As Interactive Flat Panel Displays (IFPD) become more widely adopted, driven by leading brands promoting Google’s Enterprise Devices Licensing Agreement (EDLA), an increasing number of educational users are placing higher demands on these devices in terms of security, Google ecosystem integration, and centralized device management using Device Management Systems (DMS) and Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions. This article aims to explain what Google EDLA certification entails and the key features of a system certified under EDLA.

Additionally, we will address specific concerns such as:

• Is it possible to install MDM app on a device (Interactive flat panel or OPS computer) running Google EDLA-certified Android 13.0?
• Can a school manage all its devices through a designated third-party MDM app?

What is Google EDLA Certification?

Google EDLA (Enterprise Devices Licensing Agreement) is a program designed to ensure that Android-based devices come equipped with Google Mobile Services (GMS), which includes core apps like Google Drive, Chrome, YouTube, and the Play Store. Devices certified under EDLA benefit from advanced security features, including regular system updates, data encryption, and compatibility with Google’s admin tools for better device management. This is particularly critical in education, where a large number of devices need to be managed efficiently, ensuring compliance with security standards.

Features of EDLA-Certified Systems

Commonly know EDLA certified interactive panels features include:

Enhanced Security: EDLA-certified devices receive regular security patches (typically every 90 days) from Google, ensuring the integrity of both the system and user data. They also come with features like password protection and encryption to enhance safety.

Google Ecosystem Integration: EDLA-certified devices offer seamless integration with Google Workspace tools，google meeting, sheets, docs,etc (e.g., Meet, Docs, Slides), allowing educators and students to collaborate more easily in real-time.

Device Management: Centralized management of devices is a key feature of EDLA certification. Through DMS (Device Management Systems) and MDM (Mobile Device Management) solutions, administrators can configure, update, and manage multiple devices remotely, which is essential for large-scale deployments in educational settings.

The security features and google eco system integration are easy to understand. The hard point is DMS and MDM compatiability with Google EDLA.

When it comes to real project development or interactive touch panels development, there are a lot issues DMS and MDM,At this point, we are referring to whether it is feasible to integrate the DMS software and MDM software into the EDLA system as firmware and whether it can run smoothly.

in this blog, as an interactive flat panel OEM and ODM manufacturer, we are writing the solutions and questions we often encountered in developing new products.To understand how the MDM compatible with EDLA, let’s first get clear about what is MDM.

Summary of Mobile Device Management (MDM) and EDLA IFPD Compatibility

What is MDM (Mobile Device Management)? MDM refers to Google’s Mobile Device Management system, designed to allow IT administrators to manage and secure mobile devices like smartphones, tablets, and Interactive Flat Panel Displays (IFPDs) remotely. It enables features such as monitoring, security enforcement, and control over device access. MDM is essential for managing a fleet of devices in educational or enterprise settings.

Functions MDM Provides : for schools users, Key functions that MDM must fulfill include:

Remote Control of IFPDs: MDM allows administrators to manage IFPDs, update software, and enforce policies remotely.

Centralized Management of All Devices: Through MDM, all devices within an organization can be controlled from a single platform

Emergency Notifications: sometimes , school will have to share urgent info. to all the IFPs, so the require MDM enables sending critical information or notifications to all devices instantly.

Resource Distribution: Administrators can allocate resources or restrict usage across users, ensuring devices are used efficiently and securely.

MDM Compatibility with EDLA-Certified IFPDs

EDLA-certified IFPDs are built on Google’s Android system. When it is google officially certificated, that means the firmware, the apps on the mother board are fixed, and not allow to change. Some clients always ask” We are looking for EDLA certificate IFP, but can it have MDM?” The answer is always “Depends”. because the MDM is a third-party App for the system, and it is not embeded in the Android firmware to test by google. That means, if client want to have third party MDM on the EDLA certificated ops or IFP, the possible way is to provide App to us, and we integrate to the firmware to forward to Google to re-test and get a new certificate.

The compatibility of MDM with these devices depends on the specific firmware built for EDLA-certified devices. There are two key areas to consider:

Integration with EDLA System: Whether a third-party MDM can be added to and fully operate within an EDLA-certified system depends on collaboration between the MDM development team and the EDLA device’s research and development team . MDM applications require deep integration into the Android OS, needing extensive permissions and APIs to function correctly. Google provides standard API interfaces, but not all MDM systems may be compatible with EDLA-certified devices without significant customization and testing. so it requires a lot of R&D work between our motherboard development team engineers and MDM development R&D team to embed MDM into EDLA. Also, this increase a lot of risk to get the EDLA certificate.

Pre-installed vs. External MDM into the EDLA certificated Android 13.

Should MDM be Pre-installed? For devices seeking quick approval under the EDLA certification, it is often recommended to avoid pre-installing complex applications like MDM, which could delay the certification process. Instead, MDM can be installed via external media, such as a USB drive, post-purchase. This approach simplifies certification and allows for easier integration of MDM tools. And kindly note that every market MDM apps are different, confirm if it can run under EDLA is essential.

When choosing the right Interactive Flat Panel Display (IFPD), decision-makers should prioritize EDLA certification and robust Mobile Device Management (MDM) capabilities for scalability and security.A robust MDM solution is crucial for managing multiple devices efficiently. It allows centralized control, remote updates, and security monitoring, which are vital for schools and enterprises with large device fleets. Opt for IFPDs that support third-party MDM tools to enhance flexibility and scalability.In summary, choosing an EDLA-compliant IFPD with strong MDM features ensures longevity, security, and adaptability for evolving technological needs.

If you have queries in developing new products with EDLA Android OS interactive panels, no matter with MDM or DMS, welcome to talk to us, we are experienced in this solution.