Samsung Knox Manage Alternative: Why IT Fleets Choose Hexnode

Hexnode UEM

Hexnode’s architectural strength lies in its broad, platform-agnostic coverage. It is designed to act as a single pane of glass for diverse environments. It supports traditional knowledge-worker devices alongside specialized frontline endpoints.

Core OS Support:

• Apple Ecosystem: Comprehensive support for macOS, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and Apple’s emerging visionOS platform. It leverages Apple Business Manager (ABM) for zero-touch deployment and VPP app distribution.
• Android & Specialized OS: Extensive support across Android Enterprise (Device Owner, Work Profile) and Legacy Android. Hexnode also natively supports Amazon Fire OS, which is critical for organizations using cost-effective tablets for digital signage or kiosks.
• Windows & Linux: Full support for modern Windows 10 (version 1709 and later) and Windows 11 PCs. Crucially, Hexnode also provides dedicated management for Linux endpoints and Google ChromeOS devices.
• Rugged & IoT Devices: Features deep integrations with leading rugged OEMs like Zebra, Honeywell, Kyocera, and LG GATE.

Samsung Knox Manage

Samsung Knox Manage is explicitly built to be the deepest, most comprehensive management solution for the Samsung ecosystem. It also provides standard management capabilities for other major operating systems.

Core OS Support:

• Android & Samsung Ecosystem: Unmatched depth for Android devices, particularly Samsung Galaxy hardware. It requires Android 11 and higher for Android Enterprise Recommended (AER) compliance, but supports basic enrollment for Android 10+. It uniquely offers native management for Wear OS (version 4.0 and higher) and Samsung DeX environments.
• Apple Ecosystem: Supports iOS 16+, iPadOS 16+, and macOS 13 (Ventura) and higher. However, it completely lacks support for Apple TV (tvOS) and visionOS. Furthermore, deploying internal macOS enterprise apps requires manual configuration of bundle IDs rather than a streamlined PKG upload.
• Windows & ChromeOS: Supports Windows 10 (version 1703 and higher) and Windows 11, alongside ChromeOS 120 and higher.
• OS Limitations: Knox Manage does not support Linux or Fire OS. Organizations relying on Apple TVs for AirPlay sharing, Linux developer machines, or Amazon Fire tablets for point-of-sale will require a separate management tool.

Hexnode UEM

Hexnode’s architectural strength lies in its cross-platform flexibility. It allows IT to use native, zero-touch provisioning tools and silent application deployments across all major ecosystems.

Zero-Touch Provisioning:

• Multi-OS Automation: Fully integrates with Apple Automated Device Enrollment (ADE) for macOS/iOS/tvOS, Android Zero-Touch Enrollment (ZTE), and Windows Autopilot.
• Samsung KME & Rugged Support: Natively supports Samsung Knox Mobile Enrollment (KME) to ensure bulk enrollment is forced and persistent even after a factory reset. It also supports ROM-based enrollment for rugged Android devices, embedding the MDM agent directly into the firmware for unbreakable management.
• Headless Linux Deployment: Offers specialized CLI-based (Command Line Interface) enrollment for Linux devices, allowing rapid, headless provisioning for servers or IoT gateways (like Raspberry Pi) without requiring graphical user interfaces.

Application Lifecycle Management:

• Silent Deployment: Administrators can silently install, update, and uninstall applications over-the-air without user intervention on supervised iOS/macOS devices, Windows 10/11 PCs, and Android Enterprise (Device Owner) or Samsung Knox devices.
• Custom App Catalogs & Kiosks: IT can curate customized enterprise app stores so users can self-serve approved applications. Furthermore, Hexnode can update in-house enterprise apps or the MDM agent itself seamlessly in the background while a device remains locked in Kiosk mode. This ensures zero downtime for dedicated frontline devices.
• tvOS App Management: Unlike many UEMs, Hexnode supports deploying in-house enterprise apps or VPP store apps silently to Apple TV (tvOS) devices for digital signage or conference room setups.

