Microsoft MDM vs Airwatch: Which Mobile Device Management Solution Reigns Supreme?

Mobile device management (MDM) solutions have become critical for organizations to manage and secure their mobile devices and data. Microsoft MDM and Airwatch are two of the most popular MDM solutions in the market. While both offer similar features, they differ in various aspects that can significantly impact an organization's decision. In this article, we will explore the differences between Microsoft MDM and Airwatch and help you make an informed decision about which solution is best suited for your business.

Firstly, let's discuss Microsoft MDM. Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based MDM solution that provides endpoint management services for Windows, iOS, Android, and macOS devices. It offers features such as device enrollment, policy enforcement, app management, and compliance reporting. One of the biggest advantages of Microsoft MDM is its integration with other Microsoft products such as Office 365, Azure, and Active Directory. This integration provides a seamless and centralized management experience for Microsoft-centric organizations.

On the other hand, Airwatch is a comprehensive MDM solution that supports multiple platforms, including Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, and Chrome OS. It offers advanced features such as containerization, app wrapping, and app tunneling that provide enhanced security for corporate data. Airwatch also has a robust app catalog that allows administrators to manage and distribute apps to users, making it an ideal solution for businesses with a large app portfolio.

When it comes to pricing, both Microsoft MDM and Airwatch have different pricing models. Microsoft MDM is included as part of the Microsoft Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS) suite, which starts at $8.75 per user per month. EMS also includes other security and identity management services such as Azure AD Premium and Microsoft Defender ATP. Airwatch, on the other hand, offers a flexible pricing model based on the number of devices being managed and the features required. This pricing model allows businesses to scale up or down as per their requirements.

Another critical aspect to consider is the ease of use and deployment. Microsoft MDM is relatively easy to deploy, especially for organizations already using other Microsoft products. The user interface is intuitive and straightforward, making it easy for administrators to manage devices and policies. Airwatch, on the other hand, has a steeper learning curve due to its comprehensive feature set. However, once administrators get familiar with the platform, they can take advantage of its advanced features to provide a secure and seamless mobile experience to users.

One of the significant differences between Microsoft MDM and Airwatch is the level of control and customization offered. Microsoft MDM provides a wide range of policy templates and settings that allow administrators to enforce security policies and compliance regulations. However, the level of customization offered is limited compared to Airwatch. Airwatch provides granular control over device and app policies, allowing administrators to create policies tailored to their specific needs.

Another aspect to consider is the level of support offered by both solutions. Microsoft MDM offers standard support through its online forums, documentation, and community. It also offers premium support options for businesses that require additional assistance. Airwatch offers a robust support system that includes email, phone, and chat support, along with a knowledge base and community forums.

Finally, let's talk about the future roadmap for both Microsoft MDM and Airwatch. Microsoft has been investing heavily in developing its MDM solution, with regular updates and new features being added to the platform. Microsoft has also been working on integrating its MDM solution with other Microsoft products such as Windows Virtual Desktop and Microsoft Endpoint Manager. Airwatch, on the other hand, has been focusing on developing advanced features such as containerization and app wrapping to provide enhanced security for corporate data.

In conclusion, both Microsoft MDM and Airwatch are excellent MDM solutions that offer unique features and capabilities. The choice between the two ultimately depends on your business requirements, budget, and existing infrastructure. Microsoft MDM is an ideal solution for Microsoft-centric organizations looking for a seamless and centralized management experience. Airwatch, on the other hand, is a comprehensive MDM solution that provides advanced security features and granular control over policies and settings. As always, it's essential to evaluate both solutions thoroughly and choose the one that best fits your business needs.

Introduction

Mobile Device Management (MDM) has become an essential part of enterprise IT infrastructure. With the rise of remote and mobile workforce, organizations are looking for robust MDM solutions to manage their mobile devices. Microsoft MDM and AirWatch are two popular MDM solutions in the market. In this article, we will compare Microsoft MDM and AirWatch based on different criteria to help you choose the best solution for your organization.

