The Top 10 Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) Solutions
Discover the best unified endpoint management solutions. Explore features such as user authentication, application controls, and reporting and analytics.
Written by Caitlin Harris
Technical Review by Craig MacAlpine
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Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) software solutions enable organizations and Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to monitor and manage all the endpoints connected to their network (or their clients’ networks). Traditionally, IT teams would have to use multiple tools to manage different types of endpoints across their network. UEM solutions, however, allow them to manage PCs, laptops, mobile devices, and IoT devices from a single interface. This makes UEM a much more efficient endpoint management tool than its legacy predecessors (MDM, EMM, and CMT tools), particularly for organizations with a diverse device fleet. It also enables IT to unify their IT policies and processes across all devices and locations.
To achieve this, UEM tools provide a central, unified view of all the devices connected to a network – no matter the device type or operating system. They support device enrollment and offer useful analytics into device health and usage (including application usage), enable admins to configure device policies and peripheral settings, and allow admins to keep multiple devices, apps, and OS up to date with patches. Some UEM solutions also offer in-built features for security such as user authentication and malware scanning. Other solutions offer integration with Unified Endpoint Security (UES) and access management tools to extend their security offering.
In this article, we’ll explore the top UEM solutions designed to help organizations monitor and manage their endpoints. These solutions offer a range of capabilities, including compliance reporting, user authentication, application isolation, and controls—some also offer endpoint security features. We’ll give you some background information on the provider and the key features of each solution, as well as the type of customer that they are best suited to.
Datto RMM
Datto Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) is a cloud-based solution designed to help MSPs and SMBs secure and manage their endpoints efficiently. As a subsidiary of Kaseya since 2022, Datto RMM offers robust endpoint management and security features to reduce costs and enhance service delivery.
Why We Picked Datto RMM: We appreciate Datto RMM’s one-click remote access capabilities and its unified Microsoft 365 management module, which streamline endpoint management and enhance productivity.
Datto RMM Best Features: Key features include endpoint management, topology mapping, one-click remote access, live chat support, powerful reporting, intelligent alerts, auto-response capabilities, ransomware detection, and automated patch management. It also offers a unified Microsoft 365 management module for user configuration management. Integrations include PSA, networking, and documentation solutions.
What’s great:
- Comprehensive endpoint management and security
- One-click remote access for quick issue resolution
- Unified Microsoft 365 management module
- 24/7/365 support and easy deployment
- Boosts productivity and enhances service delivery
Pricing: For pricing details, visit Datto’s website directly.
Who it’s for: Datto RMM is best suited for MSPs and SMBs looking for a comprehensive and secure platform to manage and monitor their endpoints, with a focus on enhancing productivity and service delivery.
Datto RMM
NinjaOne Endpoint Management is a unified endpoint management (UEM) solution that streamlines IT operations across various digital environments. It supports a wide range of devices, including Windows, macOS, Linux, servers, virtual machines, and networking devices, all manageable through a single, centralized interface.
Why We Picked NinjaOne Endpoint Management: We appreciate its real-time monitoring and automatic alerts, which enable efficient issue remediation. The platform’s comprehensive automation capabilities, including app installations and OS patching, further enhance its appeal.
NinjaOne Endpoint Management Best Features: Key features include real-time monitoring with automatic alerts, remote access for troubleshooting, comprehensive automation for app installs and OS patching, automatic remediation of issues, and extensive reporting with customizable visualizations. Integrations are robust, supporting a wide range of third-party IT management and security tools.
What’s great:
- Manages diverse device types from a single interface
- Real-time monitoring with automatic alerts enhances responsiveness
- Comprehensive automation reduces manual workload
- Extensive, customizable reporting provides clear insights
- Scalable and suitable for both SMBs and large enterprises
Pricing: For detailed pricing, visit NinjaOne directly.
Who it’s for: NinjaOne Endpoint Management is ideal for IT teams and MSPs managing diverse digital environments, suitable for both small to medium-sized businesses and larger enterprises seeking scalable, efficient endpoint management.
Atera’s unified endpoint monitoring software integrates Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM), helpdesk, ticketing, and automation into a single platform. It streamlines IT management with its proprietary ActionAI™ solution, offering a comprehensive dashboard for all IT needs.
