MaaS 360

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Maas360.jpg
MaaS 360
Developer(s) IBM
Initial release2 June 1991;32 years ago (1991-06-02)
Operating system iOS, macOS, iPadOS, Android, Microsoft Windows, ChromeOS
Platform Cross-platform
Type Unified Endpoint Management(UEM
Enterprise Mobile Management (EMM)
Mobile Device Management (MDM)
License Subscription per managed client device per month
Website www.ibm.com/products/maas360

IBM MaaS360 is a SaaS Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) solution offered by IBM that manages and protects any existing endpoint including laptops, desktops, mobile devices and apps, wearables, IoT and purpose built devices and allow protected, low risk access to company resources. IBM Security MaaS360 with Watson [1] integrates [2] with current security platforms owned by different companies. It’s AI powered analytics removes friction by reducing actions required from the device user.

Contents

Some of the main capabilities of the product include complete UEM with coverage across all endpoints including laptops, desktops, mobile devices and purpose built devices. 

MaaS360 also enables co-existence [2] with traditional client management tools (CMT) for laptops/desktops and its platform provides integration [2] with leading IT systems, eliminating the need add-on investments. From a security point of view, MaaS360 is noted to provide unified security for major operating system such as Apple iOS, macOS, iPadOS, Google Android, and Microsoft Windows.

During September 2022, the MaaS360 team has announced enhanced threat management capabilities that can detect and automate response and remediation on across essentially all apps and devices, with the purpose to provide expanded security detection, prevention, and response.

History

MaaS360 was first developed by Fiberlink Communications. Fiberlink Communications was started in 1991. [3] [4] The company was known for managing laptops in the cloud until developing MaaS360. In 2013, [5] [6] IBM bought Fiberlink for $375 million. [7] This allowed IBM to integrate a Mobile Device Management solution into their IBM MobileFirst product line [8]

Technology

MaaS360 [9] was originally offered only as a Cloud-Hosted solution. Since IBM MaaS360 uses a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model, the software resides on IBM's BlueMix cloud platform. It has multi-tenancy allowing for all types of businesses and organizations to use the software from their web based login portal. MaaS360 has a "cloud extender" plugin allowing a corporate Active Directory server to integrate all of a user's normal login credentials. The MaaS360 SaaS architecture is cloud-based and the MaaS360 portal is managed by one of four IBM data centers.

The MaaS360 Portal supports portal administration functions, device management, software distributions, policy self-service, and device compliance functions.

Users can select the MaaS360 features that address the relevant security and productivity requirements for Apps and content, people and identity, and devices and things.

Endpoint management with SaaS architecture

Container architecture

Endpoint and mobile security

Deployment scenarios

BYOD: BYOD, or bring your own device, encourages the use of personal devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops, and wearables) to access company data from anywhere.

Corporate owned:

Kiosk/Single use:

Enrollment programs

Self enrollment

iOS :

Android Enterprise:

Microsoft Windows :

Samsung KME

Authentication methods

Active Directory (AD)/ Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP):

Local users passcodes

One-time passcode

Secure authentication:

Supported versions and system requirements

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References

  1. "IBM Security MaaS360 with Watson". IBM Security. 27 January 2023. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
  2. 1 2 3 "IBM MaaS360 integrations". IBM MaaS360 integrations. 27 January 2023. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
  3. Heary, Jamey (30 December 2012). "Mobile Device Management Spotlight: Fiberlink MaaS360". Network World. Retrieved 2 July 2017.
  4. Dheap, Vijay (27 January 2023). "IBM to Acquire Fiberlink: What It Means for Mobile Security". Security Intelligence. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
  5. DiStefano, Joseph. "IBM buys Fiberlink for $375 million (Update)". Philly.com. Philadelphia Media Network (Digital), LLC. Retrieved 2 July 2017.
  6. "IBM Mobile security solutions". IBM Mobile. 27 January 2023. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
  7. "IBM Unified Endpoint Management". IBM Unified Endpoint Management. 27 January 2023. Retrieved 27 January 2023.