Evan
Cole

Hexnode vs IBM MaaS360 – UEM Comparison for Modern Device Management

Evan Cole

Nov 7, 2025

24 min read

Hexnode vs IBM MaaS360 – UEM Comparison for Modern Device Management

In today’s borderless enterprise, the IT manager faces a daily challenge defined by complexity: managing device sprawl across a multi-OS environment, securing corporate data outside the traditional firewall, and ensuring compliance with an ever-growing list of regulations. The proliferation of mobile, desktop, and dedicated endpoints (from iOS and Android to Linux and specialized kiosks) makes a unified, centralized management platform an absolute necessity.

Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) is the answer, and in this competitive landscape, Hexnode and IBM MaaS360 stand out as two distinct, mature contenders. While both deliver robust MDM/UEM capabilities, their core philosophies – one built on agile, platform-agnostic control, the other on enterprise security and cognitive intelligence – cater to different organizational priorities.

This data-driven comparison is engineered specifically for the technically proficient IT manager and decision-maker. We will cut through the marketing noise to provide a detailed, side-by-side analysis of their features, security, integration ecosystems, and total cost of ownership, enabling you to make a strategic choice that aligns with your specific organizational scale, complexity, and security mandate.

Hexnode vs IBM MaaS360: An Executive Overview

The choice between UEM solutions is a strategic decision that shapes an organization’s security posture, scalability, and operational efficiency. While both Hexnode and IBM MaaS360 deliver comprehensive capabilities for managing diverse device fleets – from mobile devices to desktops and specialized endpoints – they represent distinct approaches to the UEM challenge, largely dictated by their corporate heritage and primary target markets.

Hexnode

  • Company Background: Hexnode is the flagship UEM product of Mitsogo Inc., an agile software company founded in 2013.
  • Hexnode focuses primarily on the Small to Mid-Market (SMB) and Mid-Enterprise segments. It has also developed a significant presence in specialized industries like Retail, Logistics, Education, and Healthcare that require deep management of non-traditional endpoints. The platform’s architecture is highly attractive to Managed Service Providers (MSPs) due to its native multi-tenant and white-labeling capabilities.
  • The philosophy centers on providing deep, granular management controls for the broadest range of operating systems and niche devices.
  • Strong emphasis on supporting specialized endpoints, including Linux, tvOS, Apple visionOS, Amazon Fire OS, and rugged Android devices (e.g., Zebra, Honeywell).
  • A core strength is its versatile and deep Kiosk Mode functionality, essential for frontline and single-purpose device deployments.

Hexnode user review - Capterra

IBM MaaS360

  • MaaS360 is a product under the umbrella of IBM Security, ensuring a foundation of established global support, enterprise-grade scalability, and integration with IBM’s broader security and cloud portfolio (e.g., IBM Security Verify). It originated with IBM’s acquisition of Fiberlink Communications in 2013.
  • IBM MaaS360 is inherently designed for the Enterprise, Government, and Highly Regulated Industries (e.g., Banking, Large-scale Healthcare). These organizations typically require advanced identity management, deep compliance reporting, and high-volume scalability.
  • The defining feature is the integration of IBM Watson’s AI capabilities (MaaS360 Advisor), which analyzes endpoint data to provide security benchmarking, contextual threat alerts, and automated policy recommendations based on emerging threats (via IBM X-Force® Exchange).
  • It places a heavy emphasis on identity and access management, offering strong integration with native IBM security and governance tools to enforce a Zero Trust architecture.
  • Built to meet the rigorous demands of global Fortune 100 companies, focusing on high-volume deployment and compliance reporting across complex regulatory landscapes.

Device & OS Compatibility Deep Dive

UEM is fundamentally defined by its ability to manage a disparate ecosystem of devices and operating systems (OS) from a single console. For IT managers, the depth and breadth of OS support, particularly for specialized or legacy devices, is a critical factor in determining a platform’s total cost of ownership and its suitability for specific organizational requirements.

