Organizations that are deciding between Intune or System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) should start by evaluating their device management and application deployment business goals. Although these two solutions seem similar in functionality, they are quite different.
Some organizations try to leverage both solutions, but this arrangement won't work for everyone. Making the correct decision for your organization depends on the business requirements, range of devices, compliance mandates, and device management strategy.
Organizations evaluating Intune and SCCM should engage with a Microsoft-experienced consulting firm like Hypershift. Hypershift's experience deploying premises solutions and approach to device management, optimizing, and managing Intune and SCCM instances align well with assisting clients with this critical decision.
Intune is a cloud-based mobile device management (MDM) solution for managing devices. It works well in environments with similar devices, such as laptops, tablets, and mobile devices.
Intune is optimized for environments supporting a mix of Apple, MAC, Windows, Android, LINUX, and iPad devices. Organizations needing to support more extensive endpoint agents are recommended to deploy SCCM.
Companies should carefully align their cybersecurity and future compliance requirements before deciding which solution to use. Intune is ideal for those seeking a cloud-based solution, while SCCM is ideal for those seeking a comprehensive on-premise solution.
SCCM uses agents for endpoint management, which requires installation on each device. These agents provide administrator access, allowing the device to perform tasks just like an administrator, enable a range of security features, and access additional tools.
A key differentiator between Intune and SCCM is supporting various endpoints, reporting capabilities, and compliance management, not just Microsoft devices.
Note: Microsoft Endpoint Manager now includes SCCM, designed for organizations with on-premise servers and a traditional workforce. SCCM manages diverse endpoint environments, including servers, laptops, and workstations, focusing on server management, software inventory management, and software update management.
Choosing Intune MDM and Mobile Application Management (MAM) solutions for your company can be challenging, especially as Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) becomes more common.
Should you choose SCCM or Intune from Microsoft Endpoint Manager to manage all endpoints?
“Intune is an MDM and MAM solution well-suited for organizations with homogeneous environments and hybrid workforces.” It provides device management for various devices and operating systems and a seamless experience for software updates.
Intune has strengths and limitations. Organizations should know its limits for their MDM and MAM security needs.
Some customers have reported issues with Intune's performance, complexity, and licensing. Certain features, like modern provisioning and remote actions, are only accessible through Intune.
SCCM is a comprehensive PC and Server Management solution that simplifies device management. ”Its integrated console efficiently manages Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V), Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization (Med-V), Citrix XenApp, Microsoft Forefront, and Windows Phone applications from a single platform.”
While SCCM has strengths, organizations should know its limitations when determining if it fits their needs.
Intune is a versatile tool that can manage applications, updates, and security on smartphones, tablets, and desktops. It's user-friendly and integrates with third-party apps for efficient deployment and management, making it great for organizations with mobile workforces.
SCCM is recommended for managing IT infrastructure in large enterprises handling desktops, laptops, and Windows servers. It allows centralized control over software distribution and updates, making it ideal for organizations with on-premises infrastructure.
Developing a relationship with Hypershift is a solid first step in your Intune/SCCM journey. Working with Hypershift, their experts in MDM and MAM, along with ongoing enterprise patching, asset inventory, and compliance, will help you develop the correct strategy. Deciding between Intune and SCCM has much more to do with meeting business requirements and less with which tool is better. Organizations wanting an MDM capability with an on-premise instance will benefit significantly from both solutions.
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.
For organizations with a traditional device setup and on-premises infrastructure, SCCM is a recommended option because of its wide range of features and popularity for managing extensive deployments.
Intune may be preferable for organizations with many mobile devices seeking a cloud-based solution. It offers various features for managing mobile devices and seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft tools for a comprehensive device management solution.
Hypershift's assessment services are the first step in assisting clients when developing any new strategy, including Intune or SCCM. Additionally, for organizations struggling to keep experienced talent to manage Intune and SCCM, Hypershift's various managed services offering could provide the ongoing support needed.
Managed services are an essential component of an Intune and SCCM deployment. Organizations need experienced engineers to manage the platforms like any enterprise management tool. To maximize their investment in Intune and SCCM, organizations must keep the tool updated and used correctly to ensure the devices and applications stay secure.
Hypershift offers several managed options for clients enabling Intune and SCCM, including:
Are you developing an MDM and MAM strategy with Intune and SCCM and need help knowing where to begin? Contact our Microsoft solution experts and managed services to discuss your project today!