Abstract: A properties server includes memory configured to store group properties and global properties used to control operation of the communication devices, and a processor configured to manage the group properties and the global properties responsive to modifications made by an administrator, and to transmit the group properties and the global properties to the communication devices. A communication device includes a processor configured to communicate with a properties server to receive a set of properties that includes at least one group property and at least one global property, and memory operably coupled with the processor. The memory is configured to locally store properties used by the processor to operate the communication device, the locally stored properties being configured to be modified responsive to the set of properties received from the properties server. Related devices, communication systems, and methods are also described.