Understanding SCCM: What is SCCM Used For？

Businesses require tools to manage basic operations quickly on a broader scale, saving time and costs. If you own a startup or a well-established business, you must have heard of Microsoft’s System Center Configuration Manager(SCCM) management suite.

If you are curious about what SCCM is used for and how it can be beneficial to your business, then follow this post.

We have explained its workings and shared which alternative is better suited to manage Android devices on a larger level, which is also cost-effective and easy to use.

1What is SCCM and What is it Used for?

System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) is a comprehensive management tool developed by Microsoft. It lets businesses manage, deploy, and apply device security measures quickly across the whole enterprise. The primary function is to allow administrators to apply endpoint protection, update device applications, and distribute software.

2How Does SCCM Help with Businesses?

IT operations are essential to keep the business running in this modern era. However, the ever-growing demand and the need to deploy security measures across several devices can be a bit overwhelming.

SCCM is a versatile tool that helps organizations manage their IT infrastructure efficiently. It streamlines processes, ensures compliance, and provides robust reporting capabilities.

1Centralized Management

SCCM provides a centralized platform to manage all devices within an organization, including desktops, servers, laptops, and mobile devices. This centralization simplifies administration and ensures consistency across the IT environment.

Malware issues and security lapses are a headache for IT departments and businesses, making it all the more vital that company-owned devices are equipped with the latest security patches. Again, this process can cost time and resources, which can be eliminated using SCCM. This tool allows the deployment of all patches simultaneously.

2Software Deployment

SCCM automates the deployment of software applications, updates, and patches. This ensures that all systems are up-to-date with the latest software, reducing vulnerabilities and improving performance.

For example, CRM platforms are quite essential for a company’s sales team. Instead of manually adding this important tool to each device, SCCM can install it all at once based on a schedule set by the IT department.

3Compliance and Settings Management

SCCM helps enforce compliance policies and configurations across all managed devices. This ensures that devices adhere to corporate policies and regulatory requirements.

4Remote Control

SCCM includes remote control features that allow IT administrators to troubleshoot and resolve issues on client machines without needing physical access, improving response times and reducing downtime.

5Endpoint Protection

SCCM integrates with Microsoft Defender to provide robust endpoint protection. It helps in managing and monitoring security policies, ensuring that all endpoints comply with the organization's security standards.

3Benefits and Limitations of SCCM

SCCM is a powerful tool for managing large and complex IT environments, offering a wide range of features that enhance device management, improve security, and compliance. However, its complexity, cost, and resource requirements may pose challenges for some organizations. Proper planning, training, and resource allocation are essential to fully leverage the benefits of SCCM.

Benefits of SCCM

Centralized Management

With this tool, businesses can manage all company-owned devices, no matter which platform, under a unified platform. This saves time and makes it easier to deploy apps and software and manage their updates.

Enhanced Security

Manually controlling each device is hectic and opens room for security lapses, like malware or hacking attempts. SCCM’s automated patch management and system updates prevent any such inconveniences.

Integration with Other Microsoft Products

It integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft products and services, such as Active Directory, Azure, and Windows Update, enhancing its functionality and ease of use.

Limitations of SCCM

Complexity and Learning Curve

Despite the convenience SCCM brings for businesses, its limitations are quite noticeable as well. We have highlighted some key benefits and disadvantages of this tool.

Cost

The licensing and implementation costs of SCCM can be high, making it less suitable for smaller organizations with limited budgets.

Resource Intensive

SCCM requires substantial server and network resources to operate efficiently, which can be a challenge for organizations with limited infrastructure.

Compatibility Issues with Older Versions

Older versions of SCCM, such as SCCM 2012 and SCCM 2012 R2, are not fully compatible with the latest features of Windows 10. These versions will not support new Windows 10 features in the future. Organizations using these versions will need to upgrade to the latest SCCM versions to maintain full functionality.

SCCM is a powerful tool for managing large and complex IT environments, offering a wide range of features that enhance device management, improve security, and compliance. However, its complexity, cost, and resource requirements may pose challenges for some organizations. Proper planning, training, and resource allocation are essential to fully leverage the benefits of SCCM.

4Try SCCM Alternative - Airdroid Business Solutions

While System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) is a popular choice for many organizations, it may not always meet the specific needs of every business. If you're looking for a robust SCCM alternative, consider AirDroid Business UEM solutions. Unlike SCCM cannot deploy configuration settings to mobile devices, AirDroid Business is a cost-effective solution for businesses that provides an all-in-one mobile device configurations. It designed with a user-friendly interface, making it easier to set up and manage, especially for businesses with limited IT resources.

Conclusion

Now you know what SCCM is used for and how it can benefit your enterprise. While SCCM is a powerful tool, it may not be the best fit for every organization. However, compatibility issues and expensive packages make it less ideal for startups and mid-tier businesses. By choosing the SCCM alternative - AirDroid Business, you can streamline your device management processes, enhance security, and improve overall operational efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of SCCM?

Maverick

The primary role is to automate application/software deployment and updates across all devices(cell phone and desktop).

Is SCCM suitable for small businesses or only large enterprises?

Maverick

SCCM is a vastly expensive platform that is well-suited for large enterprises only. Plus, it doesn’t offer much support for Android-based devices. For small to mid-sized businesses, AirDroid Business is a much more practical solution, offering remote control features to deploy apps, roll out updates, and set up security patches without any downtime.

What is SCCM now called?

Maverick

It is now called Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager. This was done to avoid confusion with the term “SMS.”

How does SCCM integrate with other Microsoft products?

Maverick

Since SCCM is a Microsoft-based platform, it is compatible with all products that are essential to a running business.

For Office 365, SCCM manages Office 365 applications and services, ensuring that all applications are installed up-to-date and compliant with organizational policies, facilitating seamless deployment and updates of Office 365 applications, and ensuring compliance with organizational requirements.

As for Microsoft SQL Server, SCCM uses its backend database to store configuration data, asset information, and reporting data. Moreover, it is integrated with Microsoft Azure to assist with cloud-based services.