Overview of Microsoft MDM and AirWatch

Microsoft MDM is a cloud-based mobile device management solution that allows organizations to manage and secure their mobile devices, applications, and data. It provides a centralized console to manage devices and offers features such as conditional access, device enrollment, and app management.AirWatch, on the other hand, is a comprehensive enterprise mobility management solution that includes MDM, mobile application management (MAM), mobile content management (MCM), and mobile email management (MEM). AirWatch offers a variety of features such as device enrollment, policy management, app distribution, and security management.

Device Management

Device management is one of the critical functions of any MDM solution. Both Microsoft MDM and AirWatch allow organizations to manage their devices effectively. Microsoft MDM offers features such as device enrollment, device compliance, and device configuration. It also provides Windows Autopilot, which enables organizations to set up and pre-configure new devices before they are delivered to the user.AirWatch, on the other hand, offers a comprehensive device management solution that includes device enrollment, policy management, and compliance management. It allows organizations to configure policies based on device ownership, location, and user group. AirWatch also offers features such as remote wipe, device lock, and password reset.

Application Management

Application management is another critical function of MDM solutions. Microsoft MDM offers app management features such as app deployment, app configuration, and app protection policies. It also provides the ability to manage Microsoft Store for Business and Education.AirWatch, on the other hand, offers a comprehensive mobile application management solution that includes app deployment, app configuration, and app analytics. It also provides the ability to manage public and enterprise app stores. AirWatch also offers features such as app wrapping, which allows organizations to add security features to their custom apps.

Security Management

Security management is a critical aspect of MDM solutions. Both Microsoft MDM and AirWatch offer robust security management features. Microsoft MDM provides features such as conditional access, data protection, and threat management. It also integrates with Azure Active Directory, which allows organizations to manage user identities and access.AirWatch, on the other hand, offers a comprehensive security management solution that includes features such as compliance management, data loss prevention, and network access control. It also provides the ability to manage certificates and configure VPN settings.

Supported Platforms

Both Microsoft MDM and AirWatch support multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows 10, and macOS. Microsoft MDM also supports Windows Phone and Windows 8.1 devices. AirWatch supports additional platforms such as Chrome OS and BlackBerry.

User Experience

User experience is an essential factor in the adoption of MDM solutions. Microsoft MDM offers a seamless user experience with features such as self-service device enrollment and app installation. It also provides a unified app catalog for easy app discovery and installation.AirWatch, on the other hand, offers a comprehensive user experience with features such as customizable home screens, app catalogs, and remote assistance. It also provides a secure container for business data, which allows users to access their personal and work-related data separately.

Pricing

Pricing is a critical factor in the selection of MDM solutions. Microsoft MDM is available as a part of Microsoft 365 and Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS) plans. The pricing for Microsoft 365 starts at $5 per user per month, while the pricing for EMS starts at $8.74 per user per month.AirWatch, on the other hand, offers multiple pricing plans based on the features and the number of devices. The pricing for AirWatch starts at $4.33 per device per month for the basic plan and goes up to $9.33 per device per month for the advanced plan.

Integration

Integration with existing IT infrastructure is an essential factor in the selection of MDM solutions. Microsoft MDM integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Intune, Azure Active Directory, and Office 365. It also supports integration with third-party apps and services.AirWatch, on the other hand, offers integration with various enterprise systems such as Active Directory, Exchange, and SharePoint. It also provides APIs and SDKs for custom integrations.

Support

Support is a critical factor in the selection of MDM solutions. Microsoft MDM offers different support options based on the plan, including online support, phone support, and Microsoft FastTrack. It also provides a community forum for peer support.AirWatch, on the other hand, offers different support options based on the plan, including online support, phone support, and dedicated technical account managers. It also provides a knowledge base and a community forum for self-help.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Microsoft MDM and AirWatch are excellent MDM solutions that offer robust features for device management, application management, and security management. Microsoft MDM is a good option for organizations that need a simple and easy-to-use MDM solution that integrates with Microsoft services. AirWatch, on the other hand, is a comprehensive enterprise mobility management solution that offers advanced features such as mobile content management and customizable user experience. The choice between Microsoft MDM and AirWatch depends on the specific needs and preferences of the organization.

