Microsoft Intune and Microsoft Endpoint Manager: differences and complementarities

A common misconception when talking about Microsoft Intune and Microsoft Endpoint Manager is that they are two separate products.

In fact, these two tools are part of an integrated suite dedicated to unified terminal management.

This article explains their specific features, their respective roles and how they fit together to meet the needs of modern businesses.

What is Microsoft Endpoint Manager?

Microsoft Endpoint Manager (MEM) is a Unified Endpoint Management(UEM) platform from Microsoft. It brings together several tools and services designed to simplify the management of endpoints, whether on-premises or in the cloud.

Endpoint Manager includes :

• Microsoft Intune: a modern cloud solution for mobile device management (MDM) and mobile application management (MAM).
• Configuration Manager (formerly SCCM): a tool for traditional on-site management of workstations and servers.
• Device co-management: simultaneously manage the same device with Intune and Configuration Manager.
• Additional features: such as automatic device registration or advanced analyses to monitor and optimize configurations.

Endpoint Manager is therefore an integrated suite that centralizes all the solutions needed for comprehensive, efficient management of devices and applications.

What is Microsoft Intune?

Microsoft Intune is a cloud-first service that forms an essential component of Microsoft Endpoint Manager. It is specifically designed for Enterprise Mobility Management(EMM), with an emphasis on modernity and flexibility.

With Intune, companies can :

• Manage mobile devices(MDM), whether under Android, MacOS, iOS or Windows.
• Manage mobile applications(MAM) by applying security and compliance policies.
• Enhance data protection with advanced security strategies, such as encryption or conditional access control.

Intune is particularly aimed at businesses that want to adopt a cloud-based approach, freeing themselves from cumbersome local infrastructures.

Comparison: Microsoft Intune vs. Microsoft Endpoint Manager

Why does Endpoint Manager include Intune?

Microsoft has launched Endpoint Manager to meet the needs of companies that are gradually migrating to the cloud while retaining some of their on-premises infrastructure. This unified approach enables :

• Smooth transition: companies can continue to use Configuration Manager while gradually integrating Intune.
• Simplified management: a single, centralized portal to manage devices, whether they’re managed via the cloud or on-premises.
• Greater flexibility: the possibility of adopting hybrid solutions adapted to different contexts.

In a nutshell

Microsoft Intune and Microsoft Endpoint Manager are not separate products, but complementary ones. Intune is a cloud component of the Endpoint Manager suite, which offers a comprehensive device management solution. This combination enables companies to modernize their endpoint management while maintaining compatibility with traditional tools.

For companies undergoing a digital transformation, adopting Microsoft Endpoint Manager is an opportunity to optimize device management, strengthen security and enhance the user experience.

Optimize endpoint management with Microsoft Endpoint Manager

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