So, you’re weighing Microsoft Intune against a more general RMM (Remote Monitoring and Management) tool? It’s a bit like comparing a specialized scalpel to a Swiss Army knife—both can cut, but one is tailored for precision, while the other is designed to handle a variety of tasks. Having worked with both Intune and several RMM solutions, I’ve seen their strengths and where they shine (or don’t). Let’s break down the differences so you can decide which fits your needs better.
Intune vs. RMM: What’s the Difference?
Microsoft Intune is primarily a Mobile Device Management (MDM) and Mobile Application Management (MAM) tool. It’s built to manage mobile devices, laptops, and desktops within the Microsoft ecosystem, enforcing security policies, application management, and device compliance.
On the other hand, RMM tools like ConnectWise Automate, Datto RMM, or NinjaRMM offer a more comprehensive solution for managing a wide range of IT assets. They provide remote monitoring, management, patching, automation, and more across servers, desktops, laptops, and sometimes even network devices.
Simply put:
- Intune focuses on endpoint security, compliance, and management within Microsoft environments.
- RMM tools offer broader management capabilities across diverse environments, providing more automation, remote access, and control features.
Key Differences Between Intune and RMM
| Feature | Microsoft Intune | RMM (Remote Monitoring and Management) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use Case | Mobile Device Management (MDM) and Mobile Application Management (MAM); focuses on device compliance, security, and app control. | Remote management, monitoring, and automation of IT assets including servers, desktops, and network devices. |
| Device Management Focus | Strong with Windows, iOS, Android, and macOS devices, primarily in Microsoft-centric environments. | Manages a broader range of devices—Windows, Linux, macOS, servers, and sometimes mobile devices. |
| Remote Control | Limited remote control mainly for remote assistance, not deep remote management. | Advanced remote control and management features, including full desktop/server access and scripting. |
| Patch Management | Focused on OS updates and Microsoft app management; lacks third-party patching flexibility. | Comprehensive patch management for OS and third-party applications across different environments. |
| Automation and Scripting | Limited automation; some scripting capabilities with Azure Automation and Endpoint Manager. | Extensive scripting (PowerShell, Bash, etc.) and automation for recurring tasks and complex workflows. |
| Security Management | Advanced endpoint security controls, including Conditional Access, compliance policies, and integration with Azure AD. | Strong endpoint security with antivirus, EDR, and patch management, but not as deep in compliance as Intune. |
| Compliance and Policies | Excellent policy management and compliance features, especially in regulated environments. | Offers basic compliance features; more focused on monitoring and maintaining IT infrastructure health. |
| Integration | Deep integration with Microsoft 365, Azure AD, and other Microsoft services. | Integrates well with PSA tools, backup solutions, third-party security tools, and other IT management systems. |
| Reporting and Analytics | Focused on compliance, device health, and user activity within the Microsoft ecosystem. | Detailed reporting on device performance, network health, security status, and more. |
| Pricing | Subscription-based per user/device, integrated within Microsoft 365 licenses. | Varies by vendor, generally per device or user, with tiered pricing based on features. |
| Best For | Organizations heavily invested in Microsoft 365 and looking for unified endpoint management and security. | MSPs, IT departments managing diverse IT environments, requiring comprehensive IT management. |
In-Depth Comparison of Features
1. Device Management Focus
- Microsoft Intune: Primarily designed to manage mobile devices (iOS, Android) and desktops/laptops (Windows and macOS). It works best in environments that are already heavily using Microsoft products like Windows, Azure AD, and Microsoft 365. The tool excels in ensuring device compliance, managing apps, and setting device-specific policies.
- RMM Tools: These are designed to manage a broader range of IT assets, from desktops and servers to network devices. Whether it’s a Windows server, a Linux desktop, or a macOS laptop, RMM tools can handle it. They offer more versatility if you need to manage a mixed environment.
