Microsoft Intune vs. AirWatch — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on January 21, 2024
Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based service for mobile device management (MDM) and mobile application management (MAM). AirWatch, now VMware Workspace ONE, offers a broader suite of solutions for device and enterprise mobility management.
Difference Between Microsoft Intune and AirWatch
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Microsoft Intune, a part of Microsoft’s Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS) suite, is primarily focused on providing cloud-based MDM and MAM services. It allows organizations to manage devices and applications remotely, ensuring security and compliance. AirWatch, rebranded as VMware Workspace ONE, encompasses a wider range of capabilities, including MDM, MAM, and content management, offering a more holistic approach to enterprise mobility.
Intune is seamlessly integrated with other Microsoft products, offering a cohesive experience for organizations already using Microsoft services like Azure, Office 365, and Windows. AirWatch provides a broader range of cross-platform support, making it a versatile option for organizations with a diverse range of devices and operating systems.
In terms of deployment and management, Intune provides a user-friendly interface with straightforward deployment options, tailored for organizations with a strong emphasis on Microsoft environments. AirWatch offers a comprehensive set of tools and features, suitable for complex deployment scenarios and diverse enterprise environments.
Security features in Microsoft Intune include conditional access policies, compliance management, and data protection capabilities. AirWatch, on the other hand, offers extensive security features such as device encryption, containerization, and comprehensive compliance settings across various device types.
Microsoft Intune is often preferred by smaller to medium-sized businesses or those invested in Microsoft’s ecosystem. AirWatch is chosen by larger enterprises or those requiring extensive device management capabilities across multiple platforms and operating systems.
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Comparison Chart
Scope of Services
MDM and MAM
MDM, MAM, and content management
Integration
Strong with Microsoft products
Broad cross-platform support
Deployment
User-friendly, suitable for Microsoft-heavy environments
Versatile for diverse and complex environments
Security Features
Conditional access, compliance management
Device encryption, containerization, compliance settings
Target Market
Smaller to medium businesses, Microsoft-centric organizations
Large enterprises, diverse device ecosystem
Compare with Definitions
Microsoft Intune
Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based MDM and MAM service.
They managed their mobile devices remotely using Microsoft Intune.
AirWatch
It supports a diverse range of devices and operating systems.
AirWatch managed their mixed environment of iOS, Android, and Windows devices.
Microsoft Intune
Intune provides a user-friendly interface for device management.
Admins found the Intune dashboard intuitive for managing company devices.
AirWatch
AirWatch provides extensive security features for enterprise devices.
The secure containerization feature of AirWatch enhanced their data protection.
Microsoft Intune
Microsoft Intune is part of the Microsoft EMS suite.
They chose Intune for its seamless fit within the Microsoft EMS framework.
AirWatch
AirWatch is a comprehensive enterprise mobility management solution.
AirWatch was deployed to handle the company's extensive device management needs.
Microsoft Intune
It offers conditional access and compliance management.
Intune helped enforce their data security policies across mobile devices.
AirWatch
It offers a wide range of features including MDM, MAM, and content management.
Their IT team used AirWatch for both mobile device and application management.
Microsoft Intune
Intune integrates well with Microsoft's Azure and Office 365.
The company utilized Intune's integration with Office 365 for managing their apps.
AirWatch
AirWatch is part of VMware Workspace ONE.
After rebranding to Workspace ONE, AirWatch offered even more integrated solutions.
Common Curiosities
What does AirWatch offer for enterprise mobility?
AirWatch provides a complete suite for device management, application management, and content management.
What is the main function of Microsoft Intune?
It's used for mobile device and application management in cloud environments.
Can Intune manage devices on different operating systems?
Yes, Intune supports various operating systems including iOS, Android, and Windows.
Is AirWatch suitable for large enterprises?
Yes, it's designed for complex and diverse enterprise environments.
How does Intune integrate with other Microsoft services?
Intune integrates seamlessly with services like Azure AD and Office 365.
Does Intune support remote device management?
Yes, remote management of devices is a key feature of Intune.
Is Microsoft Intune easy to deploy and manage?
Yes, it offers a user-friendly interface and straightforward deployment options.
Can AirWatch manage both mobile and desktop devices?
Yes, it manages a wide range of devices including smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
Can Intune enforce device compliance policies?
Yes, Intune can enforce compliance policies across managed devices.
What security features does AirWatch provide?
AirWatch offers device encryption, containerization, and extensive compliance settings.
Who typically uses Microsoft Intune?
It's often used by small to medium-sized businesses and organizations heavily invested in Microsoft’s ecosystem.
Can AirWatch be integrated with third-party applications?
Yes, it offers integration capabilities with a variety of third-party apps.
Is AirWatch compatible with iOS devices?
Yes, it supports iOS devices along with other major operating systems.
What type of businesses can benefit from using AirWatch?
Large businesses with diverse device types and complex mobility requirements.
Is AirWatch now known as VMware Workspace ONE?
Yes, AirWatch was rebranded and is now part of VMware Workspace ONE.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
