially offer the same features in each tier (with only minor differences).
Final Thoughts: Best Use Cases of ArborXR, ManageXR, and MHMS
While ArborXR and ManageXR are very similar, ArborXR is primarily for larger enterprises and supports bulk enrollment of devices. It is also designed with IT teams in mind. ManageXR, on the other hand, has quick and easy enrollment options and a friendly and simplified user interface made for nontechnical users.
That said, for large businesses that need MDM software to control devices across departments and use cases, ArborXR is a great option, allowing IT teams to set up and customize experiences based on each department’s use cases.
ManageXR, while it can be used for larger businesses, offers smaller businesses or institutions an easy solution to manage devices, regardless of technical expertise. It is ideal for those new to MDM solutions but still need access to advanced features.
MHMS is best for more well-defined and simple use cases. Features like casting, for example, allow for a user to cast their screen across devices, making it perfect for those giving a presentation.
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