Platform and Device Support

This section breaks down the core OS and device type compatibility for both Hexnode and IBM MaaS360.

Hexnode

Hexnode’s strength is its broad and deep coverage of specialized, non-traditional endpoints, positioning it as a highly platform-agnostic solution.

Core OS Support:

iOS/iPadOS & macOS: Full support, leveraging Apple Business Manager (ABM) for zero-touch deployment and VPP app distribution. Supports iOS 11.0+ and macOS 10.7+.

Android: Extensive support, including Android Enterprise modes (Work Profile, Fully Managed, Dedicated) and Legacy Android (Device Admin mode for older devices).

Windows: Supports Windows 10 and 11 modern management. Enrollment for older Windows 10 builds (v1703+) is supported via the Hexnode installer agent with required dependencies (.NET, Visual C++ Redistributable).

Linux: Direct, robust support for major distributions including Ubuntu, Debian, and Fedora, enabling policy enforcement and script execution via a dedicated agent.

Specialized Device Support:

Rugged Devices: Offers deep integration with leading OEMs, including Zebra, Honeywell, Kyocera, and LG, through OEM-specific policy controls and Android Enterprise capabilities.

IoT & Specialized Screens: Market strength in managing dedicated devices like Apple TV (tvOS), Amazon Fire OS, and ChromeOS devices, making it ideal for digital signage and conference room displays.

VR/AR: Officially supports management for Apple visionOS 1.1 and later (Apple Vision Pro), catering to emerging spatial computing environments.

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IBM MaaS360

IBM MaaS360 provides enterprise-grade support focused on the main mobile and desktop OS platforms, with a strong emphasis on integration into complex enterprise security and identity stacks.

Core OS Support:

iOS/iPadOS & macOS: Comprehensive support for modern versions (typically iOS 15.0+ and macOS 12+), fully integrated with ABM and VPP.

Android: Strong support for Android Enterprise and Google Mobile Services (GMS) devices (Android 7.0+).

Windows: Focuses on Windows 10 and 11 modern MDM APIs, with full support for Windows Autopilot integration and co-management alongside traditional Client Management Tools (like SCCM).

Specialized Device Support:

Legacy Windows: MaaS360 offers a Desktop Management (DTM) agent best suited for Windows 7 and older Windows 10 devices, facilitating the migration from traditional desktop management to modern MDM. This is a key advantage for companies with a mixed fleet.

Purpose-Built Devices: Support for non-GMS (Android Open Source Project/AOSP) and rugged devices via QR code or ADB enrollment, including specific support for Amazon FireOS and certain non-GMS devices like Santok.

Mixed Reality: Notable support for Microsoft HoloLens integration, enabling management of Microsoft’s mixed reality headsets within the UEM console.

Linux: Management of Linux is generally more focused on compliance and inventory via the Cloud Extender, rather than the deep, script-based remote control offered by Hexnode.

Feature Category Hexnode IBM MaaS360
Core Mobile OS iOS, iPadOS (11.0+); Android (5.0+); Fire OS iOS, iPadOS (15.0+); Android (7.0+); Fire OS
Desktop & Laptop Windows 10/11, macOS Windows 10/11, macOS
Specialized/IoT Linux, ChromeOS, Android TV, Apple TV (tvOS), visionOS ChromeOS, Apple TV (tvOS), Dedicated support for Rugged/Non-GMS Android
Linux Management Native agent support for major distributions (e.g., Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian) Primarily focused on standard mobile/desktop OS. Linux not listed as a core platform.

Device Management & Enrollment Capabilities

Effective UEM is predicated on the seamless onboarding of new endpoints and the comprehensive, granular control exercised over the device lifecycle. This process begins with deployment and extends through daily policy enforcement, application delivery, and end-user support via remote tools. For IT managers, the efficiency of enrollment and the breadth of management features directly impact overhead and security compliance.

