Top 5 Best Unified Endpoint Management Software for 2024

Management and Governance of electronic devices has come a long way. It all started with manual intervention and repairs that needed physical presence, then it evolved into device management solutions that are tailored for each purpose like PC management, remote troubleshooting, patching tools, disk management, antivirus, backup, etc.

Now in the era of remote and hybrid workforce IT teams and MSPs need a more versatile tool that comes with extensive capabilities under one roof, one tool for all your device management needs, which is now called as Unified Endpoint Management.

What is Unified Endpoint Management?

Unified endpoint management is the modern process of securing and managing servers, laptops, desktops, mobile devices, tablets, VMs, hypervisors, and IoTs under one unified console.

Unified endpoint management (UEM) solution is the evolution of mobile device management (MDM) and enterprise mobility management (EMM) combined to make device and user management hassle-free for IT teams and MSPs.

A UEM software will take care of Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS, iOS, Android, and TVoS within one roof, thus enhancing efficiency, visibility and administration for organizations.

Why is Unified Endpoint Management a game changer?

Gartner lead the research in unified endpoint management tools category, and it all started when they dropped the client management category from their yearly Magic Quadrant round up in 2016 and then introduced unified endpoint management category including MDM and EMM capabilities under one quadrant.  

UEM software will allow IT admins to manage complex devices from a single console including BYOD, CYOD, COPE, and COBO devices. With UEM tool, IT admins just need to login into one device management software, manage, secure, control and provision devices, manage, secure and control users all under one single console.

Key features to look for while choosing a UEM Software

As per Gartner, UEM Software can be agent and agentless management of devices via one single console. In 2024, the modern UEM tools must have the following capabilities to ensure complete efficiency and hassle-free device management,

• Supports agent or agentless management of Windows 10, macOS, Linux, iOS, iPad OS, Android and Chromes OS devices.
• User-centric approach on devices across platforms.
• Gather critical data points to identify apps, device connectivity, policy updates and configurations.
• Monitor employee experience and technology performance for continuous enhancement and usability.
• Importance to zero trust by integrating remote access, security and identity tools for authentication, vulnerability and data management.
• Power to manage evolving devices including wearables, IoTs, and rugged handhelds.

Unified Endpoint Management market scope and players

The UEM software is a demanding and highly complicated software process that needs multiple feature and capability requirement satisfying several fundamental requirements and because of it, we don’t have lot of players with the exact UEM tool and its capabilities.

The two major analyst firms, Gartner and IDC MarketScape have combined the best UEM Tools in the market, and we will be speaking about the best Unified Endpoint Management Software among them.

As per Gartner, only six vendors offer the complete UEM scope of device management and we will be talking about the top five UEM tools, as they are the leaders, challengers and niche players in the unified endpoint management software space.

Top 5 Unified Endpoint Management Software for 2024 – Best UEM tools

Microsoft Endpoint Manager – Microsoft’s UEM tool

Microsoft is the Leader in the UEM market, its UEM software Endpoint Manager comes with Intune and SCCM capabilities combined giving it the enterprise mobility (EMM) & enterprise security (EMS) capabilities under one single console.

With a diversified and global customer base, Microsoft continues to be the trend setter in the market by bringing visionary features and approach towards device management.

Starting with the evolution from EMM to UEM, co-management of devices, modern device management, integration with Windows 365, Defender for Endpoint, Azure AD and Virtual Desktop, Microsoft leads the way in innovation and always has the first mover advantage.

Key features:

• Microsoft native features including UEM software integration with Azure Ad, Microsoft 365, and Defender.
• Continuous replacement of third-party plugins with native tools and features.
• Co-management and modern management of devices via cloud adoption.

Needs improvement:

• Microsoft’s UEM software is yet to support Linux and Chromes OS devices.
• This UEM solution is also yet to support wearables, IoT and rugged handhelds.
• Delayed and complex UEM tool documentation, how to guides, and inability to catch up with continuous product enhancements.
• UEM tool doesn’t support third-party patch management.

ManageEngine Endpoint Central – Streamlined UEM Solution

ManageEngine Endpoint Central is a top-tier contender in the Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) realm. ManageEngine’s offering, the Endpoint Central product, packs a comprehensive suite of device monitoring and management tools. It encompasses UEM, robust virtualization, stringent security measures, seamless remote access, automation workflows, support for a versatile range of applications, and advanced analytics.

The primary focal points for ManageEngine Endpoint Central are centred around three key areas: the implementation of a zero-trust security model, enhancing the digital employee experience and reducing digital friction to maximize operational efficiency and user-friendliness.

