Have you ever felt like your business's mobile devices are a wild herd, each galloping in its own direction, making security and management a chaotic nightmare? If so, you're not alone! In today's hyper-connected world, managing a fleet of smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices is no longer a luxury but a critical necessity for businesses of all sizes. And that's where Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions, like those offered by Verizon, come into play.
But before you dive headfirst into the world of MDM, one of the most pressing questions on your mind is likely: "How much does Verizon MDM cost?" It's a valid concern, as pricing can vary significantly depending on your specific needs and the scale of your operations. This comprehensive guide will break down the factors influencing Verizon MDM costs, walk you through the process of determining your needs, and help you understand what to expect.
Let's embark on this journey to tame your mobile device chaos and bring order to your digital kingdom!
Understanding Verizon MDM Costs: A Comprehensive Guide
Verizon, a leading telecommunications provider, offers Mobile Device Management solutions primarily through its Business Mobile Secure offering. This is designed to help businesses, particularly small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with active mobile workforces, protect and manage their mobile devices.
Step 1: Assessing Your Business's Mobile Device Management Needs
Before we even talk numbers, let's start with you. Take a moment to consider the following:
How many mobile devices does your business currently use? This includes smartphones, tablets, and even rugged flip phones that might be part of your mobile workforce.
What types of devices are they? Are they a mix of Android and iOS, or predominantly one platform?
What are your primary concerns regarding mobile device security and management? Are you worried about data breaches, lost devices, unauthorized app usage, or simply streamlining device setup?
Do your employees use their own devices (BYOD - Bring Your Own Device), or does the company provide them? This can significantly impact how you approach MDM.
What is your comfort level with managing IT in-house? Do you have a dedicated IT team, or are you looking for a more hands-off, managed solution?
Understanding these foundational aspects will be crucial in determining the most suitable and cost-effective Verizon MDM solution for your organization.
Step 2: Deconstructing Verizon's Core MDM Offering: Business Mobile Secure
Verizon's primary MDM solution for businesses is called Business Mobile Secure. This is often presented as a bundled service, combining mobile threat defense with mobile device management capabilities.
Sub-heading: The Per-Device, Per-Month Model
The most straightforward aspect of Verizon MDM pricing, specifically for Business Mobile Secure, is its per-device, per-month structure.
Cost: Verizon Business Mobile Secure typically costs $5 per month per license.
Coverage: One license covers one device per month. This includes smartphones and tablets.
Commitment: It's generally offered as a month-to-month service with no long-term commitment. This provides flexibility, allowing you to scale up or down as your business needs evolve.
Exclusions: It's important to note that prices listed are typically exclusive of taxes and fees. These additional charges can vary based on your location and specific services.
Sub-heading: What's Included in Business Mobile Secure?
For that $5 per device per month, you get a robust set of features designed to enhance your mobile security posture and streamline device management:
Mobile Threat Defense: This helps protect your devices from malware, online threats, and malicious content. It often integrates with security products from Verizon's technology partners, like Lookout.
Mobile Device Management (MDM) Capabilities:
Remote Management: A single portal allows you to manage devices 24/7.
Security Policies: Enforce lock screen passcodes, restrict access to specific apps or device functions (e.g., cameras, screen capture, file sharing).
Device Location & Control: Locate, lock, or even remotely wipe stolen devices to protect sensitive business data.
Compliance Monitoring: Detect devices that are out of compliance with your organization's policies or have high-risk applications.
Unified Endpoint Management (UEM): Manage, configure, and protect mobile devices running various operating systems like Android and Apple iOS.
Device Diagnostics: Access near real-time technical device data online to troubleshoot issues and minimize downtime.
Broadband Hotspot Management: For select Jetpack mobile hotspots and USB devices, you can control access profiles, policies, and settings, including setting data usage limits and restricting user changes.
Sub-heading: Integration and Setup
Verizon emphasizes ease of setup for Business Mobile Secure.
No installation or extensive IT support is typically required. You simply sign into your My Business account to access the Verizon Mobile Device Management portal.
It's a value-added service for Verizon wireless business subscribers and can be added to your existing account or a new order.
It may also be included in qualifying Business Unlimited smartphone plans, so it's worth checking your existing or potential plan details.
For deeper integration, Verizon MDM works with Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory) for enterprise single sign-on and easy configuration.
Step 3: Understanding Potential Additional Costs and Considerations
While the $5/device/month is a good baseline, several factors can influence your total cost of ownership:
Sub-heading: Taxes and Fees
As mentioned, the stated price excludes taxes and fees. These are standard telecom charges and can add a small percentage to your monthly bill. Be sure to factor these in when calculating your overall budget.
Sub-heading: Device Costs
Verizon MDM manages your devices, but it doesn't include the cost of the devices themselves. If you're purchasing new smartphones or tablets for your business, those hardware costs will be a separate, significant investment. Verizon does offer various financing options for devices, often with monthly payment plans.
Sub-heading: Data Plans and Wireless Service
Verizon MDM is often tied to Verizon's wireless business plans. You'll need active, qualified Wireless Business Internet Plans or Fios Business Internet Plans to be eligible for some of their security services, including MDM. The cost of these underlying data plans will be a major component of your overall mobile expenditure.
Sub-heading: Scalability and Volume Discounts
While the $5/device is a general guideline, for very large enterprises with hundreds or thousands of devices, it's always advisable to contact Verizon Business directly. They may offer custom pricing, volume discounts, or tiered plans that are more cost-effective at scale.
Sub-heading: Professional Services and Advanced Support
While Verizon emphasizes ease of setup, if your organization has complex deployment needs or requires extensive customization, you might opt for additional professional services from Verizon or third-party IT consultants. These would incur separate charges.
