Which Mobile Device Management Platform is Best for Your Business?
We have encountered more companies considering Microsoft’s Intune software for management of the rugged enterprise device fleet. The long-time market leader in this space is SOTI’s MobiControl product. Given CSSI’s expertise in device management and MDM best practices, we created an overview to help educate you on how to compare SOTI MobiControl versus Microsoft Intune.
What is Microsoft Intune?
Intune MDM is Microsoft’s endpoint management software product. Intune helps IT administrators manage user access, and it simplifies application and device management across devices. Intune is a popular choice for managing corporate computers and phones and is often being evaluated to take on management of rugged devices in the business operating environment.
What is SOTI MobiControl?
MobiControl is an enterprise mobility management platform from SOTI. MobiControl has been the most popular MDM for rugged mobile devices in warehouse, operations, field service, and transportation & logistics environments. Particularly for the rugged Android device market, SOTI is the go-to solution. MobiControl helps IT administrators perform device configuration and endpoint management for a variety of devices (different models and brands) throughout the lifecycle. MobiControl supports managing apps and content, tracking assets, and keeping devices safe, supported and secure with access control.
Initial Cautions About Intune MDM
Companies are commonly tempted by Intune’s lower cost versus SOTI MobiControl. However, there are tradeoffs and limitations which IT pros should consider.
- Lower price, but… : It is true that the Intune MDM is initially less expensive than MobiControl, however, it lacks features which may cost your company’s IT team large amounts of time. Feature differences are discussed further below, but consider that much of the value of MobiControl can be found in the significant time savings for your company’s IT staff.
- Limited to Microsoft 365 products : Intune offers limited support for Android devices, iOS, and macOS, and no support for Linux and Windows Mobile/CE. Companies with a variety of specialty devices with these OS’s may find a lack of benefit with Intune. MobiControl will handle this broader variety of OS.
- SOTI’s ONE Platform offers extended capabilities : While some companies use MobiControl as a stand-alone product similar to Intune, many take advantage of the larger platform of SOTI products which can offer extended functionality such as electronic forms, remote device support, printer management, and operational intelligence for deployed devices.
Key Differences Between MobiControl & Intune
At initial glance, Intune and MobiControl share much common functionality, and thus the lower initial price of Intune can be tempting. However, from the perspective of a manager of rugged enterprise mobile devices, consider these critical differences which can have substantial impact on overall value:
| Feature | SOTI MobiControl | Microsoft Intune |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment Flexibility | Deploy MobiControl on-premise or in the Cloud via Azure or AWS. | Intune can only be deployed in the cloud via Azure. |
| Organizational Structure (Groups & Subgroups) | MobiControl enables groups/subgroup setup with a visual interface. Drag-and-drop for devices to inherit profiles without re-enrollment. | Intune allows groups and subgroups, but does not provide a way to define for users aligned to a physical or logical location. Repurposing a device requires re-enrollment. |
| Device Tracking & Location | MobiControl tracks real-time outdoor device location. Set policies to control device data based on location. | Intune uses Find My iPhone for Apple devices. No tracking/location support for non-Apple devices. |
| Geofencing | MobiControl offers polygonal geofencing – design policies for your specific needs. | Intune does not support geofencing. |
| File Sharing Support | MobiControl enables file sharing via File Exchange and Package Deployment. | Intune does not support transferring files to and from devices. |
| Data Collection | Supported – support management of devices used in your business. | Intune does not support data collection. |
| Platforms & Endpoints Support | Supports Android, iOS, macOS, Windows Mobile/CE, and Linux. | Intune does not support Linux, Win Mobile/CE. |
| Speed Control Lockdown | MobiControl can lock down devices when traveling above a defined speed – ideal for forktruck and vehicle usage. | Intune does not offer speed control lockdown. |
| Remote Control | IT Admins can easily remote into a device to provide support and resolve issues. | Intune remote control requires TeamViewer, with an additional license and cost. TeamViewer doesn’t work for Android Enterprise managed devices. |
| Advanced Javascript | MobiControl supports JavaScript, which enables critical device actions. | Intune does not support JavaScript. |
| Bulk Application Deployment | Quickly bulk deploy numerous applications to many devices or device groups. | Intune can only deploy one application at a time to a single device or device group. |
Ready to Discuss MDM, SOTI MobiControl versus Microsoft Intune?
If you are exploring mobile device management solutions or struggling to manage your company’s fleet of mobile devices, we recommend a conversation with one of CSSI’s device management experts. We offer everything from ad hoc MDM consulting to robust device lifecycle management services. We can help with device enrollment, device configuration, and ongoing device management. In an initial conversation, we can explore your needs and make recommendations on the ideal MDM path for your business. Please contact us to discuss mobile device management.