With the announcement of the end-of-life (EOL) for Ivanti DSM on 31.12.2026, many companies are faced with the challenge of finding a new solution for their endpoint management in 2025. Ivanti DSM has been a reliable and very popular platform for many years, but the imminent end of support is forcing IT departments to look for sustainable alternatives.
However, the transition not only offers risks, but also opportunities: Modern solutions open up new opportunities in the areas of automation, security and cloud integration. Choosing the right alternative is crucial to optimize existing processes and meet future requirements.
The most important things in brief
- End of life by Ivanti DSM: Companies must switch to a new endpoint management solution to continue to efficiently manage their IT infrastructure.
- Best alternatives: Microsoft Intune for modern cloud-based endpoint management, MECM/SCCM for granular on-premise control, and Ivanti Neurons as an Ivanti successor with AI-supported administration.
- Migration requires planning: Important aspects include the transfer of Software packages (PSADT recommended), Policies & Configurations, terminal devices and user rights.
- Our recommendation: Microsoft Intune + MECM/SCCM if applicable Co-management is the right choice for 99% of companies
How SOFTTAILOR supports you: We take over the Migrating from Ivanti DSM for your company — so that you can fully concentrate on your core business while benefiting from our experience during this important migration.
1. The best alternatives to Ivanti DSM
Ivanti DSM is a classic on-premise solution for software distribution and unified endpoint management (UEM). With the announced end-of-life, many organizations are looking for powerful alternatives that are available either on-premise or cloud-based and meet modern requirements. Here are the most popular Ivanti DSM alternatives at a glance:
- Microsoft Intune
- Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (SCCM/MECM)
- Ivanti Neurons
- Matrix42 UEM Empire
- Baramundi Management Suite
- Aagon ACMP
- Omnissa (VMware) Workspace One
Microsoft Intune
Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based UEM solution that is ideal as an alternative to Ivanti DSM, particularly in conjunction with Microsoft MECM. With Intune, companies can centrally manage and secure all devices — from desktops and laptops to smartphones and tablets. Integration with Microsoft 365 and Azure Active Directory makes Intune particularly attractive for companies that already work in the Microsoft environment.
Thanks to its flexibility and strong security features, Microsoft Intune is a future-proof choice for companies that want to make the transition from Ivanti DSM.
However, it must be noted that MECM is still required to manage server operating systems, as Intune is primarily aimed at end user devices with an Internet connection.
MECM/SCCM (Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager)
Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM), formerly known as System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), remains a proven on-premise solution for companies that rely on local infrastructures without sacrificing modern management functions. MECM is particularly strong in hybrid environments, particularly in co-management with Microsoft Intune.
MECM offers extensive options for granular control of devices and efficient management of servers, on-premise environments and highly available endpoints. This flexibility makes it an ideal choice for organizations that need a high level of control over their IT landscape.
MECM also scores points with comprehensive reporting functions, which are ideal for meeting regulatory requirements. Companies benefit from the ability to generate detailed reports that not only support compliance but also provide valuable insights into the IT environment.
Overall, MECM is the ideal solution for companies that are looking for a robust local platform, but at the same time do not want to rule out hybrid or cloud-based scenarios.
Ivanti Neurons
Ivanti Neurons is Ivanti's modern, cloud-based platform, which positions itself as a successor and alternative to Ivanti DSM. The solution scores points, for example, with new, AI-based automation functions that help IT teams manage and secure their devices and therefore the ability to manage almost any device including OT/Frontline Worker Devices.
Ivanti Neurons is particularly suitable for companies that are looking for a market-leading and enterprise-ready alternative to Intune based on their requirements. In Ivanti DSM's prime discipline software distribution However, neurons still show weaknesses compared to DSM. As a Microsoft and Ivanti partner, we are happy to help you compare Neurons and Intune.
Matrix42 UEM Empire
Matrix42 UEM Empirum is an on-premise solution that is specifically tailored for medium-sized companies. It offers extensive functions for software distribution, patch management and inventory of IT resources. Empirum is a solid choice, particularly for companies that continue to rely on local infrastructures.