Hexnode

Hexnode focuses on streamlined, low-touch enrollment and offering granular application and dedicated device control, reflecting its strength in managing diverse, purpose-built devices.

Enrollment Methods:

Zero-Touch/Automated: Full support for major programs: Apple Business Manager (ABM/DEP), Android Zero-touch Enrollment (ZTE), Windows Autopilot, and Samsung Knox Mobile Enrollment (KME).

BYOD (User-Owned): Uses secure self-enrollment links, email, or SMS which apply a Work Profile (Android Enterprise) or user-enrollment profile (iOS) to maintain the separation of corporate and personal data.

Bulk Enrollment: Supports QR code-based enrollment for corporate-owned devices and Pre-approved/ROM enrollment for factory-configured devices, speeding up large deployments, especially in retail/logistics.

Core Management Features:

Application Management (MAM): Comprehensive support for Managed Google Play and Apple VPP for silent app installation/uninstallation. A strong feature is the ability to create a custom app catalog for a tailored user-facing app store. Supports App Blacklisting/Whitelisting and management of in-house enterprise apps (APK, MSI, etc.).

Remote Actions: Provides Remote View and Remote Control capabilities for Android and Windows devices, facilitating direct troubleshooting. For iOS/macOS, Remote View (screen sharing) is supported.

Policy Granularity: Offers deep-level restrictions, especially for Kiosk Mode (single/multi-app lockdown) on iOS, Android, and Windows, a key advantage for dedicated devices. Supports robust geofencing for location-based policy enforcement.

Hexnode user review - G2

IBM MaaS360

MaaS360 leverages its enterprise heritage for robust integration with identity management systems and focuses on a security-first, AI-driven management approach.

Enrollment Methods:

Zero-Touch/Automated: Full support for Apple Business Manager (ABM/DEP) and Android Zero-touch Enrollment (ZTE). Strong integration with its Cloud Extender for linking devices directly to Corporate Directories (AD/LDAP) for immediate identity-based policy assignment during enrollment.

BYOD (User-Owned): Utilizes secure user-based enrollment combined with its Secure Container technology for isolating corporate data, apps, and documents on personal devices (MAM-first approach).

Authentication: Highly flexible, supporting SAML-based authentication (SSO) during enrollment for a seamless user experience tied to the enterprise identity provider.

Core Management Features:

Application Management (MAM): Robust MAM with support for silent distribution of VPP and Managed Google Play apps. Its unique strength is App Wrapping (SDK-free containerization), which applies advanced security and DLP policies (e.g., preventing copy/paste, enforcing VPN) to corporate apps without developer intervention.

Remote Actions: Provides industry-standard Remote Wipe, Selective Wipe (corporate data only), and Remote Lock/Message. Remote Control/View is available for Android, Windows, and macOS.

Cognitive Policy Enforcement: Policies benefit from the MaaS360 Advisor (Watson AI), which provides insights and recommended policy adjustments based on contextual risk (e.g., changes in user location, threat intelligence from the IBM X-Force® Exchange).

Feature Category Hexnode IBM MaaS360
Zero-Touch Enrollment Comprehensive: Apple ADE/ABM, Android Zero-touch (ZTE), Samsung KME, Windows Autopilot Comprehensive: Apple DEP/ABM, Android ZTE, Samsung KME, Windows OOBE/Autopilot
Standard Enrollment QR Code, Email/SMS, URL, Self-enrollment, Pre-Approved Enrollment (CSV/SN), Apple Configurator QR Code, Email/SMS, URL, Self-enrollment, Bulk CSV/TXT upload, Apple Configurator
Remote Control/View Remote View & Control (Android/Windows); Remote View (iOS/macOS/Linux) Remote View & Control (Android/Windows); Remote View (iOS/macOS)
Kiosk/Lockdown Single- and Multi-App Kiosk across Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, tvOS, Linux, ChromeOS Single- and Multi-App Kiosk across Android, iOS, Windows
Advanced Automation Hexnode Deployments (Triggers/Actions), Dynamic Groups, MDM Automation AI/Watson Integration (Contextual Analytics), Customizable Workflows

Comparing Security Posture & Compliance Features

Security is the primary driver for UEM adoption. For IT managers, the platform’s security capabilities must be multi-layered – protecting data at rest and in transit, isolating corporate resources, detecting threats, and providing immediate response actions. Crucially, the solution must actively facilitate compliance with complex industry regulations (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR).