Why We Picked Atera: We like Atera’s real-time endpoint monitoring and the innovative Atera Copilot, which uses AI to enhance troubleshooting and support efficiency.
Atera Best Features: Key features include real-time endpoint monitoring, activity logs, in-depth endpoint analytics, and the Atera Copilot. The platform supports Windows, Linux, and Mac devices through a single agent. It integrates with third-party security tools like MDR, password managers, PAM, backup, and endpoint protection. Additional capabilities include helpdesk and ticketing with chatbots, script automation, and network discovery.
What’s great:
- Consolidates multiple IT management functions into one dashboard
- Real-time monitoring and analytics for proactive management
- AI-driven Atera Copilot enhances troubleshooting and support
- Compatible with multiple operating systems via a single agent
- Seamless integration with various security tools
Pricing: For detailed pricing, visit Atera’s website directly.
Who it’s for: Atera is ideal for corporate IT departments and Managed Service Providers (MSPs) looking to streamline and enhance their IT management processes with a comprehensive, AI-assisted solution.
SuperOps
SuperOps is a unified Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) and Professional Services Automation (PSA) platform designed for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). It consolidates essential MSP functionalities such as policy management, network monitoring, service desk, reporting, and asset management into a single pane of glass admin console.
Why We Picked SuperOps: We appreciate SuperOps for its strong focus on automation and comprehensive endpoint management. The platform’s automation capabilities, including script generation and policy enforcement, enable efficient client management.
SuperOps Standout Features: Key features include endpoint and asset management, policy enforcement, network monitoring, service desk operations, and automated patching and scripting. It supports remote access for troubleshooting with tools like terminal, registry editor, and file explorer. SuperOps integrates with remote desktop access tools such as TeamViewer and Connectwise, and offers a marketplace for third-party security tools.
What’s Great:
- Comprehensive endpoint and asset management
- Robust automation for efficient client management
- Easy-to-use, single pane of glass admin console
- Detailed ticket context and intelligent alerting
- Integration with third-party security solutions
Pricing: For detailed pricing, contact SuperOps directly.
Best suited for: SuperOps is ideal for MSPs seeking a comprehensive solution for remote monitoring, management, service desk operations, and client management, especially those prioritizing automation and efficiency.
SuperOps
ManageEngine Desktop Central is a leading unified endpoint management solution that provides extensive management for all endpoints in a company network, including servers, laptops, desktops, smartphones, and tablets from a single, centralized dashboard. It is a highly customizable platform that can be configured to automate a wide range of processes such as software deployment, patch updates, and OS deployment.
Why We Picked ManageEngine Desktop Central: We like Desktop Central’s enhanced visibility and security features, which allow admins to track unusual and anomalous behavior across all endpoints in the network, ensuring no place for attackers to hide. Its intuitive dashboard also streamlines threat detection, analysis, and remediation processes.
ManageEngine Desktop Central Best Features: Key features include software deployment, patch management, OS deployment, enhanced visibility and security, asset management, software usage statistics, endpoint activity reports, USB device management, and remote device control. Integrations support a wide range of operating systems and devices.
What’s great:
- Comprehensive endpoint management from a single dashboard
- Highly customizable automation for various IT processes
- Enhanced visibility and security with anomaly detection
- Streamlined threat detection, analysis, and remediation
- Asset management and detailed endpoint activity reporting
Pricing: Pricing for ManageEngine Desktop Central is available upon request for a quotation.
Who it’s for: ManageEngine Desktop Central is best suited for businesses of all sizes that require a robust, customizable endpoint management solution, particularly those needing enhanced security and visibility across their network.
BlackBerry Spark UEM is an endpoint management solution that secures user access to company data, apps, and workspaces from any device. It is available standalone or as part of the Spark Suite, which includes Spark UES, an AI-driven endpoint protection and response tool.
Why We Picked BlackBerry Spark UEM: We like its zero-trust framework and robust Identity and Access Management (IAM) capabilities, which enhance security across diverse devices.
