What are the best unified endpoint management (uem) software?

Choosing the "best" Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) software depends heavily on your organization's specific needs, existing infrastructure, budget, and the mix of devices you need to manage.

However, here are some of the top UEM solutions widely recognized in the industry, along with their key strengths and considerations:

## Top UEM Software Solutions

1. **Microsoft Intune (part of Microsoft Endpoint Manager)**

* **Strengths:**

* **Native Integration:** Deeply integrated with Azure Active Directory, Microsoft 365, and Windows operating systems.

* **Cloud-Native:** Fully cloud-based, simplifying deployment and management.

* **Cost-Effective:** Often included or bundled with Microsoft 365 subscriptions, making it very attractive for existing Microsoft customers.

* **Conditional Access:** Strong security features, including conditional access policies based on device compliance.

* **Windows Management:** Excellent for managing Windows devices, including Autopilot for zero-touch provisioning.

* **Considerations:**

* While it supports iOS, Android, and macOS, its capabilities for non-Windows devices might not be as deep as some specialized solutions.

* Can have a learning curve for those new to the Microsoft ecosystem.

2. **VMware Workspace ONE**

* **Strengths:**

* **Comprehensive Digital Workspace:** Goes beyond UEM to offer a full digital workspace experience, including app virtualization, content management, and identity management.

* **Multi-OS Support:** Excellent support for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome OS, and even IoT devices.

* **Strong Security:** Robust security features, including secure access to apps and data, and threat detection.

* **Flexibility:** Offers both cloud and on-premises deployment options.

* **VDI Integration:** Seamless integration with VMware Horizon for virtual desktop infrastructure.

* **Considerations:**

* Can be more expensive than some competitors, especially for smaller organizations.

* The breadth of features can lead to a steeper learning curve.

3. **Ivanti Neurons for UEM (formerly Endpoint Manager, MobileIron, etc.)**

* **Strengths:**

* **Broad Device Support:** Manages a vast array of devices, including traditional desktops, laptops, mobile devices, and even servers.

* **Automation & AI:** Leverages AI and automation for proactive issue resolution, patch management, and software distribution.

* **Heterogeneous Environments:** Strong for organizations with a mix of legacy and modern devices, and complex on-prem/hybrid needs.

* **ITSM Integration:** Good integration with IT service management (ITSM) platforms.

* **Considerations:**

* Due to acquisitions (MobileIron, Pulse Secure), the platform can sometimes feel a bit fragmented, though Ivanti is actively unifying it.

* UI/UX might not always feel as modern as some cloud-native competitors.

4. **IBM MaaS360 with Watson**

* **Strengths:**

* **AI-Powered Insights:** Leverages IBM Watson for security insights, threat detection, and policy recommendations.

* **Strong Security & Compliance:** Excellent for highly regulated industries requiring robust security, data loss prevention, and compliance reporting.

* **Secure Containerization:** Offers secure containerization for corporate data on personal devices.

* **Enterprise Focus:** Designed for large enterprises with complex security and management needs.

* **Considerations:**

* Can be more expensive.

* The user interface might not be as intuitive for some users compared to other solutions.

5. **Citrix Endpoint Management (formerly XenMobile)**

* **Strengths:**

* **Secure App & Data Delivery:** Excellent for secure delivery of mobile, SaaS, and Windows apps, especially in conjunction with other Citrix products (Virtual Apps and Desktops).

* **Micro-VPN:** Provides secure, granular access to internal resources without a full device VPN.

* **Contextual Access:** Policies can be based on user, device, location, and network for adaptive security.

* **Integration with Citrix Ecosystem:** Best value and functionality when already using Citrix for VDI or DaaS.

* **Considerations:**

* While it's a UEM, its primary strength lies in its integration with the broader Citrix digital workspace, making it less of a standalone UEM for some.

* May not be the most cost-effective if you're not already invested in the Citrix ecosystem.

6. **Jamf Pro (and Jamf Now)**

* **Strengths:**

* **Apple Ecosystem Gold Standard:** Unparalleled management capabilities for macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS devices.

* **Zero-Touch Deployment:** Seamless integration with Apple Business Manager/School Manager for automated device enrollment.

* **App Management:** Robust app deployment, patching, and configuration for Apple devices.

* **User-Friendly:** Known for its intuitive interface and ease of use for Apple administrators.

* **Considerations:**

* **Apple-Only:** This is its biggest limitation – it only manages Apple devices. If you have a mixed environment (Windows, Android), you'll need another UEM solution alongside Jamf.

* Can be more expensive than some general UEM solutions if you only have a few Apple devices.

7. **ManageEngine Endpoint Central (formerly Desktop Central)**

* **Strengths:**

* **Cost-Effective:** Often a more budget-friendly option, especially for SMBs and mid-market companies.

* **Comprehensive Features:** Offers a wide range of features including patch management, software deployment, asset management, remote control, OS deployment, and mobile device management.

* **Hybrid Deployment:** Available as both cloud and on-premises solutions.

* **Ease of Use:** Generally considered user-friendly with a straightforward interface.

* **Considerations:**

* While comprehensive, its advanced features might not be as deep or cutting-edge as the enterprise-focused solutions.

* Scalability for very large, complex enterprises might be a concern compared to top-tier players.

## Key Factors to Consider When Choosing:

* **Operating System Mix:** What percentage of your devices are Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome OS, or Linux?

* **Budget:** UEM solutions vary significantly in cost, often based on per-device or per-user licensing.

* **Existing Infrastructure:** Do you already use Microsoft 365, Azure AD, VMware, or Citrix? Integration can save time and money.

* **Security Requirements:** What level of data protection, compliance, and threat management do you need?

* **Cloud vs. On-Premises:** Do you prefer a fully cloud-native solution, an on-premises deployment, or a hybrid approach?

* **Scalability:** How many devices do you need to manage now, and how many do you anticipate in the future?

* **Ease of Use & Administration:** How complex is the solution to deploy, configure, and manage on a daily basis?

* **Specific Features:** Do you need strong app virtualization, content management, identity management, or specific IoT capabilities?

**Recommendation:**

Start by clearly defining your organization's needs and priorities. Then, shortlist 2-3 solutions that seem like a good fit and request demos or free trials to see them in action with your specific use cases.