Citrix XenMobile vs Microsoft Intune: What are the differences?

Introduction:

Citrix XenMobile and Microsoft Intune are two popular mobile device management (MDM) solutions that help organizations manage and secure their mobile devices and applications. While both offer similar functionalities, there are key differences between the two platforms that organizations should consider before making a decision.

1. Architecture: Citrix XenMobile is a comprehensive MDM solution that offers both on-premises and cloud-based deployment options. It provides organizations with greater flexibility in terms of their deployment strategy. On the other hand, Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based solution that leverages the power of Microsoft Azure for device and application management. This cloud-native architecture simplifies deployment and eliminates the need for on-premises infrastructure.

2. Integration with Ecosystem: Citrix XenMobile has strong integration capabilities with Citrix virtual application and desktop delivery solutions, providing a seamless end-user experience across devices. It enables organizations to deliver both mobile and traditional Windows apps to their users. In contrast, Microsoft Intune integrates closely with the Microsoft ecosystem, offering enhanced features and functionalities for managing devices running Windows operating systems and Microsoft applications.

3. Supported Platforms: Citrix XenMobile supports a wide range of platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS. It allows organizations to manage and secure devices and applications across multiple operating systems. On the other hand, Microsoft Intune provides more extensive support for devices running Windows, including Windows 10, Windows 10 Mobile, and Windows Holographic. While it also supports iOS and Android, its feature set is more focused on the Windows platform.

4. Security Features: Citrix XenMobile offers a comprehensive set of security features, including mobile app management, device encryption, secure remote access, and network security controls. It provides granular control over device policies and supports containerization to separate work and personal data. Microsoft Intune also offers similar security features, including data loss prevention, conditional access, and encryption. It integrates with Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) for enhanced threat detection and response capabilities.

5. User Experience: Citrix XenMobile provides a consistent user experience across devices, with secure access to apps, data, and services. It offers a unified app store where users can access both in-house and public apps. Microsoft Intune also provides a user-friendly interface and seamless integration with Microsoft productivity tools, such as Office 365. It enables users to access corporate resources and applications from any device while ensuring data security.

6. Management Capabilities: Citrix XenMobile offers extensive management capabilities, including device enrollment, configuration, and remote troubleshooting. It provides detailed reporting and analytics to track device and application usage. Microsoft Intune similarly offers robust management features, allowing organizations to manage policies, update devices, and deploy applications remotely. It provides insights into device compliance and offers proactive management capabilities through integration with Microsoft Endpoint Manager.

In Summary, Citrix XenMobile offers greater deployment flexibility and integration capabilities with Citrix virtual application and desktop delivery solutions, while Microsoft Intune provides seamless integration with the Microsoft ecosystem and more extensive support for Windows devices. Both platforms offer comprehensive security features, a user-friendly interface, and robust management capabilities for organizations looking to secure and manage their mobile devices and applications.