BlackBerry Spark UEM Best Features: Key features include endpoint management, policy control, and centralized visibility of users, devices, apps, and policies. It supports native container solutions and runs on a zero-trust framework with strong IAM, including 2FA. Integrations include seamless compatibility with Spark UES for comprehensive endpoint protection.
What’s great:
- Facilitates secure BYOD environments, reducing corporate device costs
- Centralized management of users, devices, apps, and policies
- Strong IAM with continuous user authentication
- Supports secure access to virtual applications and desktops
Pricing: For detailed pricing, contact BlackBerry directly.
Who it’s for: BlackBerry Spark UEM is best suited for large enterprises looking to implement a robust UEM solution across a remote, BYOD workforce.
Citrix Endpoint Management (CEM) is a unified endpoint management solution that enables secure and efficient management of applications, data, and devices. It provides a cloud-delivered platform that supports work-from-anywhere capabilities, ensuring employees have secure access to necessary resources.
Why We Picked Citrix Endpoint Management: We appreciate CEM’s comprehensive endpoint security and its ability to facilitate remote productivity. The solution’s single management console and automation capabilities simplify endpoint management.
Citrix Endpoint Management Best Features: Key features include a context-aware interface for accessing work applications and files, multi-factor authentication (MFA), encryption, and a micro-VPN for data security. It supports over-the-air provisioning, self-service enrollment, and an enterprise app store for app deployment. CEM integrates with major operating systems and offers robust reporting on unmanaged devices, compliance, and system alerts. Additional features include role-based access views, mobile policy deployment, and active clustering for scalability.
What’s great:
- Enables secure remote productivity
- Simplifies endpoint management with a single console
- Supports flexible device usage with strong security measures
- Robust reporting capabilities
- Easy deployment and scalability
Pricing: For detailed pricing information, contact Citrix directly.
Who it’s for: Citrix Endpoint Management is ideal for enterprises seeking a unified endpoint management solution that can be quickly deployed and scaled to support a growing remote workforce.
IBM Security’s MaaS360 with Watson MDM is a leading unified endpoint management (UEM) solution that provides comprehensive visibility and security across iOS, macOS, Android, and Windows endpoints.
Why We Picked IBM MaaS360: We appreciate the solution’s integration of IBM Watson’s AI-driven analytics, which enhances security issue management. Additionally, its cloud deployment ensures quick and easy setup.
IBM MaaS360 Best Features: Key features include AI-driven analytics for security issue resolution, extensive application security with single sign-on and app-level tunneling, customizable reports on device and application usage, and robust BYOD management with adjustable security policies. Integrations include third-party content management tools and patching capabilities for Windows and macOS applications.
What’s great:
- Quick and easy setup via cloud deployment
- AI-driven analytics improve security management
- Supports a wide range of devices and operating systems
- Flexible BYOD management with customizable security policies
Pricing: For detailed pricing, contact IBM Security directly.
Who it’s for: IBM MaaS360 with Watson MDM is an ideal UEM solution for small to mid-sized organizations seeking robust endpoint management and security. Larger enterprises can explore IBM’s Enterprise Mobility Management solution for more extensive needs.
Ivanti Unified Endpoint Manager (UEM) is a robust IT solution that consolidates endpoint and workspace management into a single suite. It supports a wide range of operating systems and is used by 78 of the Fortune 100 companies.
Why We Picked Ivanti UEM: We like its comprehensive device management and seamless software deployment capabilities, which simplify remote management and support diverse operating systems.
Ivanti UEM Best Features: Key features include device discovery, inventory, and configuration across Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome, iOS, and Android. It offers centralized management with user profile mobility, automatic OS migrations and updates, and an optional app store experience. Integrations include reporting and visual dashboards that require no coding, and an add-on for integrated endpoint security and application patching.
What’s great:
- Supports a wide range of operating systems
- Centralized management simplifies administration
- Automatic OS migrations and updates
- User profile mobility enhances flexibility
- No coding required for valuable insights
Pricing: For detailed pricing, contact Ivanti directly.
Who it’s for: Ivanti Unified Endpoint Manager is best suited for mid-size enterprises seeking to control endpoints and deploy applications remotely without a VPN.
