VMware Inc. is introducing a lightweight version of its enterprise mobile device management (MDM) cloud suite that’s designed to get basic management, security and installation functionality up and running in just a few minutes through the use of a series of repeatable templates.

AirWatch Express, which formally launches today, is targeted at small and midsize businesses that need to protect and control employees’ mobile devices, but don’t have extensive IT staff to do so. “This enables customers to get the top essential features of MDM at an affordable price without adding the typical complexity of our more robust, enterprise-grade solution,” said Blake Brannon, vice president of product marking at VMware AirWatch.

The Verizon 2016 Data Breach Investigations Report found that the three most common types of mobile security breach incidents were the result of configuration or end-user issues. AirWatch Express is designed to protect against those common oversights. VMware also offers a variety of more advanced MDM bundles for businesses with large, global workforces or unique security or privacy needs.

The suite supports Apple iOS, MacOS, Android and Windows 10 devices. It features a wizard-driven interface that walks users through the setup process and explains each step required to choose applications, policies and groups.

Users create “blueprints” that can be saved and applied across different groups. Blueprints include the types of platforms and applications that the company supports as well as device configuration and security profiles.

Application selected is integrated with the Apple, Google and Windows app stores, and apps can be set to install automatically or on-demand through a self-service catalog. Administrators can configure settings for automatic device connection to email and approved Wi-Fi access points, as well as set up Microsoft Exchange native email clients and directory-based authentication.

A variety of security and recovery features are included. Administrators can allow or disallow such functions as screen capture, copy/paste between applications, SD cards, unmanaged use of managed documents and encryption on the mobile device. They can also remotely lock, locate and wipe enterprise data from the device, create passcode policies based on factors like length, complexity and number of failed attempts and enable or disable Bluetooth, the camera and specific applications. Once in the field, user activity can be monitored using dashboards that show security status, last-seen status and platforms in use.

AirWatch Express starts at $2.50 per device.

Image courtesy VMware