Hexnode

Hexnode delivers a data-centric security model with a strong focus on compliance certifications, granular Data Loss Prevention (DLP), and controls for its diverse endpoint ecosystem.

Data Protection & Encryption:

Encryption Management: Enforces and reports on native OS full-disk encryption, including BitLocker (Windows) and FileVault (macOS). Supports device-level encryption for Android and iOS corporate data containers.

Containerization & DLP: Leverages Android Enterprise Work Profiles and iOS Managed Apps for containerization. Offers granular DLP controls such as disabling copy/paste, restricting data sharing between managed/unmanaged apps, and locking down USB/Bluetooth data transfer.

Threat Detection & Response:

Compliance Monitoring: Enforces checks for security non-compliance, including detection of rooted or jailbroken devices, OS version discrepancies, and policy violations (e.g., failed passcode attempts).

Remote Actions: Remote Lock, Full Device Wipe (factory reset), and Corporate Wipe (selective data removal, crucial for BYOD). Includes Lost Mode functionality.

Mobile Threat Defense (MTD): Integrates with third-party MTD solutions (e.g., Check Point Harmony Mobile) to extend threat visibility beyond basic compliance checks.

Compliance Standards Attestation:

  • Hexnode publicly attests to core security standards, which simplifies vendor due diligence for IT.
  • ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Certified and SOC 2 Type 2 Attested (covering Security, Availability, and Confidentiality).
  • Provides built-in policy templates and audit support for regulatory frameworks like GDPR, HIPAA/HITECH, and PCI DSS.

Hexnode Success Story Highlight: Nject Disposal, LLC

This case study is relevant to IT managers in logistics, field services, or retail needing to secure and manage single-purpose devices remotely.

The Challenge

Nject Disposal deployed Android tablets in vehicles, but employees misused them for personal entertainment, causing high data costs and requiring frequent remote site troubleshooting.

The Solution

  • Restricted tablets to only essential work applications (multi-app Kiosk Mode), blocking personal apps and unauthorized browsing.
  • Enabled the IT manager to remotely troubleshoot and configure devices in real-time, eliminating travel.

Hexnode Nject Disposal Case Study

The Result

  • Substantial reduction in mobile data overages.
  • Employees stayed focused on work tasks.
  • Manager saved hours previously spent traveling for troubleshooting.

🔗 Read the full success story here

IBM MaaS360

MaaS360’s security is defined by its integration with the IBM Security portfolio and its AI-driven, risk-based approach to threat and identity management, designed for high-stakes enterprise environments.

Data Protection & Encryption:

Containerization & App Wrapping: Features a sophisticated App Wrapping technology to apply security policies to corporate apps without developer intervention. Policies enforce DLP (e.g., restricting clipboard, saving-to-local drive) and per-app VPN tunneling.

Encryption: Enforces native device and OS-level encryption, including key management support, across managed devices.

Threat Detection & Response:

Cognitive Threat Defense: The standout feature is the IBM MaaS360 Advisor (powered by Watson AI). It analyzes device data and leverages IBM X-Force® Exchange threat intelligence to provide risk scores, proactive threat alerts, and AI-recommended security policy adjustments.

Conditional Access (CA): Strong focus on Risk-based Conditional Access, ensuring only devices that meet the real-time compliance score (derived from the AI advisor) can access enterprise resources (e.g., SharePoint, O365, internal apps).

Remote Actions: Full suite of remote actions, including Remote Wipe, Selective Wipe, and device lock/locate, integrated with identity checks.