Sub-heading: Hidden Fees to Watch Out For (General Telecom Considerations)
While not specific to MDM itself, be aware of common telecom fees that can affect your overall Verizon bill:
Activation Fees: New lines might incur an activation fee (e.g., $35).
Administrative and Regulatory Fees: Monthly per-line fees to cover network maintenance and regulatory compliance (e.g., $3.50 - $3.99 per line). These are not government-mandated taxes but carrier charges.
Overage Fees: If you're on a capped data plan and exceed your limits, you could face significant overage charges (e.g., $20 per extra GB). This is less of a concern with unlimited plans but something to be mindful of.
Early Termination Fees (ETFs): If you cancel a device payment agreement early, you might need to pay the remaining balance. While Verizon has largely moved away from traditional two-year service contracts, device payment plans still carry obligations.
Restocking Fees: If you return a device, a restocking fee might apply.
Late Payment Fees: Standard charges for overdue bills.
Always review the fine print of any contract or service agreement to understand all potential charges.
Step 4: Requesting a Customized Quote from Verizon
While the $5/device/month for Business Mobile Secure provides a good estimate, the most accurate way to determine your Verizon MDM cost is to engage directly with Verizon Business.
Sub-heading: Why a Custom Quote is Essential
Tailored Solutions: Verizon's offerings can be nuanced, and a representative can help you understand how Business Mobile Secure fits into your existing Verizon services or new bundles.
Volume Pricing: If you have a large number of devices, they might be able to offer more competitive pricing.
Specific Features: You might have unique requirements that necessitate a different Verizon security or management solution beyond the basic Business Mobile Secure.
Promotions and Bundles: Verizon frequently offers promotions or bundles where MDM might be included or discounted when combined with other services like business internet or unlimited plans.
Sub-heading: How to Request a Quote
Visit the Verizon Business Website: Navigate to the "Security" or "Mobile Device Management" section.
Look for "Contact Us" or "Get a Quote": There will typically be a form to fill out or a dedicated phone number for sales inquiries.
Be Prepared with Your Needs: Have the information from Step 1 readily available (number of devices, device types, primary concerns, BYOD vs. company-owned, etc.). This will help the Verizon representative provide a more accurate and relevant quote.
Step 5: Comparing Verizon MDM to Competitors
While this post focuses on Verizon, it's always wise to compare solutions from other MDM providers. Pricing models can vary:
Per-Device Pricing: Most common, similar to Verizon.
Per-User Pricing: Some vendors charge per user, where each user can have multiple devices.
Tiered Pricing: Different levels (Essentials, Standard, Advanced, Enterprise) with more features included in higher tiers.
Some popular MDM solutions and their general pricing models (as of current knowledge, subject to change):
ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus Cloud: Often around $2.50 per device/user per month.
VMWare Workspace ONE (Mobile Essentials): Around $3.00 per device/user per month.
Microsoft Intune: Often part of Microsoft 365 plans, or around $4.00 per device/user per month standalone.
42Gears SureMDM: Around $4.00 per device/user per month.
Miradore: Around $4.00 per device/user per month.
Hexnode: Around $5.50 per device/user per month.
Esper: Around $6.00 per device/user per month.
Remember that these are approximate figures and can vary based on features, volume, and specific contract terms. Always get a direct quote from each vendor you consider.
Frequently Asked Questions about Verizon MDM Costs
Here are 10 related FAQ questions about Verizon MDM costs, starting with "How to," along with quick answers:
How to calculate the basic monthly cost of Verizon MDM?
Multiply the number of devices you need to manage by Verizon's standard Business Mobile Secure price of $5 per device per month. For example, 10 devices x $5/device = $50/month (excluding taxes and fees).
How to reduce Verizon MDM costs?
Consider bundling MDM with other Verizon business services, inquire about volume discounts for a large number of devices, and ensure you're on an appropriate wireless data plan to avoid overage fees.
How to know if Verizon MDM is included in my current Verizon business plan?
Check your existing Verizon Business Unlimited smartphone plan details or contact Verizon Business customer service directly to confirm if Business Mobile Secure is already part of your package.
How to avoid hidden fees with Verizon MDM?
Carefully review all terms and conditions of your Verizon Business contract, pay attention to administrative and regulatory charges, and ensure your data plans align with usage to prevent overage fees.
How to get a precise quote for Verizon MDM for my specific business?
Contact Verizon Business sales directly through their website or by phone. Be prepared to provide details about the number and types of devices, and your specific management needs.
How to compare Verizon MDM pricing with other MDM solutions?
Obtain detailed quotes from several MDM providers, comparing their per-device or per-user costs, included features, and any additional fees. Look for solutions that best match your budget and functionality requirements.
How to determine if Verizon MDM offers a free trial?
While Verizon offers a 30-day free trial for its network service (mobile phone service), a specific free trial for the Business Mobile Secure MDM solution is not explicitly advertised. It's best to inquire with Verizon Business directly.
How to factor in device hardware costs when budgeting for Verizon MDM?
Remember that Verizon MDM is a software/service, not the device itself. Budget separately for the purchase or financing of the smartphones, tablets, or other mobile devices you intend to manage.
How to understand the difference between Verizon MDM and general mobile security?
Verizon MDM (Mobile Device Management) focuses on managing and securing the device itself (e.g., remote wipe, policy enforcement, app control), while general mobile security (like antivirus) primarily protects against threats and malware on the device. Business Mobile Secure bundles both aspects.
How to get support for Verizon MDM if issues arise?
Verizon Business Mobile Secure typically includes support via live chat with security experts, and access to online device diagnostics through the Verizon Mobile Device Management portal.