# Hexnode Planning & Deployment Guide

The trajectory of modern IT requires a unified solution to manage heterogeneous devices across different geolocations. Hexnode UEM bridges the gap between modern and legacy management, offering a central workplace to secure assets, enforce compliance, and manage apps. This guide serves as your detailed mdm planning and deployment checklist.

What are the key capabilities of Hexnode UEM?
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Hexnode provides a robust feature set designed to manage the entire device lifecycle. Key capabilities include:

- **Device Enrollment:** No-touch, out-of-the-box bulk enrollment for rapid deployment.
- **Security & Compliance:** Establish device trust, enforce security policies, and automate compliance monitoring.
- **Management:**
    - **App Management:** Deploy Store, Private, and Enterprise apps.
    - **Content Management:** Securely distribute corporate files.
    - **Kiosk Lockdown:** Restrict devices to specific apps or websites (supports almost every platform).
    - **Expense Management:** Monitor data usage to control costs.
- **Maintenance:** Remote OS updates, Patch & Update management, and Incident management.
- **Remote Actions:** Execute one-time commands like Remote Wipe, Lock, or Location Scan.

Why is a strategic UEM deployment plan necessary?
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Before deployment, you must identify your objectives and deployment model.

### 1. Identify Strategic Objectives

- **IT Delegation:** Delegate workloads by creating “Technician” roles with limited access, allowing specific staff to manage subsets of devices.
- **Secure Access:** Secure work resources on any network (zero-trust approach) to mitigate threats from remote work.
- **Data Privacy:** Use features like **Managed Domains** and **Business Containers** to segregate corporate data from personal user data.
- Minimal Disruption: Use restriction profiles to limit distractions (e.g., blocking non-work apps) and maximize employee productivity.

### 2. Define Deployment Scenarios

Hexnode supports various ownership models. Decide which fits your workforce:

- **Work-Only:** Dedicated devices locked down for specific tasks.
- **BYOD (Bring Your Own Device):** Personal devices used for work; managed via a Work Profile to ensure privacy.
- **COPE (Corporate-Owned, Personally Enabled):** Corporate devices that allow personal use.
- **WP-C (Work Profile on Company Owned):** Strict separation of data on company hardware.

### 3. Select the Right License

Hexnode follows a **pay-as-you-grow** pricing philosophy.

- **Editions:** Features are tiered; you only pay for the capabilities you need.
- **Trial:** A 14-day free trial allows you to enroll up to 100 devices to test features before subscribing.

Which platforms and versions does Hexnode support?
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Verify your inventory against Hexnode’s supported platforms.

PlatformSupported Version[Android / Android Enterprise](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/enroll-android-mobile-devices-hexnode-mdm/)Version 5.0 and later[iOS / iPadOS](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/how-to-enroll-ios-devices-in-hexnode-mdm/)Version 11.0 and later for iOS
Version 13.0 and later for iPadOS[macOS](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/enroll-mac-devices-hexnode-mdm/)Version 10.7 and later[tvOS](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/enroll-apple-tvs-in-hexnode-mdm/)Version 6.0 and later[Windows](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/how-to-enroll-windows-laptops-in-hexnode-mdm/)Windows 10 or later[Fire OS](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/how-to-enroll-fire-os-devices/)Version 4.5.5.3 and later[visionOS](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/how-to-enroll-visionos-devices-in-hexnode-uem/)Version 1.1 and later[Linux](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/linux-device-enrollment-in-hexnode-uem/)Fedora 36+, Ubuntu 18.04+, Debian 10+[ChromeOS](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/enroll-chromeos-devices-in-hexnode-uem/)What is the step-by-step UEM planning and deployment checklist?
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Follow this step-by-step UEM planning and deployment checklist for a successful rollout.

PhaseAction ItemDetailsSetupConfigure Portal- Set up APNs (for Apple), Android Enterprise, and Email/SMS settings.
- Define Technician roles for IT delegation.

IntegrationSync Directories- Integrate **Okta, Active Directory**, **Google Workspace**, or **Microsoft Entra ID**.
- Sync users to enable seamless policy assignment.

PolicyCreate Policies Draft policies for Passcodes, Wi-Fi, VPN, and Kiosk modes.  **Pro Tip:** Use Hexnode’s multi-platform policy workflow to target devices irrespective of OS.

TestingDeploy Pilot Groups- Create a “Pilot Group” with a small number of users/devices.
- Test enrollment and policy application here first to identify and rectify errors without business disruption.

MigrationDisenrollment- **Crucial:** If migrating, disenroll devices from the old MDM first. A device cannot be managed by two servers.
- Remove Factory Reset Protection (FRP) or Activation Locks before disenrolling.

ExecutionEnroll Devices- **Corporate:** Use automated methods (Samsung KME, Apple ADE, Zero-Touch).
- **BYOD:** Send email/SMS invites or use Self-Enrollment.
- **Authentication:** Enforce SSO (Single Sign-On) during enrollment for added security.

ValidationAudit & Validation- Cross-check the portal to ensure all assets are online and compliant.
- Verify that apps (Store, VPP, Enterprise) have installed silently as expected.

Refer to this help documentation on [getting started with Hexnode SaaS UEM](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/getting-started-with-saas/) to learn more.

How should admins communicate the change to users?
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- **Educate Users:** Communicate with the benefits of UEM. Explain how it separates their personal data from corporate data to reduce privacy concerns.
- **One-Time Actions:** Familiarize yourself with emergency commands like **Corporate Wipe** (removes only work data) and **Complete Wipe** (factory reset) for lost devices.
- **Compliance Monitoring:** Set up automated alerts to notify IT admins immediately if a device falls out of compliance (e.g., jailbroken, missing encryption).