The ultimate guide to unified endpoint management(UEM)
Introduction
In today's digital-first world, organisations of all sizes are embracing remote working, flexible hours and a diverse array of devices, both company-owned and personal.
This explosion of endpoints has transformed the workplace, but it has also introduced a maze of challenges. From security threats to device management complexities, keeping your organisation running smoothly while ensuring every device is secure can be daunting.
Enter unified endpoint management (UEM). It's a one-stop solution for managing and securing all your organisation's devices.
- What UEM is and how it works
- The benefits of UEM for organisations of all sizes
- Cost considerations and security features
- A look at Microsoft Endpoint Manager – one of the most popular UEM solutions
- Key factors to consider when choosing a UEM provider
- How to implement a successful UEM strategy
- Alternative solutions if UEM isn't right for your organisation
If you're a business leader or tech decision-maker looking to stay ahead in the fast-changing world of tech, you're in the right place.
Introduction
In today's digital-first world, organisations of all sizes are embracing remote working, flexible hours and a diverse array of devices, both company-owned and personal.
This explosion of endpoints has transformed the workplace, but it has also introduced a maze of challenges. From security threats to device management complexities, keeping your organisation running smoothly while ensuring every device is secure can be daunting.
Enter unified endpoint management (UEM). It's a one-stop solution for managing and securing all your organisation's devices.
- What UEM is and how it works
- The benefits of UEM for organisations of all sizes
- Cost considerations and security features
- A look at Microsoft Endpoint Manager – one of the most popular UEM solutions
- Key factors to consider when choosing a UEM provider
- How to implement a successful UEM strategy
- Alternative solutions if UEM isn't right for your organisation
If you're a business leader or tech decision-maker looking to stay ahead in the fast-changing world of tech, you're in the right place.
What is unified endpoint management?
Unified endpoint management (UEM) is a comprehensive approach to managing and securing all the devices within your organisation.
This includes smartphones, laptops, desktops, tablets and even IoT devices.
UEM solutions provide IT teams with a single platform to monitor, manage and secure these diverse endpoints, ensuring they are compliant with company policies and protected from security threats.
Key components of UEM
A robust UEM solution typically includes:
Device management
Centralised control over all devices, allowing IT to enforce policies, issue updates and troubleshoot issues remotely.
Application management
Streamlined app deployment and management across devices, ensuring that only approved apps are installed.
Security management
Integrated security features such as encryption, remote wipe and malware protection to safeguard data.
Compliance management
Tools to ensure all devices adhere to regulatory requirements and organisational policies.
User management
Simplified user onboarding, access control and role-based permissions to ensure the right people have access to the right resources.
Reporting and analytics
Comprehensive insights into device usage, security incidents and compliance status, enabling data-driven decisions.
How it works
UEM works by integrating various device management functions into a single platform.
Once deployed, the UEM system communicates with all endpoints via agents or APIs, providing real-time data to the IT team.
Through a centralised console, IT can monitor device health, enforce security policies and push updates, no matter where the devices are located.
The magic of UEM lies in its ability to unify traditionally contrasting management functions. It provides a consistent management approach, simplifying the complexities of modern IT environments.
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What are the benefits of unified endpoint management?
Unified endpoint management offers a range of benefits depending on the size and type of your organisation. Here’s how it can have an effect on different business sizes.
Cost efficiency
By consolidating device management into a single platform, UEM reduces the need for multiple tools, cutting down on costs and complexity.
Simplified IT management
With limited IT resources, small businesses can benefit from UEM’s automation and easy-to-use interface, reducing the time spent on routine tasks.
Enhanced security
UEM helps small businesses protect their data with enterprise-level security features, even if they don’t have a large security team.
Scalability
As your organisation grows, UEM can easily scale to accommodate more devices without requiring significant additional investment.
Centralised
control
Large organisations with multiple locations or remote employees can manage all devices from a single dashboard, ensuring consistent policies and security measures across the board.
Improved
compliance
UEM helps large organisations meet complex regulatory requirements by automating compliance checks and reporting.
Productivity
boost
By ensuring devices are always up to date and free from security issues, UEM minimises downtime and keeps employees productive.
Advanced
analytics
Large organisations can leverage UEM’s robust reporting features to get insights into device usage, security threats and compliance trends, enabling more informed decision-making.
Data
protection
Public sector organisations handle sensitive information, making security a top priority. UEM provides the tools needed to protect data.
Policy
enforcement
UEM ensures all devices comply with government regulations and organisational policies, reducing the risk of non-compliance.
Remote
management
With a growing focus on remote work, UEM allows public sector IT teams to manage and support devices without the need for physical access.
Continuity
of services
By keeping all endpoints secure and operational, UEM helps public sector organisations maintain services that citizens rely on.
How much does unified endpoint management cost?
The cost of implementing unified endpoint management can vary widely based on the size of your organisation,
the number of devices to be managed and the specific features you require.
Factors influencing UEM costs:
Number of devices/users
Many UEM providers charge on a subscription basis with pricing based on the number of devices or users. Larger organisations with more endpoints will generally pay more.
Features and functionality
Advanced features like
AI-powered analytics, enhanced security options or IoT management capabilities can increase the cost.
Support and service level agreements (SLAs)
The level of service you require can affect pricing.
Deployment
model
Cloud-based UEM solutions are often more affordable upfront compared to on-premise deployments, which may involve higher initial costs for infrastructure.
