AirWatch
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| AirWatch | |
|---|---|
| Name | AirWatch |
| Developer | VMware |
| Initial release | 2010 |
| Operating system | iOS, Android, Windows, macOS |
| Genre | Enterprise mobility management |
| License | Proprietary |
AirWatch AirWatch is an enterprise mobility management platform developed to manage mobile devices, applications, and content across organizations. It provides centralized administration for smartphones, tablets, and laptops, supporting platforms such as iOS, Android (operating system), Windows 10, and macOS. AirWatch integrates with enterprise identity systems, cloud services, and network infrastructure from vendors like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon Web Services.
Overview
AirWatch delivers device provisioning, application distribution, content management, and security controls for enterprises. It offers policy-driven management compatible with Microsoft Exchange, Office 365, Active Directory, and Azure Active Directory for authentication and directory services. The platform competes in markets alongside offerings from MobileIron, BlackBerry Limited, Citrix Systems, and IBM's enterprise mobility tools. Organizations in sectors such as healthcare, Financial services, Retail, and education use AirWatch for regulatory compliance and endpoint control.
History and Development
AirWatch began as a product line from AirWatch LLC and expanded rapidly after funding and acquisition activities in the early 2010s. The company engaged with partners including AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone Group, and Deutsche Telekom to deliver carrier-supported services. In 2014, VMware announced the acquisition of AirWatch, aligning it with VMware's portfolio alongside vSphere, vCloud Suite, and Horizon View. Post-acquisition development integrated AirWatch into VMware's workspace strategy, interfacing with VMware Tanzu, VMware NSX, and VMware vRealize. AirWatch evolution tracked trends from bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies arising in enterprises after the advent of the iPhone and iPad.
Products and Features
AirWatch's core offerings include mobile device management (MDM), mobile application management (MAM), and mobile content management (MCM). Feature sets address application catalog distribution compatible with Google Play, Apple App Store, and Microsoft Store. Enterprise features include email management for Microsoft Exchange Server, secure browsing via integrations with VMware Workspace ONE, and containerization inspired by approaches from Samsung SDS and BlackBerry Secure. Additional modules support mobile expense management with partners like SAP SE and Oracle Corporation enterprise suites, and identity federation through Okta and Ping Identity.
Architecture and Technical Components
AirWatch architecture comprises management servers, device agents, and a management console, interoperating with directory services, certificate authorities, and networking components. Components include an enrollment server, API endpoints for integration with RESTful APIs, and a database tier often running on Microsoft SQL Server or Oracle Database. The solution leverages SAML 2.0 and OAuth for single sign-on (SSO) with Salesforce, Workday, and ServiceNow platforms. Networking considerations include integration with VPN gateways from vendors like Cisco Systems and Palo Alto Networks and mobile device certificates issued by Entrust or DigiCert.
Deployment and Integration
AirWatch supports on-premises deployments and cloud-hosted options on providers such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform. Integration points include enterprise systems like SAP ERP, Oracle E-Business Suite, and collaboration platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Slack (software), and Box (company). Deployment models accommodate large-scale rollouts executed with partners including Accenture, Deloitte, and Capgemini. Managed service offerings are provided by global systems integrators and telecommunications carriers including BT Group and Telefonica.
Security and Compliance
AirWatch includes security features for device encryption enforcement, remote wipe, jailbreak/root detection, and OS-level policy enforcement compatible with FIPS 140-2 cryptographic requirements and Common Criteria. Compliance management supports regulatory frameworks such as HIPAA, GDPR, and Sarbanes–Oxley Act. The platform integrates with security information and event management (SIEM) systems like Splunk and IBM QRadar for logging and audit trails. It also interoperates with endpoint protection providers such as Symantec Corporation and McAfee.
Reception and Market Impact
AirWatch received adoption from enterprises and government agencies seeking unified endpoint management amid the proliferation of mobile devices after the launch of the iPhone X generation and widespread 4G LTE deployments. Industry analysts at firms such as Gartner and Forrester Research evaluated AirWatch in reports covering unified endpoint management and mobility management. Competitor dynamics with MobileIron and BlackBerry influenced consolidation in the market, while acquisition by VMware positioned AirWatch within virtualization and cloud management portfolios alongside Dell Technologies partnerships and channel programs. AirWatch's technology influenced standards and best practices adopted by enterprises implementing BYOD, corporate-liable device models, and zero trust initiatives promoted by organizations like National Institute of Standards and Technology.