Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) offers a comprehensive solution to monitor and manage an organisation’s IT devices and network through a single interface.
In Australia, two significant IT trends have been shaping the business environment in recent years.
Firstly, there has been a notable increase in the use of mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops within corporate IT networks. Secondly, remote and hybrid working models have become more prevalent, a shift that accelerated during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Given these changes, Australian organisations have increasingly needed IT solutions that provide the flexibility and agility to adapt while ensuring the security and efficiency of their networks.
Earlier responses included Mobile Device Management (MDM), Mobile Application Management (MAM), and Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM). UEM is the latest evolution in this line of solutions.
In this guide, we’ll explore Unified Endpoint Management (UEM), its functions and benefits, and how it surpasses previous solutions. We’ll also discuss its essential features and offer advice on choosing the right vendor for your business in Australia.
Story of Endpoint Management Solutions — From MDM to UEM
To understand Unified Endpoint Management (UEM), it’s useful to know about its earlier versions, Mobile Device Management (MDM) and Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM). Here’s a simple breakdown of how these technologies evolved.
Mobile Device Management (MDM)
When smartphones first appeared, MDM solutions were created to help businesses manage and secure these devices remotely. They allowed basic controls like enforcing passcodes, installing apps, wiping data remotely, and setting up corporate profiles on personal devices (BYOD/COPE). However, their limited ability to control applications led companies to use Mobile Application Management (MAM) tools alongside MDM.
Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM)
EMM solutions built on MDM by adding better application controls and other features, combining everything into a single mobile management tool. This integration made it easier for IT departments to manage devices and networks. EMM included:
- Identity and access management.
- Enterprise file sync and share.
- Adding extra security for company data if a mobile device was compromised.
However, EMM still had limitations. It mainly supported smartphones and tablets and didn’t work well with laptops and desktops running different operating systems.
Unified Endpoint Management (UEM)
To address these gaps, vendors developed UEM platforms. UEM combines the strengths of MDM and EMM and adds support for laptops, desktops, and other devices. It provides a comprehensive solution to manage and secure all types of devices from a single interface.
With UEM, IT departments can efficiently oversee a variety of devices, enhancing security and flexibility across the entire network. This unified approach helps businesses stay updated with technology trends while maintaining strong control over their IT systems.
What Is Unified Endpoint Management?
Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) is a comprehensive system that allows organisations to enroll, configure, maintain, and monitor all devices connected to their network remotely and centrally.
Key Features of UEM
- Device Support: UEM supports various devices, including smartphones, PCs, laptops, smartwatches, and IoT devices.
- Operating System Compatibility: It works with major operating systems like Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and sometimes Linux.
How UEM Works
Recent versions of major operating systems, such as Windows 10 and macOS, have integrated API-based device configuration and management protocols. This development enabled UEM strategies, building on previous Mobile Device Management (MDM) and Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) practices, which used API integration to manage iOS and Android devices.
Modern UEM Solutions
Unlike older endpoint management tools that relied on on-premises servers, UEM solutions are typically offered as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and cloud-based products. This allows IT departments to manage and update devices like PCs even when they are not connected to the corporate network.
UEM provides a unified and efficient way to manage a diverse range of devices, ensuring better security and control across an organisation’s IT infrastructure.
What Are the Advantages of Using a Unified Endpoint Management Platform?
A unified endpoint management (UEM) solution makes managing an organisation’s IT devices and networks more consistent, efficient, and secure. Here are the top five benefits of using UEM:
Better Security
Using different tools to manage various devices can lead to mistakes and security gaps. UEM tools let IT teams apply the same security rules to all apps, devices, and data, reducing risks with less effort and fewer mistakes.
Higher Productivity
UEM simplifies work for IT teams and users by combining all management tasks into one system. This allows one team to manage different devices and operating systems efficiently. Automation also cuts down on repetitive work. Users can handle many tasks themselves, reducing the need for IT support and making their work smoother.
Greater Mobility
Cloud-based UEM tools allow employees to access tools and data securely from anywhere, not just within the office network. This flexibility is ideal for global teams with remote workers.
Increased Visibility
Managing many devices is easier with UEM tools, which provide real-time reports on security and performance. IT teams can keep track of all connected devices, even those they might not know about. This detailed information helps manage devices and make better decisions.
Lower Costs
UEM helps organisations use their IT resources more efficiently, saving money by getting the most out of existing devices and software. It also supports Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies, reducing the need for new equipment purchases.
Essential Features to Look for in a Unified Endpoint Management Solution
Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) solutions offer a variety of features, but some are crucial for effective management. Here’s a closer look at these key capabilities:
Support for Different Platforms
A good UEM tool should work well across various platforms. This means it should handle desktops like Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as mobile devices such as Android and iOS. If your organisation uses IoT devices like printers or wearables, the UEM should ideally support those too.
Centralised Monitoring and Management
The main job of UEM is to let you monitor and manage all your IT devices from one place. This includes setting up policies, enrolling devices, distributing software updates, and keeping track of device health and security.
Comprehensive Security Features
UEM tools enhance security in several ways. They help control how devices connect to networks (like Wi-Fi or VPNs), track device locations, and remotely wipe or lock devices if needed. They also secure applications with features like app wrapping and authentication, and protect data through encryption and strict access controls.
Identity and Access Management (IAM)
IAM features ensure only authorised users can access company resources. UEM supports this with tools like multi-factor authentication (MFA) and single sign-on (SSO), which simplify and secure access across your network.
IT Automation
Automation makes life easier for IT teams by automatically handling routine tasks like device setup and software updates. This saves time and reduces errors, improving overall efficiency.
Easy Integration
A good UEM solution should integrate smoothly with other tools your company uses, like Active Directory, Google Workspace, or antivirus software. This integration makes managing and securing your IT environment easier without added complexity.
When choosing a UEM solution, focus on these features to ensure your IT management is streamlined, secure, and efficient across all devices and platforms in your organisation.
The Botton Lines
TEHCOM Systems specialises in delivering advanced Hexnode Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) solutions that cater to the evolving needs of modern businesses. As global teams and remote work become increasingly prevalent across industries, our UEM offerings provide essential tools to enhance productivity and fortify IT network security.
We are committed to integrating cutting-edge technologies such as unified endpoint security (UES), artificial intelligence, and machine learning into our UEM platforms. These innovations will strengthen the effectiveness of UEM and ensure that our clients remain competitive and agile in fast-paced markets.
We provide unmatched expertise and support for organisations looking for robust IT solutions that drive growth and efficiency in today’s dynamic business landscape. Stay ahead with our Hexnode UEM solutions and discover how we can propel your business forward.
Contact us today to learn more and enhance your IT capabilities with TEHCOM Systems.
Paige’s 12+ years in tech, cloud solutions and AI innovation have shaped her into a translator of complexity into clarity. She specializes in turning technical strategies and unstructured ideas into actionable, understandable plans for teams and stakeholders. Paige thrives on creating content, workflows and processes that make IT systems accessible, while maintaining accuracy and strategic focus. Her calm, thoughtful approach ensures projects stay on track and teams feel supported, bridging gaps between technology and people. Paige believes clarity in technology is the first step toward meaningful business outcomes.