Compliance Standards Attestation:

  • As an IBM Security product, MaaS360 is built within an ecosystem that supports the rigorous compliance demands of global enterprises.
  • HIPAA/HITECH Compliance: Explicitly designed for the healthcare industry, enabling policy enforcement and audit trails necessary for protecting patient data (PHI).
  • GDPR/SOC 2: Leverages the broader IBM Cloud and Security platform attestations (e.g., SOC 2, ISO 27001, FedRAMP) to assure the underlying security infrastructure meets high regulatory standards.

Feature Category Hexnode IBM MaaS360
Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Granular Open-in policies, Copy/Paste restrictions, USB/Tethering restriction, Selective Wipe (Corporate Data only) WorkPlace Persona policy, MaaS360 Container App (DLP), Selective Wipe, Managed email/content access
Containerization Android Enterprise Work Profile, Hexnode Business Container (iOS), iOS User Enrollment for BYOD Android Enterprise, MaaS360 Container App (Native App), iOS Managed Apps/User Enrollment
Mobile Threat Defense (MTD) Built-in Multi-level Threat Management (Root/Jailbreak detection, App blacklisting, Network controls) Dedicated MTD Add-on (leveraging AI), Real-time detection of Device, Network, Phishing, and App threats
Compliance & Auditing Compliance Checklists (e.g., Rooting), Geofencing, Auto-remediation actions, Audit logs AI-driven Risk Assessments (User Risk Score), Compliance Enforcement (Conditional Access), Regulatory compliance reports (e.g., HIPAA)
Integrations Conditional Access with Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD), Certificate Management Strong integration with IBM Security (SIEM/IAM) ecosystem, IBM Watson AI for cognitive risk analysis

Ecosystem & Integration Capabilities

In a modern IT environment, no UEM solution operates in isolation. The ability to integrate seamlessly with existing identity systems, security tools, and IT Service Management (ITSM) platforms is paramount for automation, simplified administration, and enforcing a cohesive Zero Trust security policy. The strength of a UEM’s API and its catalog of native integrations directly reflects its long-term viability within a complex enterprise ecosystem.

Hexnode

Hexnode offers broad and developer-friendly integration with a strong focus on simplifying user and device provisioning across popular cloud directories and providing a fully functional API for custom workflows.

Identity & Directory Services (IDP):

Leading IDP Support: Native, deep integrations with major cloud identity platforms including Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD), Okta, and Google Workspace (G Suite) for user and group synchronization and Single Sign-On (SSO) device enrollment.

On-Premise: Supports integration with Microsoft Active Directory (AD) using an on-premise sync tool for user and group management.

IT Service Management (ITSM) & Custom API:

ITSM: Native integration with Freshservice (an ITSM tool) for creating and updating tickets based on device events.

API Availability: Provides a comprehensive, well-documented RESTful JSON API. This API allows developers to perform core UEM operations, including listing/retrieving device, user, and policy details, remotely enforcing policies, and executing remote actions (e.g., wipe, lock), enabling extensive custom automation.

Security & Ecosystem:

Integrates with Mobile Threat Defense (MTD) platforms such as Check Point Harmony Mobile for enhanced real-time threat detection beyond standard compliance checks.

IBM MaaS360

MaaS360’s integration strategy is centered around the IBM Security ecosystem and providing deep, reliable hooks into enterprise-grade applications, particularly in the Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) and ITSM space.

Identity & Directory Services (IDP):

IBM Security Verify: Seamless, native integration with IBM Security Verify (their stand-alone identity service) to enforce a core Zero Trust model and utilize SSO.

Cloud & On-Premise Directories: Full, reliable support for Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD), including advanced features like Conditional Access policy enforcement. Supports integration with Active Directory (AD) via the MaaS360 Cloud Extender.

IT Service Management (ITSM) & Custom API:

ITSM: Promotes deep, native integration with ServiceNow, allowing IT teams to automate incident creation, change management, and asset updates directly from device events and compliance status in MaaS360.