Samsung Knox Manage

Knox Manage is heavily optimized for the Android and Samsung ecosystems. While it supports cross-platform enrollment, its application deployment workflows outside of Android can introduce administrative friction.

Zero-Touch Provisioning:

• Unmatched Samsung KME: As a Samsung product, it offers the most native, deeply integrated experience for Knox Mobile Enrollment (KME) and Android Zero-Touch. IT can use KME to force devices into Fully Managed, Work Profile, or Dedicated device modes right out of the box.
• Cross-Platform Support: Supports Apple Automated Device Enrollment (ADE) for iOS and macOS, as well as Windows bulk provisioning via PPKG and Entra ID integration.

Application Lifecycle Management:

• Android App Excellence: Deeply integrates with Managed Google Play, allowing admins to silently deploy public apps, web apps, and internal APKs, configure app tracks, and set strict automatic update maintenance windows.
• macOS Deployment Friction: While Knox Manage can deploy VPP apps to Apple devices, deploying internal/custom macOS applications (PKG or DMG files) is noticeably more manual. Starting with version 25.01, DMG apps are supported, but VPP and PKG apps often must be installed manually by the user or require tedious manual configuration by the admin.
• Lack of tvOS/FireOS App Support: Knox Manage does not support application deployment or device management for Apple TV (tvOS) or Amazon Fire OS devices.

Hexnode UEM

Hexnode’s security architecture is built to unify compliance and data protection across multiple operating systems. This helps leveraging zero-trust principles and OS-native controls.

Certifications & Infrastructure:

• Maintains rigorous operational security standards. It officially holds ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification (validated by BSI with no major non-conformities) and a SOC 2 Type 2 attestation.
• Network traffic and corporate data are secured using Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) for data at rest. It uses TLS for data in transit across its AWS-hosted infrastructure.

Core Security Features:

• Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Enforces strict app containerization through work profiles. IT can disable copy/paste functionality into unmanaged apps, and restrict hardware interfaces like USB, Bluetooth, and tethering.
• Encryption Management: Enforces and manages native full-disk encryption tools across platforms, including BitLocker for Windows and FileVault for macOS.
• Advanced Compliance & Zero Trust: Allows administrators to build custom, multi-condition compliance rules using AND/OR logic to check for geofence breaches, jailbroken/rooted status, battery telemetry, and blocklisted apps. Hexnode also acts as an official Microsoft Intune third-party device compliance partner to enforce risk-based Conditional Access.
• Threat Defense Integrations: Natively integrates with Mobile Threat Defense (MTD) solutions like Check Point Harmony Mobile to proactively detect malware, phishing attacks, and malicious botnets.

Samsung Knox Manage

Samsung Knox Manage’s security model is anchored directly in the hardware. It provides baseline security for other operating systems. Its strongest capabilities, however, are its defense-grade, chip-to-cloud security features for Samsung Galaxy devices.

Foundation & Frameworks:

• Built directly on the Samsung Knox Platform for Enterprise (KPE), a multilayered security platform extending from the chipset (featuring a Trusted Execution Environment) up to the OS and application layer.

Core Security Features:

• Dual Data-at-Rest (DAR) Encryption: Uniquely supports Knox Dual DAR on Samsung devices, adding two separate layers of encryption so that devices are fully protected even when powered off or in an unauthenticated state.
• Data Isolation & Containerization: Isolates and encrypts business apps and data in strict enterprise containers, ensuring malicious third-party apps cannot access corporate data. If an employee leaves, IT can remotely wipe the business partition without touching personal data.
• Granular Hardware Controls: Knox Manage can control user interactions at a micro-level on Samsung devices. For example, it can disallow screen captures to meet healthcare regulatory requirements. It can also restrict USB modes and mandate biometric or multi-factor authentication (MFA).
• Network & Telemetry Analytics: Supports the configuration of EMM-based Network Platform Analytics (NPA) tools to monitor active networks and gather deep statistics for long sessions, aiding in forensic threat evaluation.

