UEM Migration Handbook
A practical guide designed to help IT teams successfully migrate from Citrix Endpoint Management to a modern UEM solution.
Looking for a Citrix Endpoint Management alternative that offers broader OS coverage, deeper device-level control, and predictable per-device pricing?
Hexnode UEM delivers true unified endpoint management across mobile, desktop, Linux, ChromeOS, rugged, kiosk, and TV platforms without the complexity of a bundled digital workspace stack.
Explore how Hexnode compares to Citrix Endpoint Management across platform support, security architecture, enrollment flexibility, integrations, and total cost of ownership.
Why organizations evaluate a Citrix Endpoint Management alternative
Broader endpoint and OS coverage: Managing kiosks, rugged devices, Linux desktops, ChromeOS, TV platforms, and shared tablets alongside traditional user devices – beyond a workspace-centric model.
Licensing and total cost concerns: Citrix Endpoint Management is often bundled within broader Workspace subscriptions, which can increase costs for teams that only require unified endpoint management.
Infrastructure and architecture flexibility: Organizations that do not rely on Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops may prefer a standalone, platform-agnostic UEM solution without dependency on Citrix Gateway or workspace components.
Hexnode vs Citrix Endpoint Management: Executive Decision Matrix
When choosing a Citrix Endpoint Management alternative, IT leaders evaluate more than feature parity. The real decision comes down to architectural flexibility, device diversity support and pricing transparency.
| Decision Factor | Hexnode UEM | Citrix Endpoint Management (CEM) |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Breadth | ✓ Supports mobile, desktop, Linux, ChromeOS, TV OS, rugged & dedicated-use devices | ✕ Primarily focused on core enterprise OS within workspace model |
| Dedicated & Kiosk | ✓ Advanced single/multi-app kiosk, signage, rugged specialization | ✕ Limited deep kiosk specialization; workspace-centric |
| Deployment | ✓ Pure-play UEM – no dependency on VDI or gateway stack | ✕ Deepest functionality tied to Citrix Workspace & Gateway |
| Enrollment | ✓ ADE, ZTE, KME, Autopilot + ROM-based Android enrollment | ✓ Standard enterprise zero-touch enrollment methods |
| Governance | ✓ Granular OS-level policies, scripting, encryption enforcement | ✓ Strong policies but more app/container-focused |
| BYOD Model | ✓ OS-native containerization (Work Profile / Managed Apps) | ✓ Proprietary MDX container with Micro-VPN |
| Licensing | ✓ Clear per-device pricing tiers | ✕ Primarily per-user, often bundled with Workspace |
| Cost Efficiency | ✓ Predictable scaling for kiosks & non-user devices | ✕ Per-user model may increase cost for device-heavy fleets |
| Integrations | ✓ Native integrations + open REST API flexibility | ✓ Strong ServiceNow integration; ecosystem-centric |
| Support | ✓ 24×5 multi-channel support across plans | ✕ Tiered enterprise support; enhanced tiers cost extra |
Want to explore the details behind this comparison? Expand the section below for a comprehensive breakdown of platform support, enrollment capabilities, security architecture, integrations, and pricing.
Device & OS Compatibility Deep Dive
For organizations evaluating a Citrix Endpoint Management alternative, operating system breadth and support for non-traditional endpoints are often key decision factors. This section compares how Hexnode and Citrix Endpoint Management (CEM) address device diversity across BYOD, shared endpoints, kiosks, rugged hardware, and emerging platforms.
Hexnode: The Platform-Agnostic Specialist
Hexnode’s core strength lies in its broad, platform-agnostic approach, built to centralize management across both mainstream enterprise operating systems and specialized device categories.
Core OS Support
- iOS, iPadOS & macOS: Comprehensive Apple MDM with ABM/ASM support, automated enrollment, FileVault encryption, VPP distribution, and granular security controls.
- Android: Full Android Enterprise support (Device Owner, Profile Owner, COSU) with deep integration for Samsung Knox, LG GATE, and Kyocera.
- Windows: Supports Windows 10/11 with BitLocker enforcement, firewall management, MSI-based app deployment, update management, and custom script execution.
