IAdea and Blue Touch Paper collaborate to bolster Microsoft's latest MDEP initiative
In a significant move, Microsoft's Device Ecosystem Platform (MDEP) is set to experience a boost thanks to a new collaboration between technology companies. IAdea, a leading provider of Android-based media players, and Blue Touch Paper, a strategic consultancy specialising in channel expertise, have joined forces to streamline the development and commercialisation of MDEP-compatible devices.
The partnership was first unveiled by Microsoft at InfoComm 2025, and since then, IAdea has launched its MDEP Accelerator Programme to help third-party hardware vendors develop compliant media players and smart displays more quickly. IAdea will mentor and certify these vendors, providing them with reference designs, system-on-modules, and fast-track testing to reduce time-to-market.
Blue Touch Paper's role in this collaboration is to make MDEP bankable by translating technology and communication efficiencies into channel revenue. Jane Hammersley, co-founder at Blue Touch Paper, commented, "Our goal is to activate sales motion and sustain growth for MDEP."
John C. Wang, CEO of IAdea, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating, "MDEP is a game-changer for enterprise devices, with Blue Touch Paper's channel expertise ensuring maximum impact."
Jon Sidwick, co-founder at Blue Touch Paper, explained that MDEP brings the security and manageability of Microsoft to Android-based signage, filling a gap between a company's digital workplace strategy and physical spaces.
The collaboration between IAdea, Blue Touch Paper, Appspace, and Planon is refining MDEP to help third-party hardware vendors develop compliant media players and smart displays more quickly. IAdea, with over 20 years of engineering Android-based media players, sees MDEP as a significant advancement for enterprise devices.
The MDEP Accelerator Programme aims to accelerate the adoption of MDEP-compatible devices across various industries. By expanding the ecosystem of certified hardware vendors, businesses can choose from a broader range of compatible devices, enhancing their ability to deploy tailored digital signage solutions.
The partnership also streamlines the go-to-market process by offering standardized reference designs and certification processes, making it easier for hardware vendors to develop and market their MDEP-compatible devices. With a broader range of certified devices, both IAdea and Microsoft can leverage this expanded ecosystem to market their digital signage solutions more effectively.
The certification process adds a layer of assurance for customers, who can trust that the devices they purchase are optimised for Microsoft's ecosystem. This increased confidence can lead to stronger customer relationships and loyalty.
MDEP is a secure, scalable platform that integrates with Microsoft Intune, Azure AD, and Defender for Endpoint, providing enterprises with robust security features and simplified device management. This integration can protect against potential security threats and streamline IT operations.
In conclusion, the collaboration between IAdea and Blue Touch Paper strengthens the MDEP ecosystem by expanding the range of compatible devices and enhancing their integration with Microsoft's enterprise solutions. This partnership can lead to more efficient deployment and management of digital signage and other enterprise devices, ultimately benefiting both the businesses and their customers.
The collaboration between IAdea and Blue Touch Paper is set to enhance the development and commercialization of MDEP-compatible devices, as IAdea launches its MDEP Accelerator Programme to expedite the process for third-party hardware vendors. Blue Touch Paper aims to make MDEP bankable by converting technology and communication efficiencies into channel revenue. The partnership between IAdea, Blue Touch Paper, Appspace, and Planon is streamlining the go-to-market process for MDEP-compatible devices, offering standardized reference designs and certification processes to reduce time-to-market for hardware vendors, ultimately benefiting both businesses and customers.