Overview of Microsoft MDM and Airwatch

Microsoft MDM and Airwatch are two of the most popular mobile device management (MDM) solutions on the market today. Microsoft MDM is a cloud-based solution that allows organizations to manage their mobile devices and applications from a central console. Airwatch, on the other hand, is an enterprise mobility management (EMM) solution that offers a range of features including MDM, mobile application management (MAM), and mobile content management (MCM).

Device Management Capabilities of Microsoft MDM and Airwatch

Microsoft MDM provides a comprehensive set of device management capabilities including device enrollment, configuration, and management. With Microsoft MDM, administrators can configure and enforce security policies, deploy software updates, and monitor device health and performance. Airwatch also offers similar device management capabilities along with advanced features such as remote wipe, geofencing, and kiosk mode.

Security Features of Microsoft MDM and Airwatch

Security is a critical concern for any organization managing mobile devices. Microsoft MDM provides a range of security features to protect devices and data including password policies, device encryption, and conditional access policies. Airwatch also offers similar security features along with additional capabilities such as mobile threat detection and identity management.

Integration Capabilities of Microsoft MDM and Airwatch

Integration capabilities are important for organizations that require seamless integration between their MDM solution and other systems such as identity management and productivity tools. Microsoft MDM offers integration with other Microsoft products such as Azure Active Directory and Intune App SDK. Airwatch also offers integration with a wide range of third-party applications and systems including Salesforce, Box, and Google Apps.

Support and Customer Services of Microsoft MDM and Airwatch

Support and customer service are critical factors to consider when selecting an MDM solution. Microsoft offers comprehensive support options including online documentation, community forums, and phone support. Airwatch also offers a range of support options including a knowledge base, community forums, and phone and email support.

Pricing Comparison of Microsoft MDM and Airwatch

Pricing is an important consideration for any organization looking to implement an MDM solution. Microsoft MDM is available as part of the Microsoft Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS) suite which starts at $8.74 per user per month. Airwatch offers a range of pricing options starting at $4.33 per device per month for basic MDM features, with additional costs for advanced features such as MAM and MCM.

User Interface and Ease of Use Comparison between Microsoft MDM and Airwatch

User interface and ease of use are important considerations for administrators who will be managing the MDM solution on a daily basis. Microsoft MDM offers a clean and intuitive interface that is easy to navigate. Airwatch also offers a well-designed user interface with a range of customization options to suit specific organizational needs.

Deployment Options for Microsoft MDM and Airwatch

Deployment options are an important consideration for organizations with diverse IT infrastructures. Microsoft MDM is a cloud-based solution that can be deployed quickly and easily with minimal setup and configuration. Airwatch offers both cloud-based and on-premise deployment options, providing organizations with greater flexibility in their deployment approach.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Microsoft MDM and Airwatch

Advantages of Microsoft MDM:

Comprehensive device management capabilities
Tight integration with other Microsoft products
Clean and intuitive user interface
Easy deployment and setup

Disadvantages of Microsoft MDM:

Less comprehensive feature set compared to Airwatch
Limited customization options

Advantages of Airwatch:

Comprehensive feature set including MAM and MCM
Greater customization options
Flexible deployment options
Integrates with a wide range of third-party applications and systems

Disadvantages of Airwatch:

More complex user interface compared to Microsoft MDM
Higher pricing compared to Microsoft MDM
May require more setup and configuration compared to Microsoft MDM

Key Factors to Consider when Choosing between Microsoft MDM and Airwatch

When choosing between Microsoft MDM and Airwatch, it is important to consider the specific needs and requirements of your organization. Some key factors to consider include:

The size and complexity of your IT infrastructure
The specific device management and security features required
The need for integration with other systems and applications
The level of customization required
The available budget for an MDM solution

Microsoft Mdm Vs Airwatch: A Comparison

The Story

As businesses become more mobile, the need for Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions has increased. Two popular options in the market are Microsoft Mdm and Airwatch. Both offer similar features with slight differences that may sway a business one way or the other. Let's take a closer look at each solution.

