^{Originally published on May 14, 2024}

Organizations considering Intune or System Center Configuring Manager (SCCM) should evaluate their device management and application deployment goals. Although these solutions seem similar in functionality, they are different.

Should an organization invest in both solutions? That depends on the operational requirements, range of devices, compliance mandates, and device management strategy.

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.

If you're looking for other alternatives to Intune, check out our guide here!

Cloud or No Cloud? That Is The Question!

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. Clients needing to support more extensive endpoint agents should deploy SCCM.

• Clients should carefully align their cybersecurity and future compliance requirements before deciding which solution to use.

• Intune is ideal for clients seeking a cloud-based solution, while SCCM is ideal for clients seeking a comprehensive on-premise solution.
  

SCCM uses agents installed on each device for admin tasks, security features, and tools. Unlike Intune, SCCM supports various endpoints, reporting, and compliance, not limited to Microsoft devices.

Comparison Between Intune and SCCM

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.

• MDM is critical for protecting corporate data on devices by setting security protection controls.

• MAM is essential for managing software installations, application updates, and app protection policies.

Should you choose SCCM or Intune from Microsoft Endpoint Manager to manage all endpoints?

Let’s go over their similarities and differences.

Intune

Intune is an MDM/MAM solution for managing devices in hybrid workforces with easy updates.

Benefits

• Intune makes managing apps easy with built-in features for deploying, updating, and removing apps.

• Intune offers a self-service portal.

• Intune integrates with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint for advanced features, including adding additional levels of security to the device.

• Automation is a crucial feature of Intune, as it streamlines policy deployment for various aspects of digital infrastructure, such as apps, security, device configuration, compliance, and conditional access.

Challenges

Intune has strengths and limitations. Organizations should know its limits for their MDM and MAM security needs.

• Intune’s lack of server support can be a limitation forvenvironments where server management is a crucial aspect of the infrastructure. Intune is not intended to manage server operating systems.

• 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

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.

Benefits

• SCCM allows IT teams to deploy software to devices simultaneously, making it easier to manage largescale operations.

• With SCCM, IT teams efficiently deploy patches and updates to devices on their network, ensuring that all devices are current and secure. 

• Update & Initial Deployment: SCCM OS deployment simplifies setting up new devices by facilitating the easy deployment of operating systems.

• SCCM enables IT teams to access and control devices remotely, making it easier to troubleshoot issues and support employees.

• SCCM’s automated update helps organizations stay compliant.

Challenges

While SCCM has strengths, knowing its limitations is important when determining if it fits your needs.

• SCCM licensing can be pricey and complicated, which is a hurdle for some organizations.

• SCCM’s support for non-Windows devices is limited, which may present challenges for organizations with diverse device ecosystems.

The Importance of Managed Services

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:

• 24x7x365 complete outsourcing model for Intune and SCCM.

• After-hours support for Intune and SCCM.

• Quarterly health check of the Intune and SCCM instances to ensure the platform is secure and operating correctly.

Intune or SCCM? Ask Us!

How to make the best decision between Intune and SCCM? Ask the experts at Hypershift.

Developing a relationship with Hypershift is a solid first step in your Intune/SCCM journey. Working with our team, we know MDM and MAM, enterprise patching, asset inventory, and compliance. We will help you develop the correct strategy. Deciding between Intune and SCCM has much more to do with meeting operational requirements and less with which tool is better.

Organizations wanting an MDM capability with an on-premise instance will benefit significantly from both solutions. 

Are you developing an MDM and MAM strategy with Intune and SCCM and need help? Do you have questions about where to begin? Contact our Microsoft solution experts and managed services to discuss your project today!

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