AWS CloudFormation and AWS Systems Manager are two cloud management services from Amazon Web Services. User reviews indicate that while AWS Systems Manager has better overall user satisfaction, AWS CloudFormation is more cost-effective with robust support.
Features: AWS CloudFormation offers infrastructure as code capabilities, enabling users to model and set up Amazon Web Services resources easily. It automates and replicates infrastructure efficiently. AWS Systems Manager provides operational data visibility and control, including patch management, compliance, and configuration. Users value its holistic approach to infrastructure management.
Room for Improvement: AWS CloudFormation could improve handling complex dependencies and provide more intuitive error messaging. Users suggest simplifying AWS Systems Manager's interface and enhancing integration with third-party tools. AWS Systems Manager would benefit from improved usability in certain areas, while AWS CloudFormation can work on simplifying functionality complexities.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: AWS CloudFormation deployment is straightforward with extensive documentation, though complex configurations can cause occasional issues. AWS Systems Manager is recognized for easy deployment and comprehensive management tools but has minor challenges in the initial setup. Both services receive positive feedback on customer service, with AWS Systems Manager providing a more integrated user experience.
Pricing and ROI: AWS CloudFormation is cost-effective, with no added charges for service usage. Users see good ROI through infrastructure automation. AWS Systems Manager, though slightly more expensive, offers substantial long-term ROI through operational efficiency and reduced downtime. Users find the higher price justified by the additional functionalities.
While this might be acceptable for some, it can be lengthy depending on the urgency of the issue.
If my organization has sensitive data we don't want to leak, deploying the policies can present technical challenges and potential loopholes.
It presents challenges for users unfamiliar with coding, posing as a barrier to fully utilizing CloudFormation.
Adjusting capacity and functionality is a fundamental use.
It has been reliable and efficient in all my deployments.
Autopilot allows bulk enrollment of devices, making it easy for end users, even those without technical expertise, to use their devices immediately.
I can see the entire infrastructure and its connections through code.
Microsoft Intune is a comprehensive cloud-based service that allows you to remotely manage mobile devices and mobile applications without worrying about the security of your organization’s data. Device and app management can be used on company-owned devices as well as personal devices.
In an increasingly mobile workforce, Microsoft Intune keeps your sensitive data safe while on the move. Microsoft Intune makes it possible for your team members to work anywhere using their mobile devices. Microsoft Intune provides both the flexibility and the control needed for securing all your data on the cloud, no matter where the device with the data is located.
Microsoft Intune Device Management Key Features
With Microsoft Intune Device Management you can:
Mobile Application Management
Mobile application management in Intune is designed to protect your organization’s data at the application level.
With Microsoft Intune Application Management you can:
As part of Microsoft's Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS) suite, Intune integrates with Microsoft Entra ID for access control and with Azure Information Protection for data protection. It also integrates with Microsoft 365 Applications.
Reviews from Real Users
Microsoft Intune stands out among its competitors for a number of reasons. Two major ones are its ability to secure all devices under its management and the flexibility that the solution offers its users.
A computing services manager notes, "Its security is most valuable. It gives us a way to secure devices, not only those that are steady. We do have a few tablets and other devices, and it is a way for us to secure these devices and manage them. We know they're out there and what's their status. We can manage their life cycle and verify that they're updated properly."
The head of IT engineering at a financial services company writes, "The one feature we find most useful is the Mobile Application Manager. There are two types: we have the complete MDM and the Mobile Application Manager (MAM). We don't give our users phones, it is their own personal phone, and we need to allow them to have access to the company details on their phone. We need to create a balance between their own personal data and the company data. We deploy the Mobile Application Manager for them so that we won't be able to interfere with their own personal data."
AWS CloudFormation provides a common language for you to model and provision AWS and third party application resources in your cloud environment. AWS CloudFormation allows you to use programming languages or a simple text file to model and provision, in an automated and secure manner, all the resources needed for your applications across all regions and accounts. This gives you a single source of truth for your AWS and third party resources.
AWS Systems Manager is a management service that helps you automatically collect software inventory, apply OS patches, create system images, and configure Windows and Linux operating systems. These capabilities help you define and track system configurations, prevent drift, and maintain software compliance of your EC2 and on-premises configurations. By providing a management approach that is designed for the scale and agility of the cloud but extends into your on-premises data center, Systems Manager makes it easier for you to seamlessly bridge your existing infrastructure with AWS.
Systems Manager is easy to use. Simply access Systems Manager from the EC2 Management Console, select the instances you want to manage, and define the management tasks you want to perform. Systems Manager is available now at no cost to manage both your EC2 and on-premises resources.
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