Market Guide for Endpoint Management Tools

Feature Category
Feature
Mandatory
Expected/ Common
Details & Importance
Licensing & Deployment
Single-License Product SKU
✅
⬜
Simplifies procurement, licensing, and overall management.
Turnkey SaaS (Vendor Hosted & Operated)
✅
⬜
Critical for rapid deployment and reduced operational burden (excludes IaaS/on-premises only).
Multitenant Support
⬜
✅
Allows one instance to serve multiple distinct organizations/departments (useful for MSPs, large enterprises).
Core OS Management
Apple iOS & iPadOS Management
✅
✅
Foundational for managing Apple mobile devices; supports various management profiles.
Apple macOS Management
✅
✅
Crucial for organizations managing Apple desktops and laptops.
Google Android Management
✅
✅
Necessary for managing the diverse Android device ecosystem.
Linux Management <br> (Debian, RHEL, SUSE, Ubuntu)
✅
✅
Important for organizations utilizing Linux servers or workstations.
Microsoft Windows (Endpoint Versions) Management
✅
✅
Fundamental for managing the dominant Windows desktop and laptop environment.
Google ChromeOS Management
⬜
✅
Increasingly relevant for organizations deploying Chromebooks, especially in education and specific verticals.
Internet of Things (IoT) Device Management
⬜
✅
Addresses the growing need to secure and manage non-traditional connected devices.
Ruggedized Device Management <br> (Android OEMConfig or AOSP)
⬜
✅
Targets specialized devices built for harsh environments (logistics, field services).
Wearable Device Management <br> (e.g., AR/VR, Wrist-worn)
⬜
✅
Supports emerging enterprise use cases for wearables.
Core OS Management Functions
Application Deployment
✅
✅
Ability to distribute, install, update, and remove software applications per OS.
Device Configuration & Policy Enforcement
✅
✅
Ensures devices comply with organizational security settings, restrictions, and operational standards.
Device Enrollment & Provisioning
✅
✅
Streamlines adding new devices to management and applying initial configurations.
OS Patching & Update Management
✅
✅
Critical for maintaining security posture and system stability via timely OS updates.
Autonomous Endpoint Management (AEM)
DEX Measurements for Patch Success
⬜
✅
Provides Digital Employee Experience insights related to patch deployment success and impact.
Configurable Patching Rings
⬜
✅
Allows phased rollout of patches (e.g., IT > Pilot Users > General Users) to minimize disruption.
Customizable Patch Automation (Confidence Levels)
⬜
✅
Enables intelligent, risk-based automation of patching based on update reliability or testing.
Extended Management Capabilities
Device Discovery & Inventory
⬜
✅
Provides comprehensive visibility of both managed and potentially unmanaged devices on the network.
Encryption Management
⬜
✅
Enforces and monitors device-level data encryption (e.g., BitLocker, FileVault).
Software Deployment
⬜
✅
Broader capability for distributing various software types beyond standard applications (e.g., scripts, packages).
Manage Nontraditional Devices (IoT, Wearables, Rugged)
⬜
✅
Offers unified management for diverse endpoint types beyond standard computers and mobiles.
Third-Party Application Patch Automation
⬜
✅
Automates patching for common non-OS software (browsers, productivity tools) – a major vulnerability vector.
Third-Party Application Package Repository
⬜
✅
Provides a curated, tested source for deploying and updating common third-party applications.
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
⬜
✅
Defines granular administrative permissions based on user roles or responsibilities.
Full Spectrum Mobile Management <br> (MDM, Supervision [iOS], Fully Managed [Android], MAM)
⬜
✅
Comprehensive options for managing mobile devices based on ownership (corporate vs. BYOD) and control needs.
Containerized Mobile Applications
⬜
✅
Secures corporate data within mobile apps by isolating it and controlling data sharing (MAM).
Remote Corporate Data Wipe (Employee Separation)
⬜
✅
Securely removes company data from devices (especially BYOD) upon employee departure.
Device Imaging & Reimaging
⬜
✅
Standardizes device setup using OS images and facilitates rapid device reset or recovery.
Enterprise App Store (Self-Service)
⬜
✅
Allows users to install pre-approved applications on demand, improving productivity and reducing IT workload.
CMT Integration (Agent/Prebuilt Connector)
⬜
✅
Facilitates interoperability or migration from legacy Client Management Tools (e.g., SCCM).
Customizable Reporting & Dashboarding
⬜
✅
Enables tailored views and reports on device inventory, compliance, security posture, and operational metrics.
Modern Enrollment Support <br> (Win Autopilot, Apple Business Mgr, Android Zero-Touch)
⬜
✅
Leverages vendor programs for streamlined, out-of-the-box device enrollment and provisioning.
Limited Use/Kiosk/Shared Device Configuration
⬜
✅
Configures devices for specific, restricted purposes (e.g., public kiosks, shared workstations).
Extended Features & Integrations
Vulnerability Assessment & Prioritization
⬜
✅
Identifies endpoint security weaknesses (CVEs) and helps prioritize remediation efforts.
ITSM & CMDB Integration
⬜
✅
Connects endpoint data with IT Service Management platforms (e.g., ServiceNow) and Configuration Management Databases.