VMWare Workspace ONE is a comprehensive digital workspace solution that empowers IT administrators to manage endpoints, ensure end-to-end security, and integrate multiple enterprise systems. It supports all devices, regardless of platform or OS, providing a unified management console for corporate-owned and BYOD devices.
Why We Picked VMWare Workspace ONE: We like the solution’s advanced zero-trust authentication tools that assess user and device risk to control access, and its flexible architecture that supports on-premises, SaaS, or hybrid deployment models.
VMWare Workspace ONE Best Features: Key features include a single management console for all devices, over-the-air app deployment and provisioning, policy configuration, and advanced zero-trust authentication. It also offers tailored productivity apps for email, notes, tasks, content, and a corporate intranet. Integrations include seamless compatibility with various third-party identity and access management, endpoint security, IT operations, and IT service management tools.
What’s great:
- Supports all devices, regardless of platform or OS
- Advanced zero-trust authentication enhances security
- Flexible architecture supports on-premises, SaaS, or hybrid deployments
- Integrated insights help reduce IT costs and optimize employee experience
Pricing: For detailed pricing, visit the VMWare Workspace ONE website.
Who it’s for: VMWare Workspace ONE is ideal for enterprises looking for a robust Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) solution that can manage a diverse range of devices and support various stages of cloud migration.
Unified Endpoint Management (UEM): Everything You Need To Know
What Is A UEM Solution?
Unified endpoint management (UEM) tools enable IT teams to monitor and manage all the endpoints connected to their network, and all the applications installed on those endpoints. They can also be used by MSPs to manage their clients’ devices.
To really understand what UEM is, we first need to take a look at its predecessors in the endpoint management space: mobile device management (MDM), enterprise mobility management (EMM), and client management tools (CMT).
MDM solutions allow IT workers to configure usage and security policies for the mobile devices connected to their network. This makes them particularly popular among organizations with a remote workforce. However, MDM solutions don’t support the management of on-prem devices, meaning that IT teams with hybrid or office-based employees must juggle two separate management tools for on-site and off-site endpoints. Additionally, traditional MDM solutions don’t support a BYOD culture as employees can’t switch easily between using personal and work applications on their device.
EMM is an evolution of MDM that focuses on managing the applications installed on each endpoint. It solves the BYOD problem by using containers to segment work and personal apps stored on a mobile device. This means that admins can manage and secure workplace apps, without encroaching on the user’s privacy by meddling with their personal apps, too.
CMTs enable IT teams to automate administrative tasks such as deploying operating systems, distributing software, and administering patches across a network of client devices.
UEM tools combine the features from each of these other tools. They provide comprehensive visibility into all your endpoints—not just the mobile devices. This enables admins to carry out administrative tasks on those endpoints, monitor their health and usage, and secure application usage across BYOD devices.
What Features Should You Look For In A UEM Solution?
Because UEM tools combine features from MDM, EMM, and CMT tools, there are a variety of solutions on the market that all offer different specialized feature sets. However, there are some features that all united endpoint management solutions should offer:
- Device management: The device management console should be centralized, enabling you to monitor, manage, and troubleshoot endpoints for managed devices from anywhere, at any time. From this console, should be able to view all the managed devices on your network, distribute software, configure role-based conditional access, administer patches and updates, and generate reports on compliance, device health, and system alerts. You should be able to do this for remote devices also, including mobile content management.
- Application controls: You should be able to distribute applications either via automatic rollouts or via an app-store experience, as well as create allow/deny lists of applications to prevent users from accidentally installing malicious software. You should also be able to containerize the applications running on personal devices, enabling you to manage workplace apps whilst maintaining users’ privacy within their personal apps.
- Device compatibility: Your chosen solution should support all the different types of endpoints and operating system connected to your network. Usually, that will include Windows, Mac, and Linux desktop and laptops, Chrome, iOS and Android smartphones or tablets, and IoT devices such as printers.
- Integrations: For easier deployment and patch management, your chosen solution should integrate with any other endpoint management tools you have, as well as your user directory and workplace productivity suite (e.g., Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace). It should also offer integrations with the third-party security tools that you’re using to protect your endpoints, such as antivirus, VPN/ZTNA, and IAM tools.
