Apu Pavithran is the founder and CEO of Hexnode , an award-winning unified endpoint management platform.
In an era far, far away, when digital transformation was taking baby steps into the mainstream market, the notion of collaborating between multiple platforms was an idea unheard of. Back then, Microsoft dominated the workplace, with over 95% of desktops being Windows devices. Following this trend, it was natural for people to assume that companies only used Windows devices.
In reality, Microsoft only holds around 60% of the workplace endpoints. Although it is still the most popular operating system, other platforms with unique advantages are taking chunks of its share. For instance, the open-source nature of Linux systems offers many advantages, and MacBooks rarely have issues with bugs or viruses. Furthermore, in a culture where employees use their own devices to work, mandating the use of a specific device or OS will prove counterintuitive.
Today, it’s quite common to see business leaders embracing device diversity. However, there are certain risks associated with it.
Understanding The Complexity Of Device Diversity
Imagine an infrastructure running Windows desktops, MacBooks, Android phones, Apple TVs and a whole bunch of IoT devices. Your IT team will have to constantly monitor and ensure that each device is protected, encrypted and updated.
Another hurdle is the security policies required for each operating system. Not all devices have the same level of security and will need customized solutions and policies that are adapted to each of them. For instance, Windows does not offer enough application security and is more prone to malware and cyberattacks compared to macOS. On the other hand, Microsoft does an amazing job of releasing timely security patches when compared to Apple. Moreover, some software programs may not be available on all platforms, so you may have to use a different antispyware program for each OS.
The nature of cyberattacks is such that they’re typically focused on one OS. As a result, an environment running multiple operating systems will have an increased threat landscape and could be the target for multiple attacks. On the other hand, running a business on a single OS is akin to putting all of your eggs in a single basket.
Furthermore, with the BYOD revolution and the hybrid work culture becoming such an integral component of work, it is imperative for IT teams to come up with flexible solutions to embrace device diversity. It could be less complicated to maintain if a proper unified endpoint management (UEM) tool is used. UEMs can pretty much handle almost every device-related security requirement. However, when implementing a UEM solution, there are a few things to watch out for.
How Businesses Can Strategically Deploy UEM Solutions
Deploying a new solution can be complex, and when it comes to UEMs, it’s no exception. To ensure success, a tailored implementation strategy based on your business needs becomes paramount.
Crafting a personalized strategy begins by identifying the core functionalities your business requires. From app deployment and device updates to managing field workers and enforcing restrictions, answering these key questions will help you pinpoint the optimal UEM approach.
Once you’ve assessed your business requirements, take stock of all endpoints—from desktops to mobile and IoT devices—through a comprehensive device inventory. Evaluate your network infrastructure to ensure it can handle the increased traffic from UEM capabilities such as remote access and software deployment. Finally, define clear-cut policies for enrollment, security, privacy and compliance, aligning with industry best practices and legal requirements.
Choosing the right UEM vendor is the next crucial step. Amid a plethora of solutions, making an informed decision becomes essential. While each one varies based on the extensiveness of its capabilities, make sure the solution has what you require. Other factors that need to be considered are the budget (obviously) and ease of use.
The pièce de résistance is multi-OS support. While debates about single-platform exclusivity persist, opting for a multi-OS approach—particularly when starting out—is advised. New businesses and larger enterprises should avoid single OS-supporting MDMs, as they may limit future scalability. Furthermore, BYOD policies and containerization remain key considerations alongside application management, scalability, customer support and ease of use.
Once deployed, ensuring your IT team is equipped with the knowledge and skill set to use the UEM solution becomes critical. Education and training are essential to maximizing the technology’s potential and aligning IT objectives with overall company goals.
With a well-implemented UEM strategy, your IT team’s burden is lightened. Ongoing monitoring becomes streamlined with intuitive UEM dashboards, providing easy visibility into anomalies. By leveraging automation, asset management becomes a breeze, freeing up resources for other strategic initiatives.
By following these guidelines, you can confidently navigate the UEM landscape and achieve operational excellence in the modern age.
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