Application Delivery and Mobile Device Management
Getting applications to the right people, on the right devices, securely, is harder than it sounds. CDW Canada works with IT teams to plan and manage that process – from cloud and on-premises delivery to full mobile device management across every endpoint.
What Is Application Delivery Device Management?
Application delivery device management combines the processes, technologies and practices that control how applications reach end-user devices — desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones. It covers both delivery (getting apps from servers or the cloud to users) and device management (configuring, securing and maintaining those endpoints). When handled together, IT teams get a clearer view of their environment and better control over where risks exist.
Benefits of Application Delivery
Done right, application delivery gives IT teams more control and gives users a more consistent experience. Benefits include:
Enhanced Security
Centralizing application delivery means tighter control over where data flows and who can access it, which cuts down on exposure to breaches.
Improved User Experience
Applications reach users faster with fewer latency issues – whether they're in the office, working from home or in the field.
Operational Efficiency
Cleaner delivery workflows reduce the manual workload on IT staff, freeing them up for higher-value tasks.
Scalability
As headcount grows or demand shifts, application delivery scales with it without major infrastructure changes.
Why Is Application Delivery Important?
Application delivery has a direct effect on productivity, security and user experience. In hybrid environments, employees are accessing applications from different devices and locations every day. When delivery breaks down, so does the workday. A consistent, well-managed delivery setup keeps applications accessible and secure regardless of where someone is working.
- How it Works
- Key Elements
- Services
- Challenges
How Does an Application Delivery Controller Work?
An application delivery controller (ADC) is a network device that manages and distributes application traffic across your infrastructure. It handles several key functions:
Load Balancing
Distributing incoming application requests across multiple servers without a single server being overwhelmed
SSL Offloading
Handling the encryption and decryption of secure traffic, offloading this task from application servers to improve performance
Application Acceleration
Improving application speed through caching, compression and other traffic management techniques
Security
Providing security features such as web application firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention to protect applications from threats
Key Elements of Application Delivery
Effective application delivery involves several key components:
Infrastructure
Servers, networks and storage systems that support the hosting and delivery of applications
Software Solutions
Application delivery platforms and software that manage the deployment, performance and security of applications
Policies and Procedures
Guidelines that govern access control, security measures and the management of application delivery
Monitoring and Support
Tools and services that ensure continuous monitoring, troubleshooting and optimization of application delivery
Application Delivery Services
Application delivery services cover the different ways organizations can get apps to users securely and reliably. CDW Canada supports several delivery models:
Virtual Application Delivery
Applications run from a central environment and stream to any device, so users get access from anywhere without relying on locally installed software.
Cloud Application Delivery
Cloud-based delivery reduces dependence on on-premises hardware and gives teams more flexibility to scale up or down as demand shifts.
Custom Application Delivery Solutions
Not every organization has the same infrastructure or requirements. CDW Canada builds delivery configurations that fit your environment and business goals.
Challenges in Application Delivery
Despite its benefits, application delivery faces several challenges:
Security Risks
Applications exposed to multiple access points create more opportunities for attackers. Keeping delivery secure requires consistent policies and ongoing monitoring.
Performance Issues
Latency and slow load times affect how productive your team can be. Performance problems often go undetected until they're already disrupting users.
Complexity
Coordinating networks, servers and software across a distributed environment requires specialized knowledge. Without the right expertise, gaps are easy to miss.
What Does Device Management Mean?
Device management covers the full lifecycle of devices in your organization – from initial setup and configuration through ongoing updates, monitoring and troubleshooting. It's the operational layer that keeps endpoints functioning and secure.
Function / Benefits / Best Practices
- Functions
- Benefits
- Best Practices
Main Functions of Device Management
The principal functions of device management include:
- Configuration and Deployment: Setting up devices and applications according to organizational policies
- Security Management: Enforcing security controls such as encryption, access management and endpoint protection across every managed device
- Monitoring and Troubleshooting: Continuously monitoring device performance and addressing issues as they arise
- Updating and Patching: Keeping devices and applications current with the latest patches is one of the most direct ways to reduce security risk
Benefits of Device Management
Effective device management offers many benefits, including:
- Enhanced Security: Protects organizational data by enforcing robust security measures on all devices
- Productivity: Ensures devices are functioning optimally, minimizing downtime
- Cost Savings: Reduces maintenance and support costs by streamlining device management processes
- Compliance: Helps organizations meet regulatory requirements by implementing consistent security and management practices
Device Management Best Practices
To effectively manage devices, organizations should adhere to the following best practices:
Standardization: Use a standardized set of devices and applications to simplify management.
Automation: Implement automation tools to streamline routine tasks such as updates and monitoring.
Regular Audits: Conduct regular audits to ensure devices comply with security and performance standards.
User Training: Educate users on best practices for device use and security.
THE CDW APPROACH
How CDW Canada Can Help
CDW Canada builds application delivery and mobile device management programs around how your organization actually operates. We start by understanding your current environment, then design a plan that fits your structure and supports your team long term.
1
STEP ONE
Assess
Certified experts evaluate your current application delivery and device management maturity level.
2
STEP TWO
Architect
Experts build tailored plans to train personnel and update processes.
3
STEP THREE
Implement
New technologies and proven solutions are deployed to fit your environment.
4
FAQ
How do you choose the device management solution that's right for you?
The right device management solution depends on what devices your team uses, how your workforce is distributed and what your security requirements are. Start by auditing your current device inventory and identifying gaps in visibility, access control and patching. From there, look for a solution that supports your operating systems, scales with your organization and integrates with your existing security stack. CDW Canada's certified experts can walk through that assessment and help you find the right fit.
What are the key benefits of using an application delivery controller?
An application delivery controller improves how your infrastructure handles application traffic. It distributes load across servers so no single machine becomes a bottleneck, handles SSL offloading to reduce strain on app servers and speeds up performance through caching and compression. It also adds a layer of security through built-in firewalling and intrusion prevention. For organizations running high-traffic or business-critical applications, an ADC directly improves reliability and uptime.
How do virtual application delivery solutions support a remote workforce?
Virtual application delivery lets employees access the apps they need from any device without requiring local installation. The application runs from a central server or cloud environment and streams to the user's device. That means IT manages one instance rather than hundreds of endpoints, onboarding is faster and sensitive data stays centralized rather than living on unmanaged devices.
What are the primary security considerations in application delivery?
The biggest concerns are access control, data in transit and exposure to the public internet. Every access point is a potential vulnerability, so strong authentication, encryption and traffic monitoring are essential. Centralizing delivery helps consolidate those controls, but it also means a single misconfiguration can affect a large number of users. Regular audits and a consistent patch management process are critical to keeping the environment secure.
Contact Us
Contact CDW Canada for Application Delivery and Device Management
CDW Canada's team works with IT departments across the country on application delivery and mobile device management programs. Whether you're starting from scratch or building on what's already in place, we'll help you find the right path forward.