Hexnode UEM

Hexnode is designed to be platform-agnostic, offering integrations that span identity management, IT service management, and security tools across all major operating systems. It acts as a bridge, feeding device intelligence into your existing tech stack.

Identity & Directory Services:

• Cloud Identity: Natively integrates with Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD), Okta, and Google Workspace. It supports Single Sign-On (SSO) for device enrollment, replacing generic passwords with directory-backed authentication.
• On-Premise: Supports Active Directory (AD) for legacy device management and policy inheritance.

ITSM & Helpdesk Automation:

• ServiceNow: Features a deep, bi-directional integration via the ServiceNow Service Graph Connector. This links user incidents directly to device records and allows technicians to execute remote actions (like locking a device) straight from the ServiceNow incident ticket.
• Ticketing Systems: Natively integrates with Freshservice and Zendesk, allowing helpdesk agents to view real-time device diagnostics without switching consoles.

Security & Compliance:

• Compliance Automation: Integrates with compliance platforms like Drata and Vanta to automate evidence collection for SOC 2, ISO 27001, and HIPAA audits.
• Mobile Threat Defense (MTD): Connects with Check Point Harmony Mobile to ingest “Risk Scores” and trigger automated quarantines if a device connects to a compromised network or installs malicious software.
• Rugged OEMs: Deep integrations with specialized hardware frameworks including Zebra, Honeywell, Kyocera, Motorola, and LG GATE.

Developer Tools & Custom Automations:

• RESTful API & Webhooks: Exposes a comprehensive JSON REST API for custom workflows. Uniquely, Hexnode offers Webhooks for event listening; for example, if a device breaches a geofence, Hexnode can instantly push an alert to Slack or Microsoft Teams.

Samsung Knox Manage

Knox Manage serves as a cornerstone of the Samsung mobility ecosystem. As a result, it focuses its integrations on secure identity federation, lifecycle management, and enterprise-grade security partnerships.

Identity & Access Management:

• Microsoft Entra ID: Integrates via the Microsoft Graph API to sync users and groups for policy assignment. It also supports Azure AD Single Sign-On for administrators logging into the Knox Admin portal.
• Okta: Supports deep SCIM (System for Cross-domain Identity Management) API integration with Okta for automated user and group provisioning, attribute syncing, and deactivation.
• Active Directory: Integrates with on-premise AD and LDAP environments utilizing the Samsung Cloud Connector (SCC) to synchronize directory data securely behind the corporate firewall.

ITSM & Lifecycle Management:

• ServiceNow (Zero Touch Mobility): Integrates directly into ServiceNow via the Samsung SDS “Zero Touch Mobility” application. This highly advanced integration allows ServiceNow to act as a central control tower for full cradle-to-grave device support. It also allows automating EMM enrollment, forward/reverse logistics, and hardware buy-back requests natively within the ServiceNow workspace.

Security & Specialized Workflows:

• Healthcare & Access: Integrates with specialized platforms like Imprivata Mobile Access Management (MAM) to deploy the Imprivata Locker app within Android Kiosk mode for shared clinical devices.
• VPN & Network Security: Supports integrations with enterprise VPN and security gateways, such as Ivanti Secure Access Client (ICS) and Cisco Security Cloud Control, to enforce secure network access for managed endpoints.

Developer Tools & Custom Automations:

• Knox Manage REST API: Provides a robust OpenAPI secured via OAuth 2.0. This allows enterprise developers to programmatically manage users and groups, apply policies, send remote device commands, and extract audit logs.

Hexnode UEM

Hexnode follows a highly transparent, per-device pricing model. This straightforward approach makes it easy for organizations to accurately forecast budgets. It also helps them scale based on actual hardware usage, regardless of the operating system being managed.