- Linux: Management for Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, and Linux Mint, including policy enforcement, app inventory, and remote command execution.
- ChromeOS: Supports device enrollment and policy management alongside other platforms within a unified console.
Specialized Device & Edge Cases
- Rugged & Industrial: Native support for Zebra, Honeywell, and Datalogic with advanced kiosk lockdown (single/multi-app/web) for logistics and retail.
- Connected & Dedicated-Use: Native management for tvOS (Apple TV), Android TV OS, Fire OS, and visionOS for digital signage and spatial computing.
Citrix Endpoint Management (CEM): The Workspace Integrator
CEM focuses its platform support around enabling secure access to the Citrix Digital Workspace, with strategic differentiation in application delivery and MAM.
Core OS Support
- iOS, iPadOS & macOS: Comprehensive MDM combined with strong Mobile Application Management (MAM) via Citrix MDX technology and ABM integration.
- Android: Full Android Enterprise (Device/Profile Owner) support with Samsung Knox integration for enhanced security.
- Windows: Windows 10/11 policy management and BitLocker enforcement, optimized for secure access via the Citrix Workspace app.
- ChromeOS: Provides secure workspace access and policy configuration, though not positioned as a primary native management strength.
Specialized Device & Edge Cases
- Virtualization & DaaS: Deep integration with Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops (CVAD), enabling context-aware security from the endpoint to the virtual session.
- Non-Traditional Endpoints: Emphasis is on secure workspace access; advanced experiences (VR/AR) are typically supported via virtual app delivery rather than native device policies.
Summary: Organizations managing a highly diverse mix of endpoints including Linux, rugged devices, and digital signage may find Hexnode’s native OS breadth advantageous. Enterprises deeply invested in the Citrix ecosystem may prefer CEM for its tight integration with the virtualization and app delivery stack.
Device Management & Enrollment Capabilities
Enrollment flexibility and automation depth directly impact migration effort and long-term manageability. This section details how Hexnode and Citrix Endpoint Management (CEM) handle device onboarding (zero-touch, BYOD) and compares their core policy enforcement frameworks.
Enrollment and Provisioning
Both platforms support modern, zero-touch enrollment, but they differ in scope-specifically regarding specialized hardware and the initiation of Windows workflows.
Hexnode Enrollment Capabilities
- Zero-Touch / Corporate: Supports Apple Automated Device Enrollment (ADE), Android Zero-touch, Windows Autopilot, and Samsung Knox Mobile Enrollment (KME).
- Specialized Onboarding: Offers ROM-based (OEM/firmware) enrollment for high-privilege management on dedicated-use devices.
- Manual & BYOD: User-driven flows via QR codes, guided onboarding, and bulk CSV-driven workflows for large-scale provisioning.
- Identity Integration: Self-enrollment tied to directory/IdP authentication (e.g., Microsoft Entra ID) for user-based onboarding.
Citrix Endpoint Management (CEM) Enrollment
- Zero-Touch: Supports Apple Deployment Programs and Android Enterprise (via EMM token, NFC, QR, or Zero-touch).
- Windows Enrollment: Initiated directly from the device; CEM does not support enrollment invitations for Windows, requiring manual server FQDN entry if not using simplified methods.
- Workspace-Led BYOD: Centered on enrolling through Citrix Secure Hub, which acts as the primary “store” and entry point for users.
- Authentication: Provides multiple security modes and AutoDiscovery for Citrix Workspace customers to streamline the login experience.
Core Device Management Features
The practical distinction lies in Hexnode’s emphasis on device-level controls versus Citrix’s strength in application containerization.
Hexnode UEM
- Kiosk & Remote Tools: Strong focus on kiosk lockdown and unattended remote access/control for troubleshooting supported platforms.
- App Lifecycle: Supports Apple VPP, Managed Google Play, and a unique feature for downgrading enterprise apps on Android via policy.
- Security: Selective/full wipe, BitLocker/FileVault enforcement, and geofencing to dynamically change policies based on location.
Citrix Endpoint Management (CEM)
- MAM & Containerization: Strategic use of MDX technology to separate corporate data from personal apps-ideal for high-security BYOD.
- Policy Depth: Offers a library of 300+ endpoint policies with a focus on context-aware security and data leakage protection (DLP).
