As businesses adopt more cloud apps and mobile apps, securing and managing them gets trickier.
That’s where app management software comes in. But not all platforms are created equal. Let’s explore the must-have features to allow you to support apps with less hassle.
Core Capabilities
At its heart, app management software centralizes visibility and control:
- Discover apps in use across your business
- Enforce policies to secure access
- Analyze usage to optimize investments
This creates a single source of truth to rein in your app ecosystem. But how is this achieved under the hood? Let’s break it down.
Key Features and Functionality
App Catalog
A catalog of sanctioned apps forms the foundation. Look for these catalog capabilities:
- Integration with identity provider: Support single sign-on (SSO) through providers like Okta or Azure AD
- Self-service access: Let employees browse and access allowed apps
- Custom metadata: Enrich with descriptions, owners, compliance details, etc.
| Feature | Description | Benefit |
| Identity integration | Connect with identity providers | Enables SSO access |
| Self-service portal | App “store” for employees | Improves discoverability |
| Custom metadata | Add descriptions, tags, etc. | Informs access decisions |
Usage Analytics
Analytics reveal who is using what and how often. Critical analytics functions include:
App usage dashboards User activity monitoring Custom reports
With quality analytics, you gain visibility to optimize app spending and enhance data-driven decisions.
Policy Enforcement
Policies allow control over app access and behaviors. Robust policy engines let you:
- Set access rules based on attributes like user group, device type, IP range, etc.
- Enforce session controls by limiting access duration, idle timeouts, etc.
- Revoke access instantly for non-compliant users
| Policy Type | Examples | Outcomes |
| Access rules | Role-based access, location rules | Improves security posture |
| Session controls | Timeout durations, login scheduling | Reduces risk |
| Real-time revocation | For policy violations | Swift remediation |
Secondary Functionality
While not must-haves, extra capabilities can amplify an app management platform. Nice-to-have features include:
- Automated app discovery to detect shadow IT
- No-code workflows to configure access and governance recipes
- Risk scoring using attributes like encryption status to prioritize actions
- Lifecycle automation to trigger policy changes on events like employee departures
Key Benefits
Now that you know what defines app management software, what benefits can you expect?
Increased Visibility
- Catalog all apps in use
- Reveal who accesses what and when
- Track usage trends over time
Enhanced Security
- Control access by policy
- Limit unsafe behaviors
- Respond quickly to threats
Improved Productivity
- Guide employees to approved apps
- Cut redundant spending on duplicates
- Right-size investments based on usage
Reduced Risk
- Set controls beyond identity
- Curb excessive access privileges
- Get alerted to suspicious activity
Buying Considerations
Keep these factors in mind when evaluating your options:
Cloud-based or on-premises- Cloud platforms enable faster deployment with less IT overhead. But highly regulated organizations may require an on-premises solution.
Pre-built integrations- APIs that connect with your existing identity and productivity ecosystems can accelerate time-to-value.
Ease of use- Seek UIs tailored for varying personas like end users, admins, and executives. The solution should facilitate work, not hinder it.
Customer support- Look for responsive, high-touch support – especially during onboarding and change management.
Price structure- Pricing may involve flat fees, tiered plans based on features or user counts, or even consumption-based billing.
Ready for Smarter App Management?
As your app landscape grows more complex, overseeing it gets harder without automation in place. App management software makes it easier.
Armed with this overview of key features, capabilities, and buying considerations, you’re ready to streamline app support and secure sanctioned apps. So when you’re ready to rein things in, you’ll know what to look for.