API Availability: Offers a Web Services API for administrators to access event data, incidents, and device information. This API is essential for integrating MaaS360 security data into third-party SIEM and Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) systems (like QRadar).

Security & Ecosystem:

SIEM/SOAR: Core strength lies in its integration with the IBM security portfolio, most notably IBM QRadar (SIEM/SOAR), allowing MaaS360 threat events and device context to be used for enterprise-wide threat analysis and automated response.

Integrates with other enterprise security solutions like Zscaler, Lookout, and Pradeo.

Pricing Models and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

The financial structure of a UEM solution is a critical consideration, impacting the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), especially as the endpoint fleet scales and evolves. Licensing models (per-user vs. per-device) and the features included in each tier directly determine the value proposition for IT managers.

Hexnode

Hexnode operates primarily on a per-device licensing model, making it highly transparent and cost-effective for organizations with a high number of shared or dedicated endpoints, regardless of the number of users accessing them.

Licensing Model: Per-Device, Per-Month (significant discount for annual billing).

This model is ideal for retail, logistics, or education environments managing a large number of single-purpose devices (kiosks, rugged scanners, shared tablets).

Tier Primary Focus Estimated Monthly Cost (Per Device)
Pro Advanced MDM + Kiosk Essentials. Core MDM for iOS/Android, Location Tracking, Apple/Android Enrollment (ADE/ZTE/KME), Basic Kiosk/Lockdown. $2.40
Enterprise Basic UEM + Advanced Kiosk. Adds basic Desktop Management (Windows/macOS), Remote View for Mobile, TV/Fire OS Management, Geofencing, Advanced Android Enterprise. $3.60
Ultimate Advanced UEM + Complete Kiosk. Adds SSO Integration (Okta, Entra ID, Google), Remote Control, macOS Encryption (FileVault), Comprehensive App Management (VPP/Managed Google Play). $5.20
Ultra Complete UEM + Complete Kiosk. Includes all Hexnode features, such as Complete Desktop Management, Windows Encryption (BitLocker), Advanced OS Update Management (macOS/Windows), Hexnode Access. Quote Required

TCO Considerations:

  • The starting tiers offer a very low price point for basic MDM requirements, attracting SMBs and mid-market companies.
  • No additional charge for multiple users sharing a single managed device.
  • Offers a fully functional 14-day free trial of the highest tier (Ultra) with no credit card required.

IBM MaaS360

IBM MaaS360 offers flexible dual-licensing (per-device or per-user) but is heavily structured for the enterprise, where the cost often scales better with the number of users rather than devices.

Licensing Model: Per-User or Per-Device, Per-Month.

Per-User: Often preferred by large enterprises where employees use multiple corporate devices (laptop, tablet, phone) but are counted as a single user license.

Per-Device: Available for organizations with shared or dedicated devices, typically at a lower monthly cost than the per-user model for a single license.

Edition Price (Per Device/Month) Key Feature Highlights
Essentials $4 Core UEM: MDM/MAM (Mobile App/Device Management), Basic Mobile Security, Basic Watson AI Advisor, Granular Patch Management, Identity Management.
Deluxe $5 BYOD/DLP Focus: Includes Essentials, plus Secure Mobile Mail (containerized), Secure Mobile Chat (containerized), Assistant feature.
Premier $6.25 Content & Secure Access: Includes Deluxe, plus Secure Browser, Secure Content Management (Content Locker), Application Security, Protected Network Access (Basic VPN/Per-App VPN).
Enterprise $9 Ultimate Protection & Productivity: Includes Premier, plus Mobile Threat Management (MTM), Mobile Document Editor, Mobile Document Sync (file sharing).

TCO Considerations:

  • The starting price point is significantly higher than Hexnode’s entry-level tiers, making it less accessible for small businesses.
  • The TCO is more competitive in large enterprises where a single employee uses 2-3 managed devices, as they only pay one user fee.
  • Security features like Mobile Threat Defense and Remote Support (e.g., TeamViewer) may be optional add-ons to the lower tiers, increasing the final TCO.
  • Offers a free trial of 30 days and consultation.

