Sccm vs Intune: An In-Depth Exploration

There is hardly any industry yet to feel the collective influx of digital networks as they continue to weave a transformative framework across the corporate landscape; And with such expansion comes the need for integrated platforms. Two names that often come up during discussion on digital integrated platforms are Configuration Manager (SCCM) and Intune. SCCM Vs Intune is a topic worth delving into for any aspiring IT Manager. 

These two powerful Microsoft offerings are Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions helping organisations manage corporate data on devices by setting up accessibility policies and data security. If, in your search for an effective MDM for your organisation, you are stuck between these two options, this blog is here to guide you. Read on to settle the exciting SCCM vs Intune debate 

Table of Content 

1) What is SCCM? 

2) What is Intune? 

3) Key Features of Intune? 

4) Difference Between SCCM and Intune 

5) Conclusion 

What is SCCM? 

Now integrated into Microsoft Endpoint Manager, System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) is designed for traditional Endpoint Management, catering to organisations with on-premises servers and a conventional on-premises workforce.  

SCCM excels in managing complex, heterogeneous environments, including laptops, servers, and workstations, with a primary focus on Server Management. It employs an agent-based approach to Endpoint Management, installing agents on each device, granting administrators comprehensive access, allowing agents to perform any task an administrator can.  

The creators of SCCM have facilitated these tasks through various scripts and tools, providing near-unlimited control over the device, comparable to administrative privileges. However, SCCM is complex and demands substantial management and setup, making it more suitable for larger organisations. Given the level of expertise required, those skilled in SCCM can command a competitive SCCM Administrator Salary, reflecting the value they bring to the organisation.

Key Features of SCCM 

SCCM offers a comprehensive suite of features to enhance IT Infrastructure Management. From deploying Operating Systems to scheduling updates and integrating with Microsoft Intune, it provides robust tools for administrators. Here are some of its features:
 

1) Resource Access 

SCCM offers convenient application and data remote access to organisation resources through powerful tools such as:  

a) VPN profiles  

b) WI-FI profiles  

c) Conditional access  

d) Certificate profiles.
 

2) Endpoint Protection 

SCCM manages Windows Firewall security and malware detection policies within the Configuration Manager hierarchy for user devices. This provides endpoint security for enterprise computers. 

Other benefits of Endpoint Protection with SCCM include: 

a) The ability to configure antimalware policies, Windows Defender Firewall settings, and Microsoft Advanced Threat Protection for specific device groups. 

b) Using SCCM software updates to download the latest antimalware definition files. 

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3) Applications Management 

SCCM equips you with the tools and resources needed to create, monitor, deploy, and manage applications for your managed devices. The SCCM apps support user-centric management, allowing you to associate specific devices with specific users. 

This feature ensures that the important software is available on every device a particular user accesses. Additionally, it enables you to send application deployments to devices, users, groups of devices, or users. 

4) Operating System Deployment 

SCCM contains tools for creating OS images for deployment through bootable media or PXE boot which applies to both SCCM-managed and unmanaged devices. Consider these points: 

1) PXE-initiated Deployments 

a) Client machines request a network deployment. 

b) The system transfers a Windows PE boot image and the OS image to a distribution point capable of accepting PXE boot requests.    

2) Bootable Media Deployments 

a) Implement the Operating System when the destination computer boots. 

b) The target device collects the OS image, task sequence, and any other resources from the network upon booting. 

c) Since resources aren't on the media, they can be updated constantly without reconstructing the media. 

5) Reporting 

SCCM enables users to generate detailed reports on system status, patch levels, and more. For example, users can create reports that identify systems with missing patches. 

What is Intune? 

Intune is Microsoft’s endpoint management and Cloud-based Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution, which allows you to manage devices in highly homogeneous environments.  Intune also supports a hybrid workforce and lets you oversee a variety of devices with an end-user Operating System, like laptops, tablets, workstations and mobile devices. 

Intune uses a profile-based approach to Device Management, and the Operating System manufacturer prescribes these profiles. However, Intune is restricted to a certain set of prescribed APIs that Microsoft provides. 

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Key Features of Intune 

From application deployment to device management, Microsoft Intune provides a comprehensive range of features designed for streamlining operations across various platforms. These features include:
 

1) Security 

Intune provides extensive security solutions secures on-premises email and data, enabling safe access for mobile devices. Intune also secures BYOD devices, limited-use shared devices, and corporate-owned devices. Additionally, it allows employees to safely access Office 365 from unmanaged public kiosks. 

2) Autopilot 

Autopilot, a feature of Intune, lets your enterprise pre-configure new Windows devices before they are accessible to end users. Upon enrolling in Autopilot, a device registers with Intune and connects with the organisation's Azure Active Directory (AAD) tenant. The business can then pre-configure the device policies, settings, and applications it wants to apply. 

3) Device Management 

Intune offers a device management approach tailored to your needs. For instance, you might require full control over organisation-owned devices, including features, settings, and security. Consider the following aspects of this method:  

a) Devices and their users must enrol in Intune.  

b) Upon enrolment, users receive your rules through Intune policies. 

c) It allows you to monitor all employee devices, whether they are organisation-owned or 'bring your own devices' (BYOD)  

d) Network administrators can view enrolled devices and maintain an inventory of all devices accessing your organisation's resources.

4) Application Management 

Intune's Mobile Application Management (MAM) feature protects your organisation's data at the application level. MAM covers both store apps and custom apps, providing numerous workplace apps to choose from. You can use app management on both personal and company-owned devices (Similar to Device Management). 

5) Windows Update for Business 

This feature enables organisations to control and manage Windows updates. Using Windows Update for Business ensures that every device is updated with the newest security and software patches. 

Difference Between SCCM and Intune 

Understanding the distinct features of SCCM and Intune is vital for IT decision-makers. This chart will help you understand the difference between Intune and SCCM and enable you to choose optimal solutions to meet your endpoint management needs. 

Conclusion 

In the SCCM vs Intune debate, it’s clear that both solutions have their strengths. SCCM brings several SCCM Benefits, excelling in managing complex, on-premises environments with robust features, while Intune is ideal for cloud-based device and application management, offering flexibility and modern security. We hope this blog helps you make an informed decision and streamline your organisation’s MDM needs.

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