Top IBM Endpoint Manager Alternatives for Enhanced Device Management
IBM Endpoint Manager has long been a go-to solution for organizations seeking to securely connect iOS devices to their networks, manage email, deploy recommended apps, and enforce security settings. It helps protect organizational data by ensuring devices haven't been compromised. However, as technology evolves and diverse business needs emerge, many are now seeking robust IBM Endpoint Manager alternatives that offer different features, platforms, or pricing models. This article explores leading contenders that can provide similar or even enhanced capabilities for endpoint management and security.
Best IBM Endpoint Manager Alternatives
Whether you're looking for broader platform support, specific security features, or a more streamlined management experience, these alternatives offer compelling solutions to meet your enterprise mobility and security needs.
Cisco AnyConnect
Cisco AnyConnect is a robust VPN software that enables employees to securely access corporate networks from anywhere with internet access. Like IBM Endpoint Manager, it focuses on secure connectivity, but its core strength lies in providing seamless VPN access across a wide range of platforms including Commercial, Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone, Blackberry, Windows Phone, iPad, and Kindle Fire. Its primary feature is VPN, making it a strong contender for secure remote access.
FortiClient Endpoint Protection
FortiClient Endpoint Protection, like IBM Endpoint Manager, focuses on securing endpoints, but it extends its capabilities to include comprehensive security features beyond basic device management. It offers SSLVPN for secure connections, similar to how IBM Endpoint Manager secures network access, and includes robust filtering, network monitoring, and security & privacy features. Available on Freemium, Mac, Windows, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, and iPad platforms, it's a strong alternative for organizations prioritizing integrated security solutions.
Jamf
Jamf, formerly Casper Suite, simplifies the management of Apple devices, offering a comprehensive platform for Mac OS X computers and iOS mobile devices. While IBM Endpoint Manager supports iOS, Jamf specializes in the Apple ecosystem, providing deep Mobile Device Management and software installer capabilities. It's a Commercial solution for Mac, Linux, iPhone, and iPad users, making it an excellent IBM Endpoint Manager alternative for Apple-centric environments seeking streamlined deployment and management.
F5 Networks BIG-IP Edge Portal
F5 Networks BIG-IP Edge Portal is a free application designed for secure remote access to enterprise web applications, offering a focused alternative to parts of IBM Endpoint Manager's secure connectivity features. It allows users to bookmark frequently accessed enterprise web applications and provides network monitoring and security & privacy features on iPhone and iPad, catering specifically to secure web access for mobile users.
Pulse Secure
Pulse Secure offers seamless, secure access from anywhere on any device, with centralized management and visibility, making it a strong competitor to IBM Endpoint Manager for comprehensive enterprise mobility. It provides VPN, NAC, filtering, and security & privacy features, ensuring robust protection and access control. Available on Commercial, Android, iPhone, S60, Blackberry, Android Tablet, Windows Phone, and iPad platforms, Pulse Secure is ideal for organizations needing a wide array of secure access and endpoint control features.
Hexnode MDM
Hexnode MDM is a powerful solution to monitor, manage, and secure mobile devices across the enterprise, directly competing with IBM Endpoint Manager's mobile client capabilities. It offers extensive features including Active Directory integration, BYOD support, expense management, GPS location tracking, Mobile Device Management, and is Web-Based, Self-Hosted, and available as Software as a Service (SaaS). Supporting Commercial, Mac, Windows, Web, Android, iPhone, Windows S, Android Tablet, iPad, Apple TV, and Kindle Fire, Hexnode MDM is a versatile IBM Endpoint Manager alternative for comprehensive device management.
Aerohive ID Manager
Aerohive ID Manager is the first enterprise access management system to leverage the cloud, simplifying and automating the deployment and onboarding of guest and internal users. While IBM Endpoint Manager focuses on device-centric security, Aerohive ID Manager provides a free solution for access control, offering features like filtering, network monitoring, security & privacy, and VPN for iPhone and iPad users. It's a great IBM Endpoint Manager alternative for organizations prioritizing cloud-based access management.
System Center Endpoint Protection
Microsoft System Center Endpoint Protection, formerly Forefront Endpoint Protection, provides antimalware protection, serving as a direct security-focused IBM Endpoint Manager alternative for Windows environments. While IBM Endpoint Manager covers broader device management, System Center Endpoint Protection excels in robust endpoint security. It's a Commercial solution exclusively for Windows users, making it suitable for organizations deeply integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem.
Palo Alto Networks Applipedia
Palo Alto Networks Applipedia is a free iPhone application providing an on-the-go version of their knowledge base for applications controlled by their next-generation firewalls. While not a direct endpoint manager, it complements network security efforts, offering insights that can inform endpoint policies. It's a useful tool for organizations using Palo Alto Networks products who need an IBM Endpoint Manager alternative that enhances their existing security infrastructure with application visibility on iPhone.
FileWave
FileWave offers comprehensive client and mobile device management, including file-level distribution, imaging, mobile device management, system updates, and a self-service kiosk, making it a strong IBM Endpoint Manager alternative. It excels in managing diverse endpoints and software deployments with features like Macros. Available as a Commercial solution for Mac, Windows, Android, and iPhone, FileWave provides a holistic approach to endpoint lifecycle management.
Choosing the best IBM Endpoint Manager alternative depends heavily on your organization's specific needs, existing infrastructure, and budget. Each of these solutions offers unique strengths, from specialized Apple device management to comprehensive cross-platform security and remote access. We encourage you to explore these options further to find the perfect fit for your enterprise device management and security requirements.