Analyzing Customer Support & Resources

The responsiveness and quality of support, alongside the richness of self-service documentation, are vital for IT managers who need to resolve complex device issues under tight service-level agreements (SLAs).

Hexnode

Hexnode’s support model is characterized by its inclusion of premium channels in all plans and its vibrant, dedicated community forum, catering to a customer base that values direct, non-tiered access to assistance.

Customer Support Options:

Availability: Offers 24×5 support across multiple channels globally via phone, email, and live chat. Support hours extend across major time zones (NA, UK, APAC).

Tiered Support: Notably, Hexnode does not charge additional fees for support or maintenance, meaning all pricing tiers (Pro, Enterprise, Ultimate, Ultra) include access to these core support channels. This is a significant cost differentiator.

Direct Contact: Provides dedicated toll-free numbers across regions (US, UK, AU, etc.) and a ticketing system for case submission.

Online Documentation & Resources:

Knowledge Base: The Hexnode Help Center is extensive, well-organized by platform (iOS, Android, Windows, etc.), and includes detailed “How-to” articles and frequently asked questions (FAQs) specifically tailored to the deep configuration and specialized features (like Kiosk Management).

Training: Offers Hexnode Academy, providing on-demand video training and certification programs for administrators, which aids in rapid upskilling and reduces reliance on support.

Community: Operates Hexnode Connect, a dynamic and active user community forum. This resource is highly valuable for peer-to-peer troubleshooting, sharing custom scripts, and direct interaction with Hexnode experts and product team members for feature requests.

Hexnode user review - Gartner

IBM MaaS360

IBM MaaS360’s support structure follows a classic enterprise tiered model, leveraging IBM’s global infrastructure to provide rigorous support for mission-critical deployments and offering high-value self-service resources powered by AI.

Customer Support Options:

Availability: Standard business hours support is available globally, but 24×7 support is typically available only for Severity 1 (critical business impact) issues and is often restricted to the higher-level support agreements (e.g., Premium or Enterprise Support tiers).

Tiered Support: Support is generally tiered (e.g., Standard, Premium, Enterprise). Access to dedicated resources, such as Technical Relationship Managers (TRMs) via the Success Squad, requires a premium engagement or higher-tier product licensing.

Channels: Support is accessed via the IBM Support Portal (for case logging/tracking), phone, and chat.

Online Documentation & Resources:

Knowledge Base: Documentation is centralized within IBM Documentation and the MaaS360 101 hub. It is extensive, highly formal, and includes Technical Notes specifically addressing complex enterprise integration and troubleshooting scenarios (e.g., VPN certificate renewal, conditional access configuration).

AI Assistance: A key differentiator is the use of the IBM Watson AI chatbot and voice assistant for end-users, which provides real-time, near human-like support for common user productivity tasks, reducing helpdesk burden.

Community: The MaaS360 Community offers discussion forums, blogs, and events. While professional, the primary focus is often on high-level administrative resources and security intelligence, rather than the deep peer-to-peer scripting often found in the Hexnode community.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for UEM Evaluation

This section addresses common, high-priority questions that IT managers typically consider when evaluating UEM platforms like Hexnode and IBM MaaS360.

1. Which platform offers a better solution for a highly diversified fleet, including rugged devices or niche operating systems (OS)?

Hexnode is generally considered to offer broader and deeper support for specialized and niche OS and devices. This includes robust Kiosk Mode functionality across various Android and Windows versions, native support for Linux, and management of devices like Apple TV (tvOS) and Amazon Fire OS. MaaS360 focuses its deep management primarily on the core enterprise OS (iOS, Android Enterprise, Windows, macOS).