- Remote Actions: Standard lock/wipe and location tracking; however, native real-time remote control is less emphasized than app-layer monitoring.
Summary: Hexnode excels in granular device control, remote support, and specialized hardware fleets. Citrix remains a powerhouse for organizations prioritizing app-centric security (MAM) and those already leveraging the Citrix Workspace ecosystem.
Comparing Security Posture & Compliance Features
Security architecture is a major differentiator when evaluating Hexnode as a Citrix alternative. Hexnode leans toward device-level compliance and OS-native controls, whereas Citrix Endpoint Management (CEM) differentiates through app-layer containerization (MDX/MAM) and workspace-integrated access.
Data Protection and Containerization
These features define how corporate data is segregated and protected from unauthorized access or leakage, particularly in BYOD scenarios.
Hexnode Security & Data Protection
- OS-Native Containerization: Relies on built-in models like Android Enterprise Work Profile and Apple Managed Open-In to restrict data movement between work and personal apps.
- Encryption & CA: Enforces BitLocker (Windows) and FileVault (macOS). Supports Conditional Access via Microsoft Entra ID integration, using Hexnode compliance signals to gate cloud resource access.
- Access Control: Standardizes passcode policies and certificate-based configurations for secure Wi-Fi and VPN access.
Citrix Endpoint Management (CEM) Security
- MDX/MAM SDK: Proprietary containerization that secures data inside the app. Policies can prevent copy-paste or file exports even if the device itself isn’t fully managed.
- Micro-VPN / Per-App VPN: Provides an on-demand tunnel specifically for managed apps via Citrix Gateway, securing traffic without requiring a full device-level VPN.
- Workspace Alignment: Access decisions are tied to the broader Citrix Workspace context, allowing for session-specific security posture checks.
Threat Detection, Compliance, and Remote Actions
Continuous monitoring and rapid response are critical for maintaining a zero-trust environment.
Hexnode Threat Response
- Automated Compliance: Instantly triggers actions (like locking a device or removing work data) if a device is rooted, jailbroken, or falls out of encryption compliance.
- Remote Actions: Supports selective wipe for BYOD and lost mode/activation lock for supervised iOS devices, even via API for custom automation.
- Certifications: SOC 2 Type 2 (no exceptions) and ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certified.
Citrix Threat Response
- Risk Indicators: Integrates with Citrix Analytics to detect anomalies based on app inventory and blacklisted application signals.
- Granular Wipe: Precise corporate-only wipe capabilities tailored for MDX-wrapped applications.
- Trust Center: Adheres to SOC 2 and ISO 27001 standards, with detailed compliance reports available via the Citrix Trust Center.
Summary: Hexnode is ideal for organizations seeking straightforward, device-wide compliance and automated threat response across diverse hardware. Citrix is better suited for high-security BYOD environments where app-level isolation and specialized per-app networking are the primary requirements.
Ecosystem & Integration Capabilities
The value of a UEM is amplified by its ability to integrate with Identity Providers (IdPs), ITSM tools, and custom automation workflows. Hexnode offers a “best-of-breed” approach for third-party tools, while Citrix CEM excels in deep native integration within the Citrix and Microsoft ecosystems.
Identity and Directory Integration
Standardizing onboarding through Single Sign-On (SSO) and directory sync is essential for modern provisioning.
Hexnode IAM Capabilities
- Cloud & On-Premise: Native sync for Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD), Google Workspace, and Okta. Supports on-prem Active Directory via the Hexnode Cloud Broker.
- Hexnode Access: Enables users to log in to macOS and Windows devices using their cloud IdP credentials (Entra ID, Okta, Google).
- Advanced Trust: Features a documented Okta Device Trust integration to incorporate device compliance signals directly into Okta authentication flows.
Citrix CEM IAM Capabilities
- Citrix Cloud & Gateway: Uses Citrix Gateway/ADC for advanced nFactor authentication and certificate-based flows, routing identity through the Citrix Secure Hub.
- Azure AD Deep Sync: Documented group-based administration via Citrix Cloud, allowing Entra ID groups to manage specific Citrix resource access.