The downside: The solution is primarily designed for on-premise environments, which involves complex infrastructure management. There is also a lack of native security policies, and integration with cloud-based solutions such as Intune could incur additional licensing costs.
Baramundi Management Suite
The Baramundi Management Suite is a flexible and user-friendly on-premise solution that is particularly suitable for medium-sized companies. It covers all important UEM features including software distribution, inventory and IT security management.
The downside: Similar to Empirum, Baramundi also relies heavily on on-premise infrastructures, which makes maintenance and scalability difficult. Security guidelines are searched in vain and companies that aim for a hybrid or cloud-based environment may incur additional licensing costs.
Aagon ACMP
Aagon ACMP (Advanced Client Management Platform) is an on-premise solution that is characterized by its user-friendly interface and extensive automation features. It is particularly suitable for companies that are looking for cost-effective and efficient management of their devices.
The downside: While ACMP impresses with its ease of use, the local infrastructure challenge remains. The lack of support for security policies can create restrictions in modern IT environments. Even with ACMP, integration with Microsoft Intune or other cloud services requires additional licenses and adjustments.
Omnissa (VMware) Workspace ONE
Workspace ONE from VMware is a cloud-based UEM platform that specializes in managing mobile and hybrid work environments. The platform is ideal for companies that rely on remote work and cloud-first strategies.
Other noteworthy tools
In addition to the main alternatives, there are other tools that are suitable for specific requirements and often smaller SMEs with up to 50 employees. The boundaries between Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) and Remote Management & Monitoring (RMM) solutions are fluid here. Examples include:
- ManageEngine Desktop
- IBM MaaS360
- NinjaOne
- Kaseya VSA
2. Criteria for choosing a suitable Ivanti DSM alternative
Choosing the right alternative to Ivanti DSM depends on your organization's individual requirements. To ensure that the new solution fits both technically and strategically, you should consider the following criteria:
- On-premise vs. cloud solution: Decide whether your IT strategy prefers local infrastructure or cloud-based options.
- scalability: The solution should grow with the company and adapt to changing requirements.
- Administrability: An intuitive user interface minimizes training costs and reduces errors.
- Safety standards: Modern UEM solutions should offer features such as zero trust and conditional access.
- Ability to integrate: The chosen solution should fit seamlessly into the existing IT landscape.
- Costs and licensing model: License fees, operating costs, and potential savings must be considered.
- Future security: Choosing a solution that is regularly updated and offers a long-term perspective.
3. Why we might recommend Microsoft Intune in co-management with MECM as an Ivanti DSM alternative
Cover from our experience Microsoft Intune and MECM/SCCM In combination, it comprehensively meets the requirements of the vast majority of companies. Intune meets the criteria of a modern, cloud-based solution with a high scalability and surety, ideal for companies that rely on Internet-connected devices and simplified administration. Added at the same time MECM Intune perfect when it comes to granular control, On-premise management, server management and extensive Reporting goes.
Why this combination makes sense:
- scalability: Both solutions grow flexibly with your company. For worry-free scalability of MECM, we offer our MECM Managed Service On together even hosted in the sovereign cloud with our partner IONOS.
- Security and compliance: Intune offers modern security approaches such as Zero Trust, while MECM enables the management of on-premise devices up to air-gapped environments and supports regulatory requirements through extensive reporting.
- Integration capacity and costs: Both solutions are closely integrated with Microsoft 365 and are often included in existing Microsoft 365 licenses, minimizing additional costs.
- Flexibility: Co-management enables the parallel use of MECM and Intune to master hybrid scenarios and create an optimal balance between cloud and on-premise strategies.
- Future security: Microsoft is continuously and massively investing in the development of its solutions. As the manufacturer of the world's most-used operating system, Microsoft has an unrivalled knowledge advantage. With ever greater integration of solutions, the complexity of modern IT landscapes is being reduced, which allows companies to build sustainable infrastructures.
Together, Microsoft Intune and MECM/SCCM offer a future-proof, efficient and comprehensive solution that meets the criteria for modern IT infrastructures.
As an Ivanti partner, we are also involved in Ivanti Neurons Trust and be happy to discuss the best alternative for your individual requirements in detail.