2. Remote Control and Troubleshooting
- Microsoft Intune: Provides remote assistance features but is more limited in remote control compared to full-fledged RMM tools. You can use tools like Quick Assist for user support, but for deep remote management and troubleshooting, it falls short.
- RMM Tools: This is where RMM tools shine. They offer advanced remote access features, allowing you to take full control of desktops, servers, or even headless devices for troubleshooting. Tools like ConnectWise Control, integrated directly into many RMM platforms, offer robust remote desktop capabilities.
3. Patch Management and Software Deployment
- Microsoft Intune: Manages OS updates primarily for Windows, iOS, macOS, and Android, along with application management for Microsoft apps. While it integrates well with Windows Update for Business and Windows Autopilot, it lacks third-party patch management capabilities.
- RMM Tools: Offer comprehensive patch management, not only for operating systems but also for third-party applications like Adobe, Java, and others. This makes RMM tools more versatile for keeping systems secure and up-to-date in environments with diverse software needs.
4. Automation and Scripting
- Microsoft Intune: Supports some automation capabilities through Microsoft Endpoint Manager and Azure Automation. However, it is more limited in creating complex automation workflows compared to RMM tools.
- RMM Tools: Are built for automation. With scripting capabilities like PowerShell, Bash, and Python, you can automate almost any task. From deploying software to creating custom alerts or running maintenance tasks, the level of control is far deeper.
5. Security and Compliance
- Microsoft Intune: Strong in security and compliance, especially with Microsoft 365 and Azure integrations. Features like Conditional Access, integration with Defender for Endpoint, and Compliance Policies provide a powerful way to enforce security. It’s particularly effective for organizations needing to comply with regulatory standards like GDPR or HIPAA.
- RMM Tools: Provide robust security features like antivirus, EDR, and patch management, but they don’t specialize in compliance. They focus more on maintaining endpoint security and providing remediation, rather than enforcing deep policy compliance across an organization.
6. Integration Capabilities
- Microsoft Intune: Integrates deeply within the Microsoft ecosystem. It works seamlessly with Azure AD, Microsoft 365, and other Microsoft cloud services, making it an excellent choice if you’re already invested in Microsoft technologies.
- RMM Tools: Are more versatile in terms of integration with third-party tools. They integrate well with a variety of PSA (Professional Services Automation) tools, backup solutions, third-party security tools, and other IT management software.
Pros and Cons
Microsoft Intune Pros:
- Strong device management and security for Microsoft-centric environments.
- Excellent for enforcing compliance and security policies.
- Seamless integration with Microsoft 365, Azure AD, and other Microsoft services.
- Ideal for mobile device management (MDM) and mobile application management (MAM).
Microsoft Intune Cons:
- Limited third-party patch management and software deployment capabilities.
- Less flexibility in deep remote control and management compared to RMM tools.
- Not as versatile in managing non-Microsoft environments or a broad range of IT assets.
RMM Pros:
- Comprehensive remote management and control of diverse IT environments.
- Advanced automation and scripting capabilities for a wide range of tasks.
- Excellent third-party patch management and software deployment.
- Strong integration with a variety of IT management, security, and backup tools.
RMM Cons:
- Less focused on device compliance and specific security policies like Intune.
- May require more configuration and setup to get the most out of advanced features.
- Costs can vary widely depending on the vendor and features used.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Microsoft Intune if:
- Your organization is heavily invested in the Microsoft ecosystem (Microsoft 365, Azure, Windows).
- You need strong mobile device management (MDM) and compliance enforcement for a mobile workforce.
- Security, policy compliance, and integration with Microsoft services are your top priorities.
Choose RMM Tools if:
- You are managing a diverse IT environment with various operating systems, devices, and third-party applications.
- You need comprehensive remote monitoring, management, and automation capabilities across your entire IT infrastructure.
- You require strong remote control, patch management, and integration with a variety of IT management tools.
In many cases, organizations might benefit from using both tools—leveraging Intune for its MDM and compliance capabilities and an RMM solution for broader IT management, automation, and remote support.