The Microsoft Device Ecosystem Platform (MDEP) continues its forward momentum with the release of MDEP 2024.3, bringing a suite of powerful new tools and enhancements designed for OEMs and third-party developers. This latest update introduces advanced security features, improved API functionalities, and expanded customization options, all aimed at streamlining device management, improving integration, and ensuring a secure, seamless user experience across diverse hardware configurations and form factors.

Juha Kuosmanen, Head of MDEP, shares: “These updates to MDEP reinforce our commitment to providing industry-leading device management, and security. With these enhancements, OEMs and developers now have even more capabilities to build secure, user-centric, and customizable device experiences, ultimately empowering organizations to deliver better meeting experiences built on MDEP.”

Let’s dive into the key features and improvements in this release:

MDEP Configuration API

The MDEP Configuration API acts as a centralized interface that simplifies the interaction between partner services and the platform. OEMs can now manage essential features like device pairing, synchronization, administrative sessions, and device settings updates with greater ease. The API is designed to abstract the complexity of each system, making runtime device management simpler and more efficient. This extensible tool is available through the Microsoft SDK, providing easy integration for OEMs and developers.

MDEP Public API SDK

The MDEP Public SDK is a game-changer for developers, offering tools and libraries to simplify app development and integration with the MDEP platform. It allows for the separation of apps from internal platform services and provides a user-friendly environment for OEMs and third-party partners, including VaaS providers. The SDK includes public APIs, an Android Studio plugin, and comprehensive documentation within the IDE, enabling functions like enabling/disabling Wi-Fi/Ethernet, rebooting, and using stress tools for virtual devices.

App Integrity Service

Security is paramount in MDEP, and the App Integrity Service takes this focus to the next level. This service enables apps to securely share tokens with clients, including cloud services, to verify application and device identity. With a cloud component and reference implementation, the App Integrity Service offers a robust solution for maintaining app security and protecting sensitive data.

SOC Secure Enclave Abstraction

The SOC Secure Enclave Abstraction enhances security by scaling hardware attestation, zero trust, and other key security features across all silicon platforms. This ensures a consistent level of protection across devices, regardless of hardware configuration, safeguarding against unauthorized access and data breaches.

Deprecation of TLS 1.0/1.1

With the retirement of TLS 1.0 and 1.1, MDEP has implemented crucial design changes and a support plan to facilitate a smooth transition to newer TLS versions. This update is essential for maintaining secure communication channels, as newer TLS versions provide enhanced security protocols.

Teams Panels & Room Scheduling Support

MDEP now extends its support to Microsoft Teams Panels and room scheduling displays, offering the same level of security and customization as other MDEP-powered devices. This update ensures a seamless, secure experience for meeting room scheduling and management.

Enhanced Systems App Customization

Customization is key, and MDEP 2024.3 introduces a new system-wide Light Theme mode. This expanded customization option gives OEMs more flexibility in designing their user interfaces while ensuring consistency across devices, providing a cohesive look and feel for users.

IP Phones – Partner Preview

Partners can now preview the baseline functionality for Teams Phones and IP phones. This early release allows for exploration and integration into new devices, providing an exciting glimpse into the future of connected device experiences.

Enterprise & Government-Grade Networking: EAP Over LAN – Partner Preview

MDEP introduces enterprise and government-grade networking capabilities with built-in support for Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) over LAN. Available through the Configuration API and SDK, this feature meets the stringent security requirements of enterprise and government environments, ensuring robust and secure networking.

To learn more about MDEP, visit https://aka.ms/mdep

​Microsoft Tech Community – Latest Blogs –Read More