4. 10 steps for a successful replacement of Ivanti DSM
Moving from Ivanti DSM to a new Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) solution requires careful planning and a clear structure. Here are the key steps to ensure a successful migration:
- Define success:
Define a clear goal with your team. Consider why you're migrating — for example, to simplify, improve security, or improve user experience. This goal forms the basis for all further steps.
- Inventory of the current environment:
- Device inventory: Captures all devices, operating systems, and applications that are currently being managed.
- Analyze processes: Document your existing processes for software distribution, patch management, and other tasks.
- Design a solution:
Together with you, we design a technical goal. This includes both the configuration of the new solution and the necessary integrations into your existing IT environment.
- Plan migration:
In workshops, we create a detailed plan with you. This includes the definition of sub-steps, the composition of the migration team and the preparation of a clear migration plan.
- Create technical requirements:
- Ensures that all required system access, test accounts and test devices are available.
- Plan licensing for both the new and the old solution to ensure a smooth transition.
- Test and pilot phase:
- Set up a test environment and validate the core features of the new solution.
- Involve pilot groups to gain initial experience and get feedback.
- Migration and configuration:
- Use automation tools where possible to migrate data, devices, and users from Ivanti DSM.
- Adapt your policies and profiles to the new platform.
- Training and briefing:
- Train your IT team and inform end users of the change in good time.
- Create clear instructions and guides that make it easier to get started with the new solution.
- Rollout and monitoring:
- Carries out migration in rings to minimize risks.
- Monitor the performance of the new solution, collect feedback and make improvements.
- Decommissioning old systems:
- Secures important data and deactivates licenses that are no longer required.
- Documents the completion of the migration and ensures that all systems run smoothly.
5. Which components must be migrated to the Ivanti DSM Alternative?
software packages
When migrating from software packages We recommend migrating from Ivanti eScript to PowerShell Application Deployment Toolkits (PSADT) as a universal standard format. PSADT offers significant advantages: It makes it possible to create packages that are compatible with almost any UEM solution, ensures standardization and high quality in software distribution, and offers a consistent end-user experience. With PSADT, applications can be packaged faster and easier, which speeds up the introduction of new software. In addition, troubleshooting faulty packages is significantly simplified.
Some service providers use other tools to promote the automated migration of Ivanti DSM software packages into their own format. We do not recommend this because it involves entering into a dependency and continuing to package in this format to ensure a uniform appearance for admins and users. Even the most time-consuming part of testing the package cannot be done by these tools.
Policies and configurations
Security policies, access controls and configuration profiles are an essential part of device management and may have been implemented with group policies in the age of DSM. Here, it may make sense to migrate them to the new platform in order to both increase compliance requirements as well as to further develop the desired security standard and introduce zero-trust.
terminal devices
All managed devices — including desktops, laptops, and mobile devices — must be integrated into the new UEM environment. Depending on the platform, this may require re-provisioning or adjustment. This should ensure that all devices seamlessly adopt the new policies and configurations and that end users experience minimal disruption.
User
Migrating user accounts, permissions, and assignments is just as critical. Assignment goals must be adopted and ensured that the software continues to be displayed to every user. The permissions for administrators and the help desk should also not be forgotten so that there are no disruptions in support.
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6. Conclusion
The upcoming end-of-life of Ivanti DSM is forcing many companies into action, but also offers opportunities for a more modern solution. The alternatives presented — Microsoft Intune, MECM/SCCM and Ivanti Neurons — offer different approaches to meet the needs of modern IT landscapes.
Switching to a new platform is not only a challenge, but also an opportunity to future-proof your IT infrastructure. With the right choice, you benefit from greater efficiency, security and flexibility.
Since 2011, Thore has focused exclusively on endpoint management and endpoint security topics. Initially focused on software packaging and software distribution with Microsoft MECM/SCCM and Ivanti DSM, he is now a sought-after interlocutor when it comes to unified endpoint management, system hardening, patch management and endpoint protection. The focus is in particular on the Microsoft technologies Intune, Configuration Manager, Entra and Defender. Thore is co-founder of the “Endpoint Management” expert group at IAMCP e.V.
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