SureMDM Mobile Device Manager - DISCONTINUATION

Context

We are sunsetting SureMDM (Mobile Device Manager) and the use of SureLock. This article explains when and why this is happening.

PLEASE NOTE: in order to remove SureMDM/SureLock from your Tablet, you must first have the permission to do so. Check this article to find out how to obtain it.

When does it happen?

From the 1st of September, we will no longer use SureLock on the Tablets that you use in your business.

Please note: this means that you have to close/exit SureLock on your Tablet MANUALLY. This is how to do it:

Manual SureLock deactivation

1. Press the 'home' button on your Tablet and you will see a screen similar to this one:
   
   
   
2. Click 5 times in the middle of the screen
   
3. You will see a password field appearing
   
   
   
4. Now, enter this password: 6368
5. Once you do it, you will be in the SureLock Admin Settings
6. Scroll all the way down and click on Exit SureLock
   
   
   
7. Confirm the action by clicking on Exit button
   
   

PLEASE NOTE: Once you exit and unistall SureMDM / SureLock from your Tablet, you need to switch from a Google account that was dedicated to SureMDM exclusively to a Google account you create yourself. As this is a 3rd party account, you may check this article to find out how to add or remove it.

Transition details

• Communication: Starting from the 1st of September, we will make sure we communicate that change through various channels, so that you're properly informed.
• Support: we will always be available to help you with the transition process, including setting up devices through the Google Play Store and answering any related queries. New articles and training materials will be created to help you as well
• Phased discontinuation: SureMDM will be gradually phased out. There will be a grace period, allowing you to complete the transition and understand the new device deployment process

Reasons

This is why we decided to no longer implement SureMDM/SureLock on your Tablets:

Device Ownership and Support

SureMDM is a reliable Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution for managing devices you don't own. However, as our organization expanded, we noticed an increase in personally owned devices used for work purposes. Supporting these devices became a significant challenge, as we do not have direct control over their hardware and software configurations.

Manufacturer Responsibility

Manufacturers have a deep understanding of their devices and release updates, security patches, and optimizations, but they are tailored to their specific hardware and software. By using SureMDM for not owned devices, we might be at risk of interfering with essential manufacturer-provided updates, leading to potential device instability - and that can lead to reducing your experience as the User.

Cost Efficiency

As an organization, we continuously seek opportunities to optimize our operations - the more optimized we are, the better we can serve you. Maintaining an MDM platform to manage a diverse range of devices wasn't in line with that. By shifting away from SureMDM, we can allocate our resources more effectively, benefiting core business objectives and supporting you even better than before.

What happens next

Opening the Tablet App to Google Play Store

Going forward, our Tablet App will be available on the Google Play Store. This move will enable you to access the app from various Android devices, expanding the range of supported Tablets! You will have the freedom to choose devices that best suit you and your needs, helping with productivity and satisfaction.

To learn more, check this article.

Enhanced Device Enrollment Process

With the integration of the Google Play Store, device enrollment will become simpler and quicker. You can easily download the Tablet App, sign in with your credentials, and have immediate access to the required tools and resources!

Cost-Effective Device Management

When you leverage the native management features of Android and use any of Google's enterprise solutions you see fit for your business, you can significantly reduce the overall cost of device management while ensuring a seamless User experience. This means we will no longer manage your device or charge for it.

Please note: Tablets will no longer be in Kiosk Mode / restricted. You can enforce that using the tools at your disposal if you want to restrict your devices.