MDM/UEM Tools in 2024 and beyond..
A lot of consolidation and a lot of new players in this the Unified Endpoint Management time to come up to speed.
In my day job, I deal a lot with Microsoft Endpoint Management (Microsoft Intune and Configuration Manager) but I am very well aware of the many others as I discuss these topics with customers, I am writing this post (with a little help from AI – In this case Claude.ai, Microsoft Copilot and Perplexity.ai)
I have written about this a number of times, Commit to Modern Device Management , Zero Trust: What is it and MDM Role, and much more under the UEM and MDM tag
Market Consolidation
The Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) market has undergone significant transformation over the past few years, marked by notable mergers, acquisitions, and consolidations. This evolution reflects the increasing demand for comprehensive endpoint management solutions that can handle the complexity of modern enterprise environments.
The push for consolidation in the UEM space has been driven by several key factors. Organizations increasingly seek integrated solutions that can manage both mobile and traditional endpoints from a single console. This demand, coupled with the rise of remote work and the proliferation of devices, has created a market environment where comprehensive capabilities and scale are crucial for success.
Several significant consolidations have reshaped the UEM landscape:
Ivanti’s Strategic Expansion
Ivanti made waves with its acquisition of MobileIron and Pulse Secure in 2020, creating a powerhouse in the UEM space. This merger brought together MobileIron’s expertise in mobile device management with Ivanti’s established presence in IT service management and security.
VMware UEM
VMware’s entry into the UEM space began with its acquisition of AirWatch in 2014, forming the foundation of what was previously known as VMware Workspace ONE. Following Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware in 2023, the unit was spun off as Omissa, marking a new chapter in the platform’s evolution.
Microsoft’s Integration Play
Microsoft has steadily enhanced its Microsoft Endpoint Manager (formerly Intune) by integrating it more deeply with its Azure and Microsoft 365 ecosystem. While not strictly an acquisition, this represents a form of product consolidation that has significantly impacted the market.
IBM’s Strategic Moves
IBM’s acquisition of Red Hat in 2019 had ripple effects in the endpoint management space, particularly in terms of how enterprises approach hybrid cloud management and security.
Impact on Enterprise Customers
This wave of consolidation has brought both benefits and challenges for enterprise customers:
Benefits:
- More comprehensive feature sets within single platforms
- Improved integration capabilities across security and management tools
- Potentially simplified vendor relationships
- Enhanced cross-platform management capabilities
Challenges:
- Migration complexity for organizations using acquired platforms
- Potential pricing changes following acquisitions
- Learning curves associated with newly integrated solutions
- Need to reevaluate existing UEM strategies
Current Major UEM Vendors and Solutions
Here’s a list of major UEM vendors and their product pages: (Let me know if I missed one!)
| Company | Product Description |
|---|---|
| Omissa | Omissa (formerly VMware Workspace ONE) provides comprehensive endpoint management with strong mobile device management heritage from AirWatch. Features advanced automation, security integrations, and robust app management capabilities. |
| Microsoft | Endpoint Manager combines Intune and Configuration Manager, offering deep integration with Microsoft 365 and Azure. Particularly strong in Windows management with expanding capabilities for other platforms. |
| Ivanti | Neurons for UEM combines MobileIron’s mobility expertise with Ivanti’s IT management strengths. Features AI-powered automation and extensive security capabilities, including zero trust implementation. |
| IBM | Security MaaS360 emphasizes cognitive security through Watson integration. Offers strong compliance management and threat defense capabilities alongside traditional UEM features. |
| ManageEngine | Desktop Central provides comprehensive endpoint management with strong patch management and software deployment capabilities. Offers both cloud and on-premises deployment options. |
| Jamf | Pro specializes in Apple ecosystem management with deep integration capabilities for macOS, iOS, and iPadOS devices. Industry leader for Apple enterprise management. |
| Matrix42 | Combines UEM with enterprise service management and security features. Strong presence in European markets with emphasis on automation and workflow integration. |
| Kandji | Modern Apple device management platform featuring zero-touch deployment, automated compliance, and advanced security controls. Known for innovative features and automation capabilities. |
| Quest KACE | Systems Management Appliance (SMA) offers comprehensive endpoint management with strong inventory and asset management capabilities. Features both cloud and on-premises deployment options. |
| Hexnode | Cloud-based UEM solution offering robust device management capabilities across multiple platforms. Known for competitive pricing and strong mobile device management features. |
| 42Gears | SureMDM provides comprehensive endpoint management with particular strength in IoT device management and kiosk management capabilities. |
Looking Ahead
The UEM market continues to evolve, with several trends likely to shape its future:
- Increased focus will be on AI and automation capabilities
- There will be greater emphasis on zero-trust security integration
- Additional enhanced support for modern workplace scenarios
- Much deeper integration with cloud services and security tools
The consolidation trend in the UEM market reflects the industry’s maturation and the growing need for comprehensive endpoint management solutions. As organizations continue to navigate complex IT environments, we can expect further market evolution, with a focus on integration, security, and automation.
For IT leaders, staying informed about these market changes is crucial for making strategic decisions about their endpoint management approach. The key is to evaluate how these consolidations affect their current UEM strategy and to plan accordingly for future needs.