Finance plans
Many UEM providers, including us, offer flexible finance plans to help spread the cost over time.
This can make it easier to budget and ensure you’re getting the most value from your investment.
How secure is unified endpoint management?
Security is at the heart of any unified endpoint management solution.
UEM offers a comprehensive set of tools to protect your organisation’s devices,
data and networks from a wide range of threats.
Encryption
UEM ensures that all data on managed devices is encrypted, protecting sensitive information from unauthorised access.
Remote wipe
If a device is lost or stolen, UEM allows IT teams to remotely wipe its data, ensuring it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.
Malware protection
UEM solutions often include built-in antivirus and anti-malware tools to detect and neutralise threats before they can cause damage.
Patch management
UEM automates the deployment of security patches and updates, ensuring devices are always protected against the latest vulnerabilities.
Access control
UEM enables organisations to enforce strong access controls, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), to ensure only authorised users can access sensitive data and systems.
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Microsoft Endpoint Manager
When it comes to unified endpoint management, Microsoft Endpoint Manager is one of the most widely used and respected solutions on the market.
Combining Microsoft Intune and Configuration Manager, Endpoint Manager provides a powerful and flexible platform for managing all types of devices.
It’s particularly popular among organisations that already use Microsoft 365 or Azure, as it seamlessly integrates with these platforms, providing a consistent user experience and simplifying management.
Features and benefits
Cross-platform support
Manage Windows, macOS, iOS, Android and Linux devices from a single platform.
Cloud-based management
Easily manage devices remotely, with no need for on-premise infrastructure.
Integration with Microsoft 365
Ensure a smooth and consistent experience across all your organisation’s Microsoft products.
Comprehensive security tools
From built-in encryption to advanced threat protection, Microsoft Endpoint Manager provides robust security features.
Simplified deployment
Get up and running quickly with straightforward deployment options and extensive support from Microsoft.
Considerations when choosing a unified endpoint management provider
Wondering what to look for in a UEM provider? Here are some of the key considerations to keep in mind.
Compatibility with existing infrastructure
Ensure the UEM solution you choose integrates seamlessly with your existing IT infrastructure, including software, hardware and cloud services.
Scalability
Choose a UEM provider that can scale with your organisation as it grows, adding new devices and users without sacrificing performance or security.
Ease of use
The UEM solution should have an intuitive interface that’s easy for your IT team to use, reducing the learning curve and speeding up deployment.
Security features
Look for a UEM provider that offers robust security features, such as encryption, remote wipe and advanced threat protection.
Cost and finance options
Consider the total cost of ownership, including any potential hidden fees and explore financing options that can help spread the cost over time.
Reporting and analytics
Choose a UEM solution that offers comprehensive reporting and analytics tools, enabling you to make data-driven decisions.
What to watch out for in unified endpoint management providers
While there are many factors to consider when choosing a UEM provider, there are also potential pitfalls to watch out for.
Overcomplicated solutions
Some UEM providers offer feature-rich solutions that may be more complex than your organisation needs. Make sure the solution matches your requirements without unnecessary bells and whistles.
Lack of customisation
Ensure the UEM solution can be tailored to your organisation’s unique needs. A one-size-fits-all approach might not provide the flexibility you need.
Hidden costs
Be wary of providers that charge extra for essential features or support. Make sure you understand the full cost of the solution upfront.
Poor integration
If a UEM solution doesn’t integrate well with your existing systems, it can create more problems than it solves. Check for compatibility before committing.
How to create a successful unified endpoint management strategy for your organisation
A successful UEM strategy requires careful planning and execution. Here’s how to get started.
Get your priorities straight
Identify key objectives
Start by identifying what you want to achieve with UEM. Are you looking to improve security, simplify IT management or support a remote workforce? Clear objectives will guide your strategy.
Assess your current environment
Conduct an audit of your existing devices, software and IT infrastructure to understand your starting point.
Determine compliance requirements
Identify any regulatory or industry-specific compliance requirements that your UEM strategy needs to address.
Follow these implementation steps
Alternatives to unified endpoint management
While UEM offers a comprehensive solution, it might not be the right fit for every organisation. Here are some alternatives to consider:
Mobile device management (MDM)
If your primary concern is managing smartphones and tablets, a mobile device management (MDM) solution might be sufficient.
MDM focuses on managing mobile devices and their applications, but doesn’t provide the same level of control over other types of endpoints.
Enterprise mobility management (EMM)
Enterprise mobility management (EMM) goes beyond MDM by also managing applications, content and security on mobile devices.
However, like MDM, it’s more limited than UEM in terms of overall endpoint coverage.
Traditional endpoint management tools
If your organisation has a relatively simple IT environment, traditional endpoint management tools may be enough.
These tools typically focus on managing desktop and laptop computers but lack the unified approach of UEM.
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In a nutshell
Unified endpoint management is a powerful tool that can transform how your organisation manages and secures its devices.
By bringing all your endpoints under one roof, UEM simplifies IT management, enhances security and supports your organisation’s goals, whether you’re a small business, a large enterprise or a public sector organisation.
Why choose
Virgin Media O2 Business?
We understand that every organisation is unique. That’s why we offer tailored UEM solutions that fit your organisation’s specific needs, backed by our reliable network and years of experience in the industry.
Whether you’re looking to streamline device management, boost security or support a growing remote workforce, we’re here to help you succeed.
Ready to explore how UEM can benefit your organisation?
Small & medium business
(11 - 249 employees)
Call 0800 298 8848