Licensing Details:

• Licensing Model: Organizations pay strictly per actively managed device. Hexnode offers four main pricing tiers to match enterprise needs: Pro, Enterprise, Ultimate, and Ultra.
• Billing Options: Offers the flexibility of both monthly and annual billing cycles.
• Minimums: Features a very accessible entry point, requiring a minimum of only 15 devices to get started.
• Support Fees: Notably, Hexnode does not charge any additional fees for core support or maintenance.
• Trial: Provides a fully functional 14-day free trial (granting an Ultra license) so IT teams can test all advanced features before committing.

Samsung Knox Manage

Samsung offers Knox Manage as a subscription service and deeply integrates it into its broader enterprise software portfolio. Because it is a massive enterprise mobility solution, its procurement and pricing structure often involves authorized Samsung resellers.

Licensing Details:

• Licensing Model: Offered primarily on a subscription basis. Organizations can procure Samsung Knox Manage as a standalone EMM, but they more commonly purchase it as part of the comprehensive Knox Suite. The suite provides an all-in-one license for Knox Manage, Knox Mobile Enrollment, Knox E-FOTA (for OS update management), and Knox Asset Intelligence.
• Purchasing Channel: Authorized Samsung enterprise IT resellers and carrier partners typically sell Knox Manage and the Knox Suite. As a result, they generally provide quote-based pricing tailored to the size and scope of each deployment.
• Support & Add-ons: While standard support is provided, organizations running highly complex, global IT infrastructures can leverage Samsung Enterprise Technical Support for dedicated 24/7 assistance.

Hexnode UEM

Hexnode provides highly accessible, direct support to its customers without requiring premium service level agreements (SLAs) for baseline assistance. Additionally, it places a strong emphasis on self-service education and partner enablement.

Support Channels:

• Direct Availability: Offers standard 24/5 live support. Many enterprise platforms require IT administrators to contact a reseller before reaching technical support. In contrast, IT administrators can contact the Hexnode support team directly through live chat on the website, email, or the ticketing system.
• Phone Support: Provides dedicated toll-free phone numbers across major regions, including the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, and direct lines for other international hubs.

Self-Service & Community:

• Hexnode Academy: To further support IT teams, Hexnode Academy provides a comprehensive, free certification program that includes hands-on labs and tier-based certifications (Professional and Expert levels) for managing iOS, macOS, Android, Windows, and tvOS.
• Knowledge Base & Developers: To further support administrators, Hexnode provides extensive help documentation, how-to videos, and a dedicated developer portal with detailed API documentation for building custom integrations.
• Community Forum: Additionally, Hexnode operates Hexnode Connect, a dedicated community forum where IT administrators can discuss best practices, troubleshoot issues, and share custom scripts.

Samsung Knox Manage

Organizations often procure Samsung Knox Manage as part of large-scale hardware rollouts or bundle it with Knox Suite. As a result, Samsung has built its support model for global scale and relies heavily on its partner network.

Support Channels:

• Tiered Enterprise Support: Standard support tickets can be submitted directly through the Knox portal. However, organizations with complex, global IT infrastructures typically rely on Samsung Enterprise Technical Support. As a result, they receive dedicated 24/7 vendor assistance and advanced troubleshooting.
• Partner-Led First Line: Because authorized Samsung enterprise IT resellers and carrier partners predominantly sell Knox Manage, they often provide your first line of support and account management after deploying the solution.

Self-Service & Community:

• Knox Documentation: Samsung provides a highly detailed Knox Admin Guide, how-to videos, and extensive release notes covering the entirety of the Knox Suite (Knox Manage, Knox E-FOTA, Knox Mobile Enrollment).
• Developer & Partner Resources: Samsung offers a robust partner portal and developer resources, focusing heavily on ISVs (Independent Software Vendors) integrating with the Knox Service Plugin (KSP) and the Knox API.
• Case Studies & Insights: While it doesn’t have a casual, open-source peer-to-peer forum quite like Hexnode Connect, Samsung provides a wealth of enterprise case studies, webinars, and technical blogs detailing complex deployments across industries like government, healthcare, and logistics.