Managing a complex array of devices shouldn’t require a wide variety of management tools. Simplifying your tool set can improve your IT work.
Device landscapes are rarely single platform. Even if they begin that way, the gradual addition of new employees and planned device refresh cycles are introducing new device and OS types, while consumer expectations for choice have driven up the need to support a variety of BYOD and CYOD programs. The net result is a complex multi-platform environment.
IT teams are often encumbered by having to manage each device type with a management solution specific to each device or operating system. Specialized tools originally intended to reduce complexity now instead add another layer to it. Over time, this results in a “Complexity Gap” as the number of controls and devices outpaces the staff needed to manage them all.
Rather than tossing in the towel on managing this complexity, IT teams can lean in and embrace multi-platform management: one simple, consistent way to manage an ever-changing device environment.
Complete an IT Asset Inventory
Whether it’s managed or not, you are accountable for every device connected to your network. An IT asset inventory allows you to report on devices connected to your network, helping you identify unmanaged endpoints. Beyond unmanaged devices, a full audit and report of all endpoints making up your management landscape is essential for compliance, reporting, and optimization of your workflows.
In addition to devices themselves, your detailed IT asset inventory can extend to settings, applications, and even license use to spot over- or under-used licenses.
Rethink Deployment & Imaging
Traditional “monolithic” imaging is moving into the past tense. Zero-touch deployment, using technologies such as Apple DEP, or scripted installations of operating systems, can be easily automated and executed across all supported devices. This allows you to not only future-proof your management with hardware refreshes but also keeps you covered on your legacy devices.
End-to-End Software Management
Aside from devices, the number of applications, updates, and patches seems to multiply every year. To regain control over this complexity, your endpoint management tool can help you assess compatibility before purchasing software updates, repackage applications to include any required customizations, and automatically target patches and updates to the systems that need them. Ideally, your software will allow you to customize your software packages, reducing the need to rely on end-user interactions to install.
It is one thing to be able to deploy patches, it’s quite another to keep those patches and applications where they belong. Malicious or negligent use often results in deleted apps or missed patches. The only way to get around this is with self-healing support to help keep critical applications where they belong.
Configuration and Support
Having to physically touch devices for support is a big drain on IT resources – and often an impossible scenario for distributed organizations. The ideal endpoint management tool will allow for remote control, allowing IT teams to remotely deploy configurations, files, and patches right when they are needed. Remote control helps troubleshoot problems more quickly and supply just-in-time training with screen sharing mode.
Ready to see what FileWave’s multi-platform endpoint management functionality can do for your work? Join us for a live demonstration of our FileWave software, led by an engineer from our team.
Contact us to find out whether FileWave is a fit for your team. Request your 30-day free trial now.
