Microsoft Configuration Manager and ManageEngine Endpoint Central compete in the endpoint management software category. ManageEngine Endpoint Central seems to have an edge due to its versatile compatibility and cost-effectiveness, especially for small and medium enterprises, while Microsoft Configuration Manager excels in Windows-specific environments.
Features: Microsoft Configuration Manager is distinguished by its integrated application management, software deployment, and WSUS integration for effective patch management in Windows environments. Its capabilities in compliance data gathering ensure configuration uniformity across an organization, while its Windows-based deployment and management are highly valued. ManageEngine Endpoint Central stands out for its cross-platform patch management, which covers third-party applications, comprehensive data insights, and robust remote management features. The asset tracking capabilities enhance its suitability for diverse operating environments.
Room for Improvement: Microsoft Configuration Manager could improve its support for non-Microsoft product updates and address its high resource consumption. Enhancements in automation and PowerShell integration are anticipated. ManageEngine Endpoint Central could improve Mac OS support and adopt more streamlined licensing models. There is also room for better remote management features and more sophisticated reporting options.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Microsoft Configuration Manager is primarily on-premises with some hybrid configurations, benefiting from extensive documentation and community support, though technical support experiences are mixed. ManageEngine Endpoint Central is also widely deployed on-premises, known for its straightforward setup and good customer service. Its cloud deployment options need strengthening to satisfy user expectations fully.
Pricing and ROI: Microsoft Configuration Manager is costly for enterprises, a factor balanced by its extensive features and seamless integration with other Microsoft products. Despite the comprehensive licensing model, its costliness is a concern. Conversely, ManageEngine Endpoint Central presents a more affordable option, appealing to small and medium-sized businesses with its competitive pricing and flexible licensing, providing faster ROI, especially when utilizing its extensive endpoint management functions.
ManageEngine Endpoint Central is a unified endpoint management (UEM) solution offered by ManageEngine, a division of Zoho Corporation. It is designed to help organizations efficiently manage and secure their endpoints from a centralized platform. Endpoint Central provides a comprehensive set of features and capabilities to streamline endpoint management and enhance security across diverse devices and operating systems.
ManageEngine Endpoint Central Features:
ManageEngine Endpoint Central Benefits:
Reviews from Real Users
PeerSpot user, Sr Engineer Administrator at a university, says that "Its cross-platform capabilities and the ability to do both OS-level patching and third-party patching are valuable. It is difficult to find a software product that will do all that for you out of the box, and you don't have to do any configuration other than your initial setup. Once you do that, there is a very minimalistic approach to getting it operational. You can have it up and running within a 20-minute time span."
Park Armstrong, Chief Technical and Solution Architect at Vertigo Inc., writes that ManageEngine Endpoint Central is “Helpful for identifying and filling the gaps and meeting compliance needs, but each of their product works as an independent product and lacks integration”.
Microsoft Configuration Manager helps IT manage PCs and servers, keeping software up-to-date, setting configuration and security policies, and monitoring system status while giving employees access to corporate applications on the devices that they choose. When Configuration Manager is integrated with Microsoft Intune, you can manage corporate-connected PCs and Macs along with cloud-based mobile devices running Windows, iOS, and Android, all from a single management console.
New features of Configuration Manager, such as the support of Windows 10 in-place upgrade, co-management with Microsoft Intune, Windows 10 and Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise Servicing Dashboard, integration with Windows Update for Business, and more make deploying and managing Windows easier than ever before.
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