- LDAP/SAML: Broad support for on-prem LDAP and SAML 2.0 IdPs to standardize admin and subscriber logins.
ITSM and Enterprise Tool Integration
Seamless help desk workflows allow service agents to troubleshoot devices without switching consoles.
Hexnode Enterprise Integrations
- Service Desk: Native plug-ins for Freshservice and Zendesk, allowing agents to perform remote lock/wipe/wipe actions directly from support tickets.
- Compliance & Security: Integrations with Check Point Harmony Mobile (MTD), plus Vanta and Drata for automated compliance evidence collection.
- Extensibility: A RESTful JSON API for building custom lifecycle automations or reporting dashboards.
Citrix CEM Enterprise Integrations
- ServiceNow (ITSM Adapter): A flagship integration that extends ServiceNow to manage Citrix resources, enabling self-service session resets and automated VDI provisioning.
- Microsoft Intune (MEM): A specialized pathway to bring Citrix’s micro-VPN value to Intune-aware apps (like Edge), bridging the two ecosystems for hybrid management.
- Citrix Analytics: Feeds real-time endpoint security events into the Citrix Analytics engine for unified risk scoring across the workspace.
Summary: Hexnode is built for flexibility, fitting into diverse environments with ready-made help desk and security integrations. Citrix CEM is the ideal choice for “Citrix-first” shops, offering unparalleled synergy with ServiceNow and Citrix’s own virtualization stack.
Pricing Models and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Pricing structure is a critical factor when evaluating Hexnode as a Citrix Endpoint Management alternative. Differences in licensing-specifically per-device versus per-user-significantly influence the TCO in environments with shared devices, kiosks, or rugged hardware.
Hexnode UEM Pricing and Licensing
Hexnode follows a transparent, subscription-based model that is device-centric, allowing organizations to scale costs predictably based on their physical fleet size.
- Licensing Model: Primarily per-device, with both monthly and annual billing. This is ideal for kiosks or shared tablets where multiple users share a single endpoint.
- Tiered Structure: Features are organized into tiers (Pro, Enterprise, Ultimate, Ultra). Higher tiers unlock advanced desktop management (Windows/macOS), custom scripting, and automated patch management.
- Infrastructure: Cloud-native with no mandatory gateway or on-premise hardware requirements, reducing operational overhead and “zombie infrastructure” costs.
- Evaluation: Offers a 14-day free trial with full access to the Ultra feature set for comprehensive platform testing.
Citrix Endpoint Management (CEM) Licensing
Citrix licensing is typically bundled within the broader Citrix Workspace or Cloud portfolio, making it most cost-effective for organizations already standardized on the Citrix stack.
- Licensing Model: Generally per-user when part of Citrix Workspace. While this supports users with multiple devices, standalone UEM pricing typically requires a direct sales consultation.
- Ecosystem Bundling: CEM is often packaged with Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops (CVAD). Standalone value is lower compared to its value as part of a secure workspace bundle.
- Infrastructure Dependencies: Full functionality (like Micro-VPN) often requires additional components such as Citrix Gateway / NetScaler ADC and Cloud Connectors, which add to the total maintenance cost.
- Compliance: On-premises customers must transition to the License Activation Service (LAS) by April 2026 to maintain licensing functionality.
Summary: Hexnode provides a more predictable and lower entry cost for standalone UEM needs, particularly for specialized or shared device fleets. Citrix Endpoint Management is best for large enterprises already utilizing Citrix virtualization where UEM is a value-add to an existing user-based subscription.
Analyzing Customer Support & Resources
Reliable support is critical during migration and security incidents. Hexnode and Citrix offer different operational scales: Hexnode focuses on immediate, tier-agnostic accessibility, while Citrix utilizes a structured, plan-based enterprise model.
Customer Support Channels and Coverage
Responsiveness and availability often determine how quickly an IT team can resolve enrollment or policy bottlenecks.
Hexnode Customer Support
- 24/5 Multi-Channel Support: Access to technical experts via live chat, email, and phone is included with all active subscriptions.
- Accessibility Model: Does not segment support quality by price tier; small-to-mid-sized teams receive the same technical priority as larger accounts.
