At SOFTTAILOR, we use the term out of conviction Endpoint Management. But you are also very likely to have the terms Client Management, Device Management and Mobile device management known because they are very often used interchangeably and appear interchangeable.
But what is actually the difference here? Although there is a lot of overlap between the terms, it makes sense to talk about differences and similarities.
The most important thing in brief
- Endpoint Management means the software-based management and protection of all end devices, regardless of operating system and type, with the aim of maximum security and productivity.
- Device Management focuses on hardware-related procurement, logistics, repair and replacement of end devices.
- Client Management has large overlaps with Endpoint Management and can be used synonymously. From our point of view, you should be careful that the term client does not leave the focus too much on classic workplace devices, such as desktops and laptops.
1. What is endpoint management?
Endpoint Management is the umbrella term for managing and controlling almost all devices that access corporate resources. This means servers, desktops, laptops, smartphones, tablets and also OT devices, such as cash register systems, industrial PCs or smart devices. We've even come across faucets with a Windows operating system. Until recently, many different solutions were used to manage these endpoints, as the endpoints often run on different operating systems.
In recent years, endpoint management solutions have become more and more powerful and make it possible to manage, for example, Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS and Android devices with a central platform. That is why there is often talk of Unified Endpoint Management and UEM solutions. Especially through working from the home office and “bring your own device”, the requirements of modern companies are increasingly in need of unified Endpoint management.
Endpoint Management includes tasks such as deploying and patching software, security policies, configuration changes, and monitoring end devices. It aims to create a consistent, productive, and secure environment to ensure for all connected devices. Not only is the UEM solution used for this purpose, but also integration and addition with the Endpoint Protection Platform or, for example, security tools for pre-boot authentication. What is needed is a holistic concept in the form of a Endpoint Strategy.
“Endpoints are the first point of contact in an IT environment — this is where security and efficiency are decisive. ”
Dorian Garbe - Co-CEO SOFTTAILOR | Endpoint Management Expert with Strategy
Especially in contrast to the device Management is all about endpoint Management is more about managing and securing the existing hardware on the software side and not about the procurement and logistics of the hardware.
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2. What is client management?
The term Client Management often focuses on the workplace, i.e. the classic office workplace. From a technical point of view, this is not 100% accurate, as a client can be any device or software that accesses specific services or data by making a request to a server.
The task of the client is now to process the retrieved data in such a way that it can be further processed in other ways or can be read by the user on the terminal device. A client is therefore an interface.
In practice, however, clients usually mean laptops or desktops. Smartphones, tablets and also BYOD and OT devices are not in focus.
Client Management is therefore a important part of Endpoint Management, but often results in a holistic view of all devices in a company being neglected. It plays a key role in ensuring that all workplace devices are securely configured and up to date. Another task for the client Management is operational end user support.
3. What is device management?
Device too Management is often synonymous with endpoint Management used. In doing so, device sets Management focuses less on managing devices, but on Hardware lifecycle. Device For example, management should answer the following questions:
- Where do I buy the hardware?
- Leasing or buying?
- How does the hardware get to the end user with the right operating system and drivers?
- Who may support the end user locally, e.g. when connecting the docking station and peripherals?
- How long will the hardware be used?
- What happens if the hardware is faulty? How is it replaced? Who installs a spare part?
That is why you can Device Management also as a device Lifecycle Describe management. The aim is to procure and logistics the hardware as efficiently as possible. Device Management is, of course, very closely linked to endpoint Management interlinked, as the purchased hardware must be managed. The interface is device onboarding and offboarding. In our Workplace as a service offering Do we run Endpoint Management and device Management together.
4. What is mobile device management?
Mobile Device Management (MDM) is a dying term. With the advent of smartphones, dedicated mobiles became Device Developed management tools that allowed you to centrally manage mobile devices. In our opinion, pure MDM solutions are now an outdated category, as there are Unified Endpoint Management It is about the centralized management of as many — not exclusively mobile — devices as possible. Mobile Device Management is therefore in the term UnifiedEndpoint Management worked out.
5. Summary
Endpoint management is today a decisive instrument for companiesto efficiently manage a wide range of devices such as laptops, smartphones, tablets or OT devices. In view of the increasing complexity of modern work environments and the requirements of home office and “Bring your own device” (BYOD) Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) is becoming increasingly important. It enables the centralized management and protection of all endpoints, regardless of their operating systems.
This is where endpoint management works far beyond mere hardware management and includes tasks such as software deployment, security patches, configuration changes, and monitoring. It is often supplemented by endpoint protection tools to ensure a holistic security concept. While client management is more focused on the traditional workplace and device management deals with the hardware lifecycle, offers UEM an integrated solution for all devices of a company.
With the development towards a unified platform, the Mobile device management (MDM) increasingly obsolete, as UEM covers all mobile and stationary devices. Companies thus benefit from a secure, productive and uniformly managed IT landscape.
6. Why specialize in endpoint Management has only advantages
In a world where the number of endpoints is constantly increasing and inadequately managed endpoints cause billions of euros in damage from cyber attacks every year, it is our mission to protect our customers from this as much as possible through effective endpoint strategies.
We do not solve this by optimising the hardware lifecycle or focusing only on workplace devices, but with holistic Endpoint Management.
Specialization enables us to enable our employees to valued experts and contacts become our customers. We can transfer learnings from one customer to all of our customers. As a result, our customers receive added value that they can't get anywhere else. This makes working together fun for our customers and employees.
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Dorian has been involved in corporate and IT strategy since 2011. Due to the endpoint security deficiencies of many companies and the information overload, he developed the endpoint strategy. Dorian is co-founder of the “Endpoint Management” expert group at IAMCP e.V.
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