Microsoft offers some of the most popular solutions for enterprise-level security. One of those options is their Intune product, which is designed for mobile device management (MDM) and mobile application management (MAM).
Intune’s robust integration with other Microsoft 365 services delivers a greater environment security posture. While Intune is a great solution for many, it's important to remember that it may not align perfectly with the unique security requirements of each and every organization. This underscores the importance of exploring alternative solutions.
To help you decide if an Intune alternative may be a better fit for your endpoint security needs, we've compiled a list of popular alternatives. Each one offers something different from Intune in terms of features, deployment requirements, and cost.
SCCM, which is Microsoft’s System Center Configuration Manager, is another device security option within the Microsoft ecosystem of products.
SCCM is older than the recent release of Intune and designed strictly for on-premise work environments. This means you must maintain your own on-premise network and server to run SCCM.
Organizations specifically serving federal, state, and local government customers, law enforcement, university research centers, and environments susceptible to increased hacking activities, like healthcare and financial services, may choose to use SCCM on-premise for security purposes. Another critical factor is if the organization’s clients require on-premise deployments to ensure data locale, no dependencies with other instances regarding change control, or the freedom to apply software updates based on their needs.
Be aware that Microsoft is in the midst of consolidating its products, especially around endpoint management. In fact, SCCM is currently being rolled into Microsoft Endpoint Manager and Intune, which makes things a bit more confusing for customers. Currently, however, all products are supported and can be used separately.
SCCM does not offer a cloud option, so Intune is the better choice for a web-based control panel. Intune’s cloud-based solution has several advantages, including more straightforward support for remote and hybrid workforces without the need to support a complex VPN infrastructure or extend access to their internal networks.
On the flip side, SCCM does give you more control over your devices. SCCM is agent-based, meaning each device requires a small software install, known as an agent. This agent can essentially give your admins full control of any device on your network.
The main difference between these Intune and SCCM is whether you need to manage a strictly on-premise work environment or if you manage a distributed work environment with BYOD and other related policies.
SCCM is strictly an on-premise solution and will excel in that environment.
SCCM is best for dedicated on-premise work environments and in-office IT situations.
The enhanced control of being both on-premise and agent-based gives IT departments the tools they need for the complete administration of local devices.
Jamf is an endpoint security solution designed specifically for Apple and Mac environments.
Intune does offer support for Windows, Android, and iOS/Mac, but Jamf is designed specifically for Apple environments and devices.
Jamf has a tighter integration with the different Apple operating systems, which can make managing Apple devices and enabling certain security features far easier. It is primarily used by schools, medical facilities, and certain creative agencies that use Apple devices exclusively.
Jamf can also work with Intune to provide a hybrid MDM solution. It is currently updating its Conditional Access platform to work with Microsoft's new standard, which will continue the level of compatibility.
Overall, Jamf provides many of the same features as Intune, such as automated device enrollment, custom access policies, and configuration profiles. The difference is it's built specifically for Apple products.
If you manage a dedicated Apple environment, then Jamf is an excellent choice. It also works well for smaller organizations, such as bespoke marketing agencies, which don't require Intune's complete feature set yet still want enterprise-level device security.
Kandji is a relatively new Apple MDM option that targets tech startups and enterprise companies. It is user-friendly, coding-free, and offers a variety of pre-built automation.
Kandji has received positive feedback for its user-friendly interface and efficient device management abilities. Users have also noted Kandji's robust security features, such as one-click compliance templates and various compliance controls in their library.
When deciding between Kandji and Microsoft Intune, users tend to prefer Kandji due to its easy-to-use interface, effective device management, wide range of compliance and security templates, and strong security features. Kandji streamlines software deployment, updates, and patching, works well with other tools, and offers exceptional customer support.
Addigy is a cloud-based solution for managing Apple devices. It combines Mobile Device Management (MDM) with deployment, security, and remote access features.
"This solution supports companies wanting to manage all Apple devices, including macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS from a single management console."
Addigy maintains and protects Apple IT ecosystems and minimizes downtime. It offers patch management, enterprise mobility, remote monitoring, and unified endpoint management. This Apple MDM software scales with the business as Apple device adoption grows.
Addigy is a better choice than Microsoft Intune for clients who need an uncomplicated and effective platform for managing their Mac and iOS devices. Addigy is renowned for its comprehensive device management capabilities and strong security features. Most organizations prefer Addigy over Microsoft Intune because of their outstanding customer service.
Before deciding, I recommend following a step-by-step guide to evaluate current IT infrastructure and requirements.
Here is an example guide for comparing Microsoft Intune against other solutions:
Step 1: Define the scope and objective.
Step 2: Exceptions.
Step 3: Cost and Licensing
Step 4: Cybersecurity Protection Strategy
A robust endpoint security and management system is crucial in a modern distributed and remote work environment. Beyond the obvious need for security, endpoint management also fuels productivity through automation and other functions to support your IT team and other employees.
Choosing the proper endpoint security solution can be a straightforward process if you know exactly what you're looking for. For example, if you exclusively use Apple devices and are strictly on-premise — then Jamf or Kandji are the clear choices.
Businesses considering Intune could also interface easily with Microsoft 365, advanced analytics, and other broad features to support a diverse device management strategy.
However, in most cases, the decision is more complex—like choosing between Intune and SCCM, for example. Although these two may appear similar on the surface, each excels in specific areas. To make the right choice, you need to consider your specific environment and IT workflow carefully.
When comparing SCCM and Intune, it is essential to consider your organization's individual needs and requirements to determine which tool is best for you.
Intune and other solutions have very similar functions, but they also have several differences. Knowing which function is relevant starts with a clear project objective. Some features highlighted by a specific vendor will be appropriate to many organizations; however, their features may need to align with your success factors.
Our experience with Microsoft Intune and SCCM, along with many other MDM/MAM solutions, gives us a competitive advantage over our solution consulting firms.
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What Is The Best Alternative To Intune?
When it comes to choosing an endpoint management solution, it really depends on the unique needs of your organization. There is no one-size-fits-all alternative to Intune!
Which Is Better: Intune vs SCCM
For exclusively on-premise work environments, SCCM can provide IT departments with more control and customization options than Intune. Intune was developed as a flexible cloud-based MDM and MAM platform.
Both Intune and SCCM are Microsoft products and integrate perfectly within the broader Microsoft ecosystem. The choice comes down to your specific work environment and the need for an on-premise solution.
How Much Does Intune Cost?
Intune is also available separately, with pricing starting at $8.00 per user license.
Several Microsoft 365 Plans, such as E3, E5, F1, and F3, include Intune. It is also included in Microsoft Enterprise + Security Bundles E3 and E5. All Microsoft Business and Premium Plans also include Intune.