Microsoft Mdm

Microsoft Mdm is part of the Microsoft 365 suite and offers a secure and flexible solution for managing mobile devices. It allows businesses to enforce policies and control access to company data on both company-owned and bring-your-own-device (BYOD) devices. With Microsoft Mdm, users can:

Enforce device encryption
Manage app installations and updates
Remotely lock and wipe devices
Control access to company data
Set up conditional access policies

One of the main advantages of using Microsoft Mdm is its seamless integration with other Microsoft tools such as Azure Active Directory and Intune. This makes it easier to manage devices and ensure compliance across all Microsoft applications.

Airwatch

Airwatch is a standalone MDM solution that offers a comprehensive set of features for managing mobile devices. It provides businesses with a single console to manage all devices, regardless of their operating system. With Airwatch, users can:

Monitor device health and performance
Deploy and manage apps
Track device location
Secure corporate data
Set up compliance and security policies

One of the key benefits of Airwatch is its ability to manage devices across multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, and Windows. This makes it an ideal solution for businesses with a diverse set of devices.

The Point of View

In terms of features, both Microsoft Mdm and Airwatch offer a comprehensive set of tools to manage mobile devices. However, when it comes to integration with other tools and platforms, Microsoft Mdm has the upper hand due to its seamless integration with other Microsoft applications. On the other hand, Airwatch is a better choice for businesses with a variety of devices, as it can manage all devices regardless of their operating system.

Ultimately, the choice between Microsoft Mdm and Airwatch depends on a business's specific needs and requirements. It's important to evaluate each solution carefully and choose the one that fits best with the business's overall strategy.

Table Information

Microsoft Mdm	Airwatch
Part of Microsoft 365 suite	Standalone solution
Seamless integration with other Microsoft tools	Manages devices across multiple platforms
Enforces device encryption	Monitors device health and performance
Controls access to company data	Tracks device location
Sets up conditional access policies	Sets up compliance and security policies

Closing Message: Making the Right Choice Between Microsoft MDM and Airwatch

As you come to the end of this article, we hope that you have gained a better understanding of the differences between Microsoft MDM and Airwatch. Both solutions offer unique features and benefits that can meet the needs of your organization. However, making the right choice is essential to ensure that you can effectively manage your mobile devices and protect your data.

When it comes to security, Microsoft MDM offers a strong feature set that can help you secure your devices and data. With its integration with Azure Active Directory, you can ensure that only authorized users can access your resources. Additionally, Microsoft MDM also offers robust protection against malware and other threats.

On the other hand, Airwatch delivers a comprehensive solution that covers all aspects of mobile device management. From device enrollment to application management and content delivery, Airwatch has it all. Its user-friendly interface and flexibility make it a popular choice for organizations that need to manage multiple types of devices.

One important factor to consider when choosing between Microsoft MDM and Airwatch is your existing infrastructure. If you are already using Microsoft products, such as Office 365 or Intune, then Microsoft MDM may be the better choice for you. It integrates seamlessly with these products, making it easier to manage your devices and applications.

However, if you have a diverse range of devices from various manufacturers, then Airwatch may be the better option. It supports a wide range of devices and operating systems, including iOS, Android, and Windows. This makes it easier to manage your entire fleet of devices from a single console.

Another factor to consider is your budget. Both Microsoft MDM and Airwatch have different pricing structures, and you need to evaluate them carefully to determine which solution fits your budget. While Microsoft MDM may be cheaper in some cases, Airwatch's comprehensive feature set may justify the additional cost.

Ultimately, the choice between Microsoft MDM and Airwatch depends on your specific requirements. You need to evaluate your organizational needs, infrastructure, and budget to make an informed decision. We hope that this article has helped you understand the key differences between the two solutions and will help you make the right choice.

As mobile devices become increasingly prevalent in the workplace, managing them effectively and securely is critical to protecting your data and ensuring productivity. Whether you choose Microsoft MDM or Airwatch, implementing a robust mobile device management solution can help you achieve these goals.

Thank you for reading our article on Microsoft MDM vs. Airwatch. We hope that you found it informative and helpful in making the right choice for your organization. If you have any further questions or comments, please feel free to contact us.

Remember, choosing the right mobile device management solution is essential to ensure the security and productivity of your organization. Take the time to evaluate your options carefully and choose wisely.