- In-built features for security: Some UEM tools come with security features built in. This might include role-based multi-factor authentication to ensure only verified users are accessing the network; a VPN or ZTNA that ensures remote connections are secure; and email security or malware scanning that ensures only trusted, safe documents can be opened on the device. The solution may also offer remote device wipe/lock, automatic device lockdown after a period of inactivity, and remote peripheral setting adjustment.
UEM Vs. RMM: What’s The Difference?
Remote monitoring and management (RMM) software enables managed service providers (MSPs) to monitor, manage, and troubleshoot their clients’ networks without having to visit those clients in person. This allows MSPs to troubleshoot and remediate issues across their clients’ network much more quickly and efficiently, which in turn leads to reduced downtime, increased security and productivity, and higher client satisfaction.
RMM tools often offer powerful automation that make it easier for MSPs to deal with repetitive administrative tasks, such as running self-healing scripts and administering patches. This makes them popular amongst MSPs that have a large client base, or whose clients are using numerous different applications and operating systems—all of which need to be continuously monitored for updates—as it allows them to make these updates easily and focus on more complex issues.
RMM and UEM solutions do offer some overlapping features, such as endpoint health monitoring and the ability to administer patches or updates, but they are designed for two different purposes. RMM solutions can be used to monitor client networks, remediate security issues, and provide help desk services to clients. UEM solutions can be used to apply consistent policies across endpoints, deploy software, and monitor device health.
Why Do You Need Endpoint Management?
Around 58% of organizations around the world currently have workforces who “telework”, or work from home – a number that has hugely increased over the course of the past year. The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a major catalyst for remote working, as governments around the world instructed people to stay at home to combat the spread of the virus. This meant that many organizations suddenly had to provision their employees to work from home, at very short notice.
Unfortunately, the speed of this change often meant sacrificing security in the name of productivity. This was largely because many organizations were unable to provision corporate devices to each employee, instead implementing a “bring-your-own-device (BYOD) culture. Although this enables employee flexibility, BYOD can introduce a whole range of security issues; not least that it’s more difficult to keep track of which devices are actually connected to your network!
Personal cell phones, laptops and tablets are much less secure than corporate-issued devices; they generally aren’t secured with MFA or a password manager, for example, and are less likely to encrypt stored data, connect to the network via a VPN, or have antivirus software installed on them. This means that they make much easier targets for bad actors trying to access your corporate data. Think of it this way: each of your organization’s endpoints is a doorway that opens into your corporate data kingdom. If an endpoint is properly managed and secured, that door is locked and bolted; if not, it’s swinging on one hinge. Because of this, personal devices are twice as likely to become infected with malware than their corporate counterparts.
UEM solutions provide a centralized view of all of the endpoints connected to your network, as well as enabling you to centrally and remotely manage all of those endpoints without having to compile data from on-site and off-site device management tools; the UEM solution covers them all.
UEM also makes it easier for you to monitor device use and health, including vulnerabilities that need patching, OS updates and software or application updates that need to be deployed. Combined, these features enable you to provide a baseline level of security and threat monitoring across your endpoints, even for personal mobile devices.
Some UEM solutions even include a variety of in-built security functions that enable you to protect your endpoints against malware, viruses and malicious applications.
Written By
Caitlin Harris is Deputy Head of Content at Expert Insights. Caitlin is an experienced writer and journalist, with years of experience producing award-winning technical training materials and journalistic content. Caitlin holds a First Class BA in English Literature and German, and provides our content team with strategic editorial guidance as well as carrying out detailed research to create articles that are accurate, engaging and relevant. Caitlin co-hosts the Expert Insights Podcast, where she interviews world-leading B2B tech experts.
Technical Review
Craig MacAlpine is CEO and founder of Expert Insights. Before founding Expert Insights in August 2018, Craig spent 10 years as CEO of EPA cloud, an email security provider acquired by Ziff Davies, formerly J2Global (NASQAQ: ZD) in 2013, which has now been rebranded as VIPRE Email Security. Craig has extensive experience in the email security industry, with 20+ years of experience helping organizations to stay secure with innovative information security and cyber security solutions.