As everything continues to become increasingly more online, a secure, robust cybersecurity strategy becomes essential for any business – especially ones with lots of people working remotely or in a hybrid work environment.
The curse of too many devices. Endpoint devices—such as desktops, laptops, mobile devices, and servers—are not only huge chokepoints for maintaining operational efficiency, but they’re also the easiest way for bad actors to get all up into your business’s IT infrastructure. And do bad things to your business.
That’s where endpoint management solutions (EMS) come in. EMS is a centralized approach that allows businesses to handle these tasks. This article explores what endpoint management solutions are, their key features, benefits, costs, and how to implement them.
What is an Endpoint Management Solution?
An endpoint management solution is a comprehensive software suite that enables IT administrators to manage, monitor, and secure all endpoint devices from a single console.
An endpoint device, as we mentioned earlier, is any device that your employees may be using – from a sales rep’s phone accessing your company’s wifi network to your IT department’s server room. If it’s connected to the internet and a human being is interfacing with it, it’s an endpoint.
Thus, endpoint management solutions are designed to ensure that all of your company’s devices maintain organizational policies and are protected against the growing mountain of diverse and serious cyber threats.
Key Features of Endpoint Management Solutions
What are the key components of an EMS system? Usually, EMS software is extremely comprehensive. After all, it’s software that oversees and manages potentially hundreds or thousands of peoples’ data at all times, depending on the size of your business.
What your EMS has and what it doesn’t is largely down to the vendor, but in general, all EMS systems have these features.
- Device Configuration and Management
- Centralized control for configuring and managing devices.
- Automated deployment of operating systems and applications.
- Standardization of device settings across the organization.
- Cybersecurity Enforcement
- Implementation of security policies such as encryption, antivirus, and firewalls.
- Regular vulnerability assessments and patch management to mitigate risks.
- Protection against malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.
- Real-Time Monitoring and Reporting
- Continuous monitoring of device access, health, and performance.
- Detailed reports to track compliance and detect anomalies.
- Alerts and notifications for critical issues requiring immediate attention.
- Remote Access and Support
- Tools for remote troubleshooting and resolving issues.
- Secure remote access to manage devices from any location.
- Remote desktop and remote control capabilities.
- Software Deployment and Updates
- Automated installation and updating of software applications.
- Management of software licenses and compliance.
- Ensuring all software is up-to-date and secure.
Who Needs Endpoint Management Solutions?
Endpoint management solutions are essential for businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises. They are particularly valuable for organizations with:
- Diverse Device Environments: Companies using a variety of operating systems and devices. Physical geography and access may play into this as well.
- Remote or Hybrid Workforces: Businesses with employees working remotely or in multiple locations – so basically everyone in the world right now.
- High-Security Requirements: Organizations in highly regulated industries such as healthcare, finance, and government. It’s pretty much essential at this level.
Costs of Endpoint Management Solutions
The cost of endpoint management solutions can vary widely depending on the features, scalability, and vendor. For example:
- Atera: Ranges from $99 to $199 per technician per month, with additional costs for network discovery services.
- ManageEngine Endpoint Central: Starts at $795 annually for the Professional Edition and goes up to $1,695 for the Security Edition.
- Citrix Endpoint Management: Pricing details are typically provided upon request, as costs can vary based on the specific needs and scale of the business.
Overall, businesses should consider their specific requirements and budget when selecting an endpoint management solution.
Benefits of Endpoint Management Solutions
- Enhanced Security
- Protects against a variety of cyber threats.
- Ensures devices are up-to-date with the latest security patches.
- Facilitates implementation of security best practices.
- Improved Compliance
- Helps organizations comply with industry regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS.
- Enforces security policies uniformly across all devices.
- Maintains detailed logs of all endpoint activities.
- Operational Efficiency
- Automates routine tasks, reducing the workload on IT staff.
- Streamlines device management, leading to faster issue resolution and reduced downtime.
- Enhances overall productivity by providing a consistent user experience.
- Cost Savings
- Reduces the need for physical IT support and onsite visits.
- Lowers hardware and software maintenance costs through efficient management.
- Optimizes the use of existing resources, extending the life of devices.
- Scalability and Flexibility
- Supports a diverse range of devices and operating systems.
- Easily scales to accommodate new devices and users as the business grows.
- Adapts to the evolving IT landscape and organizational needs.
Where to Get Endpoint Management Solutions
There are several reputable vendors offering endpoint management solutions, including:
- NinjaOne: Offers a comprehensive platform “trusted by over 17,000 customers across more than 80 countries.”
- IBM Security MaaS360: Unified endpoint management solution for various operating systems. Covers all of the basics and more, as you’d expect from IBM
- Microsoft Intune: Integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft products for comprehensive device management. If you’re on Office or 365, this is a convenient option.
- VMware Workspace ONE: Suitable for companies using VMware environments, offering extensive endpoint management features.
- Scalefusion: Flexible pricing model and robust support for various operating systems.
Can I Set Up My Own Endpoint Management Solution?
While it is possible to set up an endpoint management solution in-house, it requires significant expertise and resources.
Most businesses opt to work with established vendors to ensure robust security, compliance, and operational efficiency. These vendors provide comprehensive support and updates, which can be challenging to maintain independently .
Conclusion
Endpoint management solutions are vital for modern organizations, offering enhanced security, compliance, and operational efficiency.
By centralizing the management of all endpoint devices, businesses can protect against evolving cyber threats, ensure regulatory compliance, and support flexible work environments.
As technology continues to advance, the capabilities of endpoint management solutions will expand, making them indispensable for any organization’s IT strategy.