Every business needs to focus on device management demands, given the fluid nature of operations today. Microsoft offers both Intune (now known as Microsoft Endpoint Manager) and System Centre Configuration Manager (SCCM), which provide comprehensive capabilities to streamline your IT operations. While both tools serve security purposes, they differ in their architecture, management approach, and ideal use cases. Understanding Intune Vs SCCM can help stakeholders select the right tool for their organisation’s needs.
What is Microsoft Intune?
Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based endpoint management service that helps organisations securely manage mobile devices, desktops, and applications in any location. It’s a key component of the Microsoft Endpoint Manager suite integrated with Microsoft Entra (identity management) and Defender (security), thereby enabling a robust, unified approach to IT management in hybrid workplaces.
Intune addresses the challenges faced by businesses that require accommodating a hybrid/remote work culture by consolidating device and app management into a single, cloud-based platform. Businesses no longer need multiple disconnected tools and manual interventions, reducing risk and operational complexity. Organisations gain centralised control and visibility, which is critical for enforcing security policies, adhering to compliance mandates, and enabling seamless user productivity.
What is SCCM?
SCCM is a Windows application that stands for System Centre Configuration Manager, used for system management, configuration, software distribution, and ensuring compliance with IT policies. It automates tasks such as deploying operating systems, monitoring application health, and ensuring compliance with security policies. SCCM integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft applications, such as Active Directory and Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), providing a unified platform to manage multiple devices, including Windows PCs, servers, and mobile devices.
A Gist: Understanding Intune and SCCM:
Intune is a cloud-based service designed primarily to manage mobile devices, ensuring security and compliance. It is part of Microsoft’s Enterprise Mobility + Security suite and is ideal for businesses that want to adopt modern, cloud-centric IT strategies.
SCCM, or ConfigMgr is a comprehensive on-premises solution that manages a wide range of devices, from servers to desktops. SCCM, however, has been a trusted tool for It teams for many years and is deeply ingrained in many organisations’ IT ecosystems.
While both Intune and SCCM offer a range of security features, they differ in their approach to IT security services. Intune leverages the power of the cloud to provide real-time threat protection and compliance management. It integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Defender Antivirus and Microsoft Defender SmartScreen to offer advanced security features. This, therefore, allows rapid response to emerging threats and ensures that devices are always up to date with the latest security patches.
SCCM is an on-premises solution that provides robust control over security policies, allowing for granular configuration and management of security settings. Now this is ideal for organisations with strict compliance requirements. SCCM’s long-standing history in the world of security solutions means it has a vast community and a wealth of third-party integrations.
| Category | Windows Intune (Now Microsoft Intune) | SCCM (System Center Configuration Manager) |
| Deployment | 100% cloud-based, hosted on Azure. Perfect for remote teams and companies with minimal on-premises IT infrastructure. | Primarily an on-premises product that requires physical servers, storage, and network capacity. Cloud add-ons exist, but the core setup relies on local infrastructure. |
| Device | Strong in mobile device management (MDM) and mobile app management (MAM). Supports Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Helpful with bring-your-own-device (BYOD) environments. | Focused on Windows-based desktops and servers. Excellent for patch deployment, asset tracking, and configuration in traditional enterprise IT environments. Limited support for non-Windows devices. |
| Application | Designed for modern app delivery. Allows admins to deploy, secure, and monitor apps on any device, corporate or personal. | Excels in desktop application packaging and deployment. Strong for legacy and line-of-business apps but requires more server resources and network bandwidth. |
| Security & Compliance | Enforces device and app-level policies. Integrates natively with Microsoft Defender and Azure AD to provide MFA, conditional access, and endpoint security in the cloud. | Focused on patching, vulnerability checks, and compliance auditing for Windows endpoints. Strong for regulated industries with on-premises systems. |
| Integration with Active Directory | Seamlessly tied into Azure Active Directory, enabling SSO, MFA, conditional access, and identity protection for cloud apps. | Designed to integrate with on-premises Active Directory. Can link with Azure AD, but functionality is not as deep or automatic. |
| Scalability & Maintenance | Scales instantly, Microsoft pushes updates and new features automatically, reducing admin work. | Can scale to very large environments, with hardware, storage, and database planning demands. Admins must manually manage patches, upgrades, and monitoring. |
| Cost & Licensing | Subscription-based. Included in many Microsoft 365 and Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS) plans. Predictable and OPEX-friendly. | Requires upfront licensing and ongoing maintenance. Licensing often comes through Microsoft Endpoint Manager Configuration Manager with Software Assurance. Costs vary, but expect additional expenses for infrastructure, SQL licensing, and IT staff overhead, in addition to software fees. |
| Suitability | Ideal for SMBs, start-ups, and cloud-first organisations that value agility, device diversity, and minimal infrastructure. | Large enterprises with heavy Windows usage, strict on-premises requirements, or existing investments in SCCM infrastructure. |
Choosing the Right Solution: Kloudify Can Help
It does not end with Intune vs. SCCM, the decision depends on more specific needs, infrastructure, and long-term goals. While Intune excels in mobile device management, scalability, and cloud integration, SCCM leads in on-premises endpoint management and software deployment. Leveraging both tools can also fetch desired results, considering the hybrid approach adopted by most businesses.
Kloudify secures your business with Microsoft’s industry-leading security solutions. Beginning with identity and access management using Azure AD, to device protection through Intune and Defender, we actively help safeguard user data and applications across both cloud and on-premises environments. Whether it’s advanced threat protection, compliance controls, or ongoing monitoring, Kloudify can be a game-changer in the world of security solutions for your business. Talk to us for more!
