What embedded and rugged device management means
Android is used far beyond phones. It runs on rugged handhelds, two-way radios, vehicle terminals, industrial panels and other special-purpose hardware. These devices are often called embedded devices, because Android is part of a product rather than a general-purpose phone.
They need central management for the same reasons as phones: security rules, controlled apps, updates and remote support. But they bring their own constraints. There may be no Google account, no assigned user, a small screen or no internet access.
Management at the software layer
DeepManage works at the Android software layer, so the same agent and console manage phones, tablets and embedded devices. There are two ways to bring a device under management:
- Standard enrollment: the device is enrolled as fully managed with QR code or NFC, like any company-owned device. See device enrollment.
- Built-in agent: the device maker includes DeepManage in the firmware as a system app. This suits products that ship in volume or that do not support the standard enrollment flows.
In both cases, devices can be enrolled without a user and placed in the right group automatically.
Locked to their purpose
Embedded devices usually do one job. Kiosk mode keeps them on their own app or launcher, and policies switch off the hardware and system features the device should not expose, such as USB storage, the camera or developer options.
Updates without service tools
App management installs and updates the device’s apps silently. On Android 10 and later, DeepManage can also install OTA system update packages that you deliver from the console, and a system update policy controls when updates may run. When something needs a closer look, support staff can collect logs or open a Live Control session where the device supports it.
Security and closed networks
Device integrity checks and remote lock and wipe are described on security and compliance. Many embedded fleets run in networks without internet access. DeepManage can be installed on-premises in such networks, see cloud vs on-premises MDM and deployment options.
Where it is used
Embedded and rugged Android devices are common in defense and security, mining and heavy industry, transport and logistics and energy and utilities. If you build Android-based hardware and want to include DeepManage, contact us.