2. How do the platforms differ in their approach to securing corporate data on BYOD (employee-owned) devices?

IBM MaaS360 focuses on App Wrapping and secure containerization. This method isolates corporate apps and data into a secure container, applying advanced DLP (Data Loss Prevention) controls like per-app VPN and restricting copy/paste functions, often without requiring the enterprise to fully manage the entire personal device. Hexnode uses standard Android Enterprise Work Profiles and iOS User Enrollment, which also securely separates data but relies on the OS’s native containerization mechanisms.

3. Which solution provides the best integration with identity and enterprise security tools like SIEM?

IBM MaaS360 has the advantage here due to its strong security DNA. It offers seamless, native integration with the IBM Security portfolio, notably IBM QRadar (SIEM) and IBM Security Verify (Identity). This is crucial for leveraging endpoint data for enterprise-wide threat intelligence and security automation (SOAR). Hexnode integrates well with popular cloud IDPs (Entra ID, Okta) and MTDs, but its SIEM connections are typically achieved via its generalized REST APIs.

4. What is the fundamental difference in their licensing models, and how does that impact TCO?

Hexnode primarily uses a per-device, per-month model. This is cost-effective for organizations with shared or dedicated devices (e.g., retail kiosks) where the number of devices significantly exceeds the number of users. IBM MaaS360 offers both per-user and per-device options, but its features are often structured to favor the per-user model in large enterprises, where one user may utilize multiple corporate devices for a single license fee.

5. Does either platform offer AI-driven security or policy management?

Yes. IBM MaaS360 distinguishes itself with its MaaS360 Advisor (powered by IBM Watson AI). This feature provides AI-driven security risk scores, contextual threat alerts, and recommended automated policy adjustments based on the IBM X-Force® Exchange threat intelligence. Hexnode provides strong compliance monitoring and automated responses but does not currently feature the same level of cognitive, predictive policy management.

6. Which UEM solution is easier to set up and manage daily?

Based on common feedback, Hexnode is often described as having a more intuitive user interface and a faster, easier initial setup process, making it highly accessible for mid-market IT teams. MaaS360, while powerful, is generally considered to have a more complex interface and steeper learning curve due to its vast array of enterprise features and deeper integration requirements.

Hexnode vs. IBM MaaS360 – Which UEM is Right for You?

The comparison between Hexnode and IBM MaaS360 reveals two highly capable UEM platforms, each with a clear market focus. The optimal choice depends entirely on your enterprise scale, existing security architecture, and the diversity of your endpoint fleet.

Who is it for?

Choose Hexnode if you need to:

  • Manage a highly diverse fleet that includes non-traditional endpoints like Linux desktops, Amazon Fire OS, tvOS displays, or numerous rugged/kiosk devices.
  • Prioritize depth in Kiosk and Dedicated Device Management for retail, logistics, or field service operations.
  • Control TCO through a predictable, per-device licensing model, making it ideal for the SMB, Mid-Market, or organizations with a high device-to-user ratio.
  • Value highly rated, non-tiered 24×5 support and a robust community-driven knowledge base.

Choose IBM MaaS360 if your focus is on:

  • Enterprise-scale security and compliance, particularly in highly regulated industries (Finance, Government, Large Healthcare).
  • Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (IBM Watson) for real-time security insights, risk scoring, and automated policy recommendations.
  • Deep integration with an existing IBM or high-end enterprise security stack (e.g., QRadar, ServiceNow) for advanced conditional access and SOAR workflows.

Your Next Step

The best way to confirm which platform meets the precise technical and budgetary requirements of your organization is to test the core capabilities yourself. Both vendors offer pathways for evaluation.

Action: We encourage you to sign up for the free trial offered by both Hexnode and IBM MaaS360 to conduct a real-world proof of concept in your staging environment.

Disclaimer: This comparison is based on publicly available information as of November 2025. Features and pricing for Hexnode and IBM MaaS360 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.

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Evan Cole

I write about endpoint management. At Hexnode, I focus on making UEM simple, practical, and accessible for IT teams everywhere.

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