Modern desktop management for driving digital transformation

Computers entered the workplace in the 1970s-80s, and in the 1990s, the wide-scale adoption of the Internet changed the way we worked forever. Now, in the 21st century, we have desktops, laptops, notebooks, and countless mobile devices as our work devices. Even though more and more mobile devices are making their mark in the enterprise, the classic work laptop/desktop has never gone out of style. Personally, I still use my Mac to get most of my work done. More often than not, the work computers contain sensitive data, which could really deal a blow to the organization if leaked. Now, imagine all these devices remaining unmanaged.

Sounds like an absolute nightmare, doesn’t it? That’s where Desktop Management comes in. If you have any experience managing the devices for your organization, you may already be familiar with terms like Group Policy, Active Directory and Mobile Device Management. There are both on-premise and cloud solutions to manage the devices. Which one does the job better? And what is Modern Desktop Management? How can you implement Modern Desktop Management in your organization? These are some of the questions that we attempt to answer in this blog. 

What is Modern Desktop Management? 

Modern Desktop Management is configuring, managing and securing all the computer systems in your organization or enterprise using a cloud solution. A Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) solution like Hexnode is a good example of a Modern Desktop Management solution. Hexnode is a SaaS-based software that allows you to manage your Mac and Windows computers at one place. The admin can sign in to their Hexnode portal anywhere from any device after authentication and manage the mobile desktops simply without the hassle of physically handling the devices. 

How are we defining “Desktop”? 

What is the need for Modern Desktop Management? 

We are not living in the days when it was enough to manage the large workstations installed in the office with a well-placed server and Active Directory. The year 2020 packed a decade of digital transformation within it, and the trend of working from anywhere has continued. The traditional methods of managing desktops would not be very effective in managing such remote endpoints. Rather than leave these devices unmanaged and exposed to the many security threats out there, it is important to move to Modern Desktop Management.  

• Simple to the point that it can be done by even beginners 
• Ability to manage both Mac and Windows in one place 
• Enforce custom compliance rules on the managed devices 
• Saves time, more efficient 
• Flexible and highly scalable 
• No dependency on high-end hardware for managing the devices 

What came before Modern Desktop Management? 

There is a rich history of desktop management for both Mac and Windows. One may argue that the traditional methods works fine, but there are some instances where they don’t. They have just become obsolete. Let us take a look at some of the prominent traditional methods for the two prominent desktop operating systems – Windows and macOS: 

Traditional management methods for Windows 

Microsoft also provides a software configuration manager – Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager. Previously known as Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), it allowed the admins to manage Windows endpoints and had features like remote control, operating system updates, patch management, network management, etc. This may sound close to what a UEM does, but the major difference lies in the ease of use. SCCM has a complex toolset that would present a steep learning curve for a new admin. On the other hand, a UEM like Hexnode is remarkably easier to comprehend even for novice admins.  

Now, if your organization already manages the devices using SCCM, it may seem like a daunting task to move to a UEM solution. However, it is simpler with a UEM that supports SCCM integration. Instead of completely ditching your older method of management, it could be smarter to go for a hybrid model of management, getting you the best of both worlds. 

Traditional management methods for Macs 

Modern Windows Management 

Modern Mac Management 

Hexnode’s Modern Mac Management allows you to manage your macOS devices with management capabilities like: 

How to switch to a Modern Desktop Management Solution? 

There is no dearth of UEM solutions in the market, but Hexnode stands out with its exceptional user interface and its comprehensive management capabilities for both Mac and Windows in a single solution. Now, the question is, when and how to implement the Modern Desktop Management solution in your business? 

1. There is no management solution in place for your organization. 
2. Traditional methods are deployed, and you wish to switch to Modern Desktop Management. 
3. A Modern Desktop Management solution is deployed, but you are looking to migrate to a better option. 

In all three cases, the first step is to create a Hexnode trial account. Try out the different policies, configurations, and features with test devices. Make complete use of the comprehensive help documentation, blogs, and excellent customer support to come up with a modern desktop management strategy for your organization.  

In this age of digital transformation, it is just a matter of time when enterprises move completely toward modern desktop management. Start your journey today with a single click.