- Regional Coverage: Publicly lists toll-free numbers for North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific to ensure local-language assistance.
Citrix Endpoint Management (CEM) Support
- Plan-Based Service: Support depth is governed by Customer Success Services (CSS) tiers. 24×7 coverage is typically reserved for Severity 1 (critical) issues.
- Enterprise Escalation: Larger contracts offer dedicated account management and predefined response time commitments (SLAs) for complex deployments.
- Centralized Portal: Uses the Citrix Support portal for unified case management, license downloads, and knowledge base access across the Citrix stack.
Online Documentation and Self-Service
For admins who prefer self-guided implementation, the depth and organization of the knowledge base are paramount.
Hexnode Resources
- Hexnode Academy: Offers structured, multi-level certification (Professional and Expert levels) specific to OS platforms like iOS, Android, and Windows.
- Hexnode Connect: A dedicated UEM community forum monitored by Hexnode engineers for peer-to-peer troubleshooting and feature requests.
- Workflows: Documentation is highly focused on pragmatic UEM tasks, such as setting up kiosk modes or executing remote scripts.
Citrix Resources
- Citrix Docs: Highly technical, providing architecture guidance and deep-dive API references for integrating CEM with NetScaler and Citrix Cloud.
- Global Community: A massive ecosystem of forums. While broad, discussions often cover the entire Citrix portfolio (VDI, Networking, etc.) rather than just UEM.
- Enterprise Training: Offers formal IT certifications (CCA-V, CCP-V) that are widely recognized in the enterprise virtualization industry.
Summary: Hexnode is frequently cited for its “customer-first” support culture, making it ideal for teams that value fast, chat-based troubleshooting. Citrix offers the robust, SLA-driven support expected by global enterprises, though the best resources are often gated behind higher-tier support contracts.
Citrix Endpoint Management Alternative: Common Questions
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Which platform provides stronger management for kiosks and dedicated-use devices?
Hexnode delivers advanced kiosk management and rugged device support across major platforms, while Citrix Endpoint Management focuses primarily on workspace and application access rather than deep dedicated-device control.
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Can Citrix Endpoint Management be used as a standalone UEM solution?
Yes, it can function as a standalone MDM/MAM solution. However, its most powerful features-such as Micro-VPN and context-aware security-depend heavily on the broader Citrix stack (like NetScaler ADC and Citrix Cloud Connectors). Organizations without an existing Citrix infrastructure may find the “standalone” deployment complex due to these prerequisite components, whereas Hexnode is built as a cloud-native, standalone platform with zero local infrastructure footprint.
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How do per-user and per-device licensing models impact Total Cost of Ownership?
The impact depends on your device-to-user ratio. Hexnode’s per-device model is highly cost-effective for retail, healthcare, or logistics environments where multiple employees share a single tablet or kiosk. Citrix’s per-user model (typically bundled with Workspace) is better suited for knowledge workers who use 3+ devices (laptop, phone, tablet) simultaneously. For organizations with dedicated-use fleets, Hexnode typically offers a lower TCO by avoiding “user taxes” on shared hardware.
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Which solution provides stronger BYOD-focused application security?
Citrix is the traditional leader in Application Management (MAM) due to its MDX containerization (now evolving into the MAM SDK), which wraps individual apps in a secure layer to prevent data leakage without managing the whole device. Hexnode, conversely, leverages OS-native security-specifically Android Enterprise Work Profiles and Apple’s User Enrollment. The choice depends on your security philosophy: Citrix offers a proprietary “app-sandbox” approach, while Hexnode offers a transparent, privacy-first experience using the device’s native OS architecture.
If your organization is invested heavily in Citrix Workspace and VDI, Citrix Endpoint Management may continue to serve your needs effectively.
But if your priority is managing a wide range of devices – from Linux desktops and rugged scanners to kiosks and connected TVs – with deeper control and clearer cost structure, Hexnode provides broader flexibility and operational independence.
The most effective way to evaluate the difference is through hands-on testing.
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Start Your Free TrialDisclaimer: This comparison is based on publicly available information as of February 2026. Features and pricing for Hexnode and Microsoft Intune are subject to change. We recommend visiting the official websites of both companies for the most current information. All product and company names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.