Key Highlights:

• ManageEngine Endpoint Central stands out as an all-in-one UEM solution.
• It encompasses device management, remote support, seamless remote access, in-depth analytics, virtualization options, robust endpoint security, and single sign-on functionality.
• The solution streamlines IT operations with preconfigured templates, optimized configurations, and user-friendly wizards, ultimately reducing the workload for IT administrators and bolstering overall efficiency.
• The solution further enriches the user experience with intelligence reporting and actionable insights, facilitating rule-based automation for better operational control.
• Cross-platform patching including automated patch management for third-party applications.
• Deep integrations with in-house ManageEngine products for a unified approach towards endpoint management.

Needs Improvement:

• Expand integration options, fostering compatibility with a wider array of third-party applications.
• Develop advanced reporting and analytics tools, including predictive analytics and anomaly detection.
• Focus on scalability and performance to accommodate the evolving needs of growing enterprises.
• Improve security features to counter increasing cybersecurity threats effectively.
• Streamline the licensing model for transparency and flexibility in choosing plans.
• Enhance customer support services, ensuring timely issue resolution and abundant support resources.
• Enable extensive customization options to cater to the unique needs of organizations.

VMware Workspace One – Modernized UEM software

VMware is also a Leader in the UEM market positioned just below Microsoft UEM software, VMware’s Workspace ONE platform comes with UEM, extensive virtualization, security, remote access, automation workflows, apps and analytics.

VMware focuses on zero trust, digital employee experience and minimize digital friction for better efficiency and usability.

VMware was recently acquired by Broadcom and further development of Workspace ONE and its capabilities may be different considering its new owner.

Key features:

• VMware is the one only UEM tool with complete unified endpoint management package including device management, remote support, remote access, analytics, virtualization, endpoint security and single sign-on.
• With BetterCloud partnership VMware included SaaS management capabilities.
• Predefined templates, configurations, wizards reduced IT admins time and increase efficiency.
• Workspace ONE Freestele Orchestrators  provides low-code workflow design that enables actions on devices based on UEM alerts and data.
• Intelligence reporting and insights facilitate rule-based automation.

Needs improvement

• VMware Workspace one Advanced and Enterprise license is priced extremely high among the UEM offerings in the market. The best features mentioned above come with these high-end versions and can be expensive for clients.
• Overlapping features with Microsoft 365 licensing makes it difficult for customers.
• Most of the Workspace ONE capabilities work only with its SaaS offering.

Ivanti Unified Endpoint Management Software

Ivanti follows the UEM software market as a leader, next to Vmware with its Ivanti Neurons the UEM tool that supports most of the endpoints. With global client base, enterprise users, Ivanti has intelligence and automation to provide discover, self-healing, patching, zero-trust security and DEX. Ivanti has integrated its UEM software with RiskSense, Cherwell Software, Pulse Secure and MobileIron for additional capabilities.

Key features:

• Ivanti Unified Endpoint Management tool comes with active and passive discover of devices on network. With machine learning Ivanti Neurons collect data and creates actionable insights which can be automated for remediation of anomalies.
• Management of Linux distros and Servers OS, Android Open Source Project devices, OEM Config, and Wearables.
• OS and third-party patching with ITAM & ITSM capabilities.
• Doesn’t just depend on CVE or CVSS but provided contextual assessment of risk.

Needs improvement:

• With so many offerings comes with challenge to navigate the website, migrate to cloud and capabilities limit under each product.
• Most of  the above mentioned capabilities are majorly covered under the SaaS offering while the premise still lacks behind.

IBM Unified Endpoint Management Software

IBM UEM tool is the only challenger among the UEM market space following next to Ivanti. IBM MaaS360 with Watson is an advanced AI-enhanced UEM and endpoint security software. Watson is the security powerhouse of IBM providing digital experience for employees, deeper integrations, OS and application patching to strengthen the overall UEM platform.

Key features:

• IBM Watson UEM Software detects and identifies security, performance, configuration changes on managed devices.
• Integration with QRadar for security intelligence and automation is massive advantage.
• Endpoint analytics and automation improves the overall digital employee experience (DEX).
• Cloud-based patching offers robust update capabilities, with third-party application patching and vulnerability assessment. Pre-built package of 500 apps can be deployed automatically to managed device through self-service portal.
• Combines with Intune for conditional access device trust and application protection policies.
• Integration with OPSWAT for patching, Wandera for mobile threat defense, Akamai for content delivery, Skyhook for Windows GPS services and ServiceNow for ITSM.

Needs Improvement

• Poor marketing and less visibility for existing clients and new acquisition. Not very popular and marketed as compared to the above listed UEM vendors in the market.
• Pricing can be a bit expensive compared to competitors but has broader capabilities in overall.
• Doesn’t have a premise solution.

To find the right unified endpoint management software for your organization, please list out your network composition and requirements before evaluating the UEM tools listed above, as it could be time consuming.

Furthermore, do a budget estimate study, licensing, pricing and any miscellaneous costs associated with product before choosing your UEM Solution.

You can also check the best endpoint security software, patching tools and ITAM options for a deep dive into device management software providers.

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