There are a wide variety of MDM and EMM solutions available for different devices that function on iOS and Android. Each of them has a different aim, be it protecting data or enhancing system capabilities. Microsoft Intune and AirWatch are two such management tools that enable various management activities. However, they are very different from each other.
Key Takeaways
- Microsoft Intune is an integrated part of Microsoft’s Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS) suite, while AirWatch is a standalone mobile device management (MDM) solution by VMware.
- Intune focuses on integrating Microsoft applications, such as Office 365 and Azure, while AirWatch supports a broader range of applications, including non-Microsoft ones.
- Intune provides a more streamlined user experience for managing Windows devices, while AirWatch offers greater flexibility and control for managing various device types and operating systems.
Microsoft Intune vs AirWatch
Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based service that allows organizations to manage and secure mobile devices, applications, and data across a wide range of platforms. Airwatch provides organizations with a centralized platform to manage and secure their mobile devices, applications, and content.
Microsoft Intune is a management tool that comes with the Microsoft Endpoint Manager package. It was launched in 2011 under the name ‘Windows Intune’. However, the name was changed in 2014. The cloud-based tool is made for mobile devices with the aim of protecting corporate data. Its deployment can be web-based and even on-premises.
Meanwhile, AirWatch is an EMM software that was launched in 2003. It aims at providing security to corporate organizations for their devices and data. The software supports a wider variety of operating systems as compared to Microsoft Intune. These include iOS, Android, Tizen, QNX, macOS, Chrome OS, and even Windows.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Microsoft Intune | AirWatch |
|---|---|---|
| Launch | It was launched in 2011. | It was launched in 2003. |
| Software | It provides unified endpoint management (UEM). | It provides enterprise mobility management (EMM). |
| Use | It is used on corporate as well as personal devices. | It is used on corporate devices. |
| OS Support | It is supported on iOS, Android, and Windows. | It is supported on iOS, Android, Tizen, QNX, macOS, Chrome OS, and Windows. |
| Features | It has additional features such as desktop management, integration with SCCM, and windows updates. | It does not have any additional features. |
| Price | It is expensive. | It is comparatively cheaper. |
What is Microsoft Intune?
Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based tool that comes along with the Microsoft Endpoint Manager package. It aims at providing unified endpoint management for securing corporate data. However, it is used for personal devices as well. The software provides a wide number of additional features, including desktop management, integration with SCCM, and Windows updates.
Operating systems, including iOS, Android, and Windows, support Microsoft Intune. Its deployment is mostly done through the cloud. However, a considerable amount of ‘on-premises’ functions is also included. This functionality is similar to Windows Azure Cloud as well as Microsoft System Centre Configuration Manager.
The software can be bought on a subscription basis. Through this, each user has to pay a monthly amount for use. However, this amount is comparatively more expensive than many other management tools available in the market. Regardless, the features and quality of the software compensate for its price.
Microsoft initially made this software only for mobile devices in 2011. Then, it operated under the name ‘Windows Intune’. However, in 2014, the company decided to diversify its platforms and even changed the name to ‘Microsoft Intune’ in the same year. Since then, the software has gained a large number of positive reviews from critics as well as users.
What is AirWatch?
AirWatch is a software provider for enterprise mobility management. It aims at securing the devices and data of large-sized enterprises. The software works best for corporate devices at an affordable price. It has web-based and on-premises deployment, which proves to be convenient for the customers.
A wider variety of operating systems support AirWatch as compared to Microsoft Intune. These include iOS, Android, Tizen, QNX, macOS, Chrome OS, and Windows. To use the software, an app called AirWatch Agent must be installed on the device. When this is done, back-end software works in compliance to lay down policies for protection.
The software includes a number of tools, including Mobile Device Management (MDM), secure productivity apps, Mobile Application Management (MAM), AirWatch Content Locker, Identity Management for users and even Telecom expense management. However, many additional features that Microsoft Intune provides are not accessible through AirWatch.
Regardless, the software is part of a larger VMware Workspace One package. This was launched in 2003 for mobile devices. However, other platforms, including desktops, were made to be supported later. Overall, the software provides a plethora of physical and virtual applications and tools that provide top-notch protection and security.
Main Differences Between Microsoft Intune and AirWatch
- Microsoft Intune was launched in 2011, whereas AirWatch was launched in 2003.
- Microsoft Intune provides unified endpoint management (UEM), whereas AirWatch provides enterprise mobility management (EMM).
- Microsoft Intune is used on corporate as well as personal devices, whereas AirWatch is used on corporate devices.
- Microsoft Intune is supported on iOS, Android, and Windows, whereas AirWatch is supported on iOS, Android, Tizen, QNX, macOS, Chrome OS, and Windows.
- Microsoft Intune has additional features such as desktop management, integration with SCCM, and Windows updates, whereas AirWatch has no additional features.
- Microsoft Intune is expensive, whereas AirWatch is comparatively cheaper.
Last Updated : 11 June, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
The depth of information provided in this article is very insightful. Both Microsoft Intune and AirWatch have their unique strengths and it’s great to have a detailed comparison to understand them better.
Absolutely, the detailed comparison gives a good sense of how these management tools differ and cater to different organizational needs.
Both Microsoft Intune and AirWatch are popular device management solutions with some clear differences. However, it’s worth noting that Intune tends to be a bit more expensive.
It’s interesting to see the progress made in the enterprise mobility management space by solutions like AirWatch. The suite of tools it offers can definitely benefit organizations.
The feature set of Microsoft Intune is indeed impressive, especially with its additional features such as desktop management and Windows updates.
AirWatch’s broader support for a variety of operating systems certainly gives it an edge in the mobile device management space. It’s a versatile solution.
It’s interesting to see the evolution of Microsoft Intune from ‘Windows Intune’ to what it is now. The software has definitely come a long way.
The price factor should definitely be taken into consideration when choosing between Microsoft Intune and AirWatch. It’s important to weigh the cost against the features provided.
The cloud-based deployment approach of Microsoft Intune is a notable advantage that adds to its convenience, especially for large organizations.