AirWatch

AirWatch is a prominent enterprise mobility management platform that enables organizations to securely deploy, manage, and support a wide range of mobile devices, applications, and content. Initially developed as an independent company, it became a cornerstone of VMware's end-user computing portfolio following a major acquisition. The platform is designed to address the challenges of the bring your own device trend and corporate-owned mobile deployments across various industries.

Overview

The platform provides a comprehensive suite for managing smartphones, tablets, and laptops across operating systems like iOS, Android, Windows 10, and macOS. Its core functionality centers on mobile device management, but it has expanded into unified endpoint management, encompassing application and content management. This allows IT administrators to enforce security policies, configure settings over-the-air, and distribute software from a centralized web console. Companies use it to ensure corporate data remains secure on devices used for both personal and professional purposes, a concept known as containerization.

History

The company was founded in Atlanta by John Marshall and Alan Dabbiere. It grew rapidly during the early 2010s as the proliferation of iPhone and iPad devices in the workplace created urgent demand for management solutions. In a landmark deal in 2014, the virtualization giant VMware announced its acquisition of the company for approximately $1.54 billion, one of its largest purchases at the time. Following the acquisition, the platform was integrated into the VMware Workspace ONE digital workspace platform, though it continues to be offered as a standalone product. The original founders remained influential, with Dabbiere later becoming chairman of VMware End-User Computing.

Features and capabilities

Key features include robust mobile application management, which allows for the creation of a curated enterprise app catalog and the wrapping of applications with additional security policies. Its mobile content management component enables secure file sharing and synchronization through integrations with storage platforms like Microsoft SharePoint and OneDrive. The platform supports detailed compliance reporting and real-time monitoring of device health and security status. Advanced capabilities include identity-driven access controls, integration with single sign-on providers, and sophisticated geofencing for location-based policy enforcement.

Architecture and deployment

The system is built on a scalable, multi-tenant architecture hosted in global data centers operated by VMware. Organizations can choose between a fully cloud-hosted software as a service model or an on-premises deployment for environments with stringent data residency requirements. The platform uses lightweight agent software installed on enrolled devices to communicate with the management server. This architecture supports massive deployments across multinational corporations, government agencies, and educational institutions like the University of California system, allowing for hierarchical administration and role-based access control.

Security and compliance

Security is a foundational pillar, employing strong encryption for data both in transit and at rest. The platform helps organizations comply with major regulatory frameworks such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, and the General Data Protection Regulation. It facilitates compliance through features like automated policy enforcement, remote lock and wipe commands, and detailed audit logs. Certifications from independent bodies like the International Organization for Standardization and SOC 2 audits further validate its security controls. Integration with Microsoft Intune and other security tools is also supported for layered defense strategies.

Competitors and market position

Within the competitive landscape of enterprise mobility management, it faces direct competition from Microsoft Intune, IBM MaaS360, Citrix Endpoint Management, and MobileIron, which was later acquired by Ivanti. Its integration into the broader VMware Workspace ONE suite positions it as a key player in the larger digital workspace and zero trust security markets. Analysts from firms like Gartner and IDC have consistently placed the platform in leadership positions in their Magic Quadrant and market share reports, citing its extensive feature set, large customer base, and strong execution.