GUIDES

What is Unified Endpoint Management (UEM)?

Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) is an approach and software solution that empowers IT and security teams to oversee, control, and safeguard all end-user devices in a consistent and streamlined manner. UEM software platforms offer a single tool where all devices can be monitored and managed, using consistent security measures across various hardware brands and different operating models. This ensures a standardized approach to device management, enhancing overall network security and operational effectiveness. UEM represents the strongest solution for securing a mobile fleet and satisfying even the most stringent mobile security and compliance requirements.

Brush up on your knowledge of UEM with this definitive guide, including how Tangoe is uniquely positioned to help companies of all sizes secure and manage their endpoints.

Your network is no stronger than its weakest link. Every endpoint needs to be protected from cybersecurity threats and managed efficiently to ensure business continuity. Smartphones, laptops, tablets, IoT devices…enterprises manage lot of endpoints nowadays. How do you know what’s on your network at any given point? Whether a device is corporate-owned, personally owned, or part of Device-as-a-Service (DaaS), if it’s connected to a corporate network system it’s a way for threat actors to find their way in. Overall, more than 40% of data breaches trace back to unsecured endpoints.

Companies must have ironclad endpoint protection then, right? Actually, half of organizations admit their endpoint management security is virtually non-existent, and a study recently conducted in the UK found that 70% of companies can’t ensure every endpoint has the same level of protection. Moreover, 65% can’t guarantee every endpoint has the same level of visibility.

As businesses confront greater demands for security amid explosive growth in endpoints, the importance of endpoint management security becomes increasingly evident. Just this month, it was reported that hackers infected millions of smart toothbrushes with malware in order to carry out a massive cyber-attack against a Swiss company.

Unified Endpoint Management strategies standardize security for the entire corporate fleet while UEM software is used for centralized endpoint management. That is, the ability to manage, secure, and deploy corporate resources and applications on any device from a single console.

Tangoe’s UEM services are more than just software – rather a fully managed UEM program that includes leading mobile security software systems from trusted UEM providers like IBM and VMware as well as solution design, implementation, integration, and day-to-day administration to keep your corporate fleet secure and in compliance at all times.

Unified Endpoint Management is indeed software that ensures security mandates are met for every connected device. As mentioned, more comprehensive UEM services can address all UEM-related tasks including software solution design and configuration but also daily support to ensure every device is in compliance with security policies, using the most up-to-date versions of software applications.

Unified Endpoint Management can be included as part of Tangoe’s Managed Mobility Services (MMS), our solution for mobile device management. Additionally, UEM software and services can be purchased as a standalone solution. If you’re interested in learning more about all aspects of mobile device management with Tangoe, check out this MMS guide.

Mobile device management (MDM) is a broad strategy as well as a solution or managed service helping companies and IT organizations administer smartphones, laptops, IoT and other wireless devices across every phase of the device lifecycle — from procurement and deployment to security management, technical support, device repairs, and recycling.

MDM strategies and programs can include UEM and are typically used to control, secure, and enforce policies on mobile devices to safeguard corporate data, ensure access only for authorized users, and keep employees productive. As a critical part of MDM, UEM software unlocks enhanced security for any connected endpoint, all with the ease of centralized management in one platform. Whether your MDM strategy includes UEM or not, Tangoe’s mobility management services can help you.

Unified Endpoint Management and Unified Endpoint Security (UES) are terms that often get confused in the world of mobility management. They sound similar, but the last letter in each acronym makes all the difference. UES is all about building standardized security policies to be implemented across every device with the aim of solidifying a company’s overall security posture. Meanwhile UEM is about the day-to-day security management of devices, monitoring applications and usage to ensure each device never falls out of compliance. UES designs the security strategy, then UEM upholds it by maintaining compliance.

Together UES and UEM offer a one-two punch for mobility managers, which is why Tangoe’s services wrap both into one for a total solution.

Unified Endpoint Management is available as a standalone solution or as part of Tangoe’s broader mobility management solutions, allowing clients to leverage UEM as part of their full device lifecycle management. We offer both Professional Services to design and implement a solution (including UEM platform migrations and device migrations) and Managed Services to offload the work of administering and securing devices across every phase of their lifecycle, from design and configuration to compliance and upgrading. We provide a full-service solution to manage, monitor, and secure your devices with confidence and ease.

This is how Tangoe helped one healthcare client successfully upgrade their existing UEM technology to Microsoft’s InTune platform. We were there every step of the way, from building and implementing the new UEM software environment to device migration, ensuring a smooth transition with no disruption to security and business continuity. The company now provisions its PCs more than 60% faster with an estimated 4,500 hours in annual IT productivity gains.

Check out how other businesses have benefitted from UEM with Tangoe:

Tangoe handles 14M devices on behalf of our clients — more devices globally than any other provider in our industry. We have a proven track record in endpoint management, ensuring optimal performance, security, and compliance.

Talk to Tangoe about a free consultation and solution demonstration.