Every company today is made up of an array of different types of devices. Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) makes it possible to do that in a simplified, streamlined, and most of all secure fashion. This guide breaks down what UEM is, how Microsoft fits into the picture with Intune, and why it's a game-changer for modern IT teams.
What Is Unified Endpoint Management (UEM)?
Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) is an approach that enables organizations to centrally manage and secure all types of endpoints—including smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktops, kiosks, and even virtual machines—across multiple platforms and operating systems.
Unlike traditional Mobile Device Management (MDM) or PC management tools that work in silos, UEM combines these capabilities into a single solution. That means fewer tools, less complexity, and stronger control over your entire IT environment.
UEM vs MDM
The biggest difference between UEM and MDM is that UEM is a broader approach to endpoint management. Its scope includes a wide variety of devices through a single console.
Mobile Device Management is primarily focused on devices like smartphones or tablets. And deals with the accompanying device management, security policies, and app deployment.
How Microsoft Intune Powers UEM
Microsoft Intune plays a key role in UEM by offering Mobile Device Management capabilities across multiple platforms, all managed through the cloud.
With Intune, you can:
- Manage Windows, iOS/iPadOS, macOS, Android, ChromeOS, and Linux devices
- Push apps and updates automatically
- Enforce security baselines and compliance policies
- Deploy zero-touch provisioning with Autopilot
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Control access to corporate resources through Conditional Access
Further, Intune is integrated with Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD), Microsoft Defender, and other tools in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem to provide a secure and seamless UEM experience.
How Microsoft Intune Compares to Other UEM Tools
While there are other players in the UEM space like VMware Workspace ONE, Jamf, and IBM MaaS360, Microsoft Intune offers several unique advantages.
The first being it’s tightly integrated with Microsoft 365 allowing for seamless security, compliance, and identity management.
It is also cloud-native, meaning you don’t need any on-prem infrastructure and offers cross-platform support, so you can get coverage for all major operating systems, including those outside of Microsoft.
It’s a robust and cost-effective solution, especially for organizations already using Microsoft 365.
Access and Data Governance in a BYOD World
Modern organizations can no longer rely on managing only corporate devices. With the rise of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), companies need tools that let employees use their personal devices without compromising corporate security.
With Microsoft Intune, you can:
- Protect corporate data on personal devices using App Protection Policies
- Enforce Conditional Access rules based on device health and compliance
- Separate personal data from business data to maintain user privacy
One Pane of Glass for All Endpoints
One of the biggest benefits of UEM is visibility. With Microsoft Intune, IT teams can view and manage every endpoint from a single dashboard. You get a clear picture of your entire endpoint landscape—no matter where your users are or what devices they use. This means:
- Less tool switching
- Quicker incident response
- Easier policy enforcement
- Unified reporting and auditing
Ready to Modernize Your Endpoint Management?
Unified Endpoint Management is more than a buzzword—it's a strategic IT priority for businesses looking to stay secure and scalable in 2025 and beyond. Microsoft Intune offers a solution to companies tired of juggling tools, struggling with compliance, or losing visibility into their device environment.
Learn more about how we implement Intune for businesses just like yours. Visit our Intune Implementation Services Page to get started.
