BlackBerry BES12 vs Microsoft Intune: What are the differences?

Introduction

BlackBerry BES12 and Microsoft Intune are both enterprise mobility management (EMM) solutions that provide secure and efficient management of mobile devices within organizations. However, there are key differences between the two platforms that set them apart in terms of their features and capabilities.

1. Security Features: BlackBerry BES12 offers advanced security features such as end-to-end encrypted messaging, containerization of work data, and integration with BlackBerry's secure infrastructure. Microsoft Intune, on the other hand, provides a range of security features including device encryption, data loss prevention, and secure authentication. While both platforms prioritize security, BlackBerry BES12 is often considered to have a more robust and extensive security framework.

2. Platform Support: BlackBerry BES12 primarily focuses on supporting BlackBerry devices and provides comprehensive management capabilities for these devices. Microsoft Intune, on the other hand, is built to support a wide range of devices, including Android, iOS, and Windows devices. It offers cross-platform compatibility and allows organizations to manage and secure devices from different manufacturers and operating systems.

3. Integration with Productivity Suites: BlackBerry BES12 integrates seamlessly with BlackBerry's productivity suite, which includes applications like BlackBerry Work, BlackBerry Access, and BlackBerry Notes. This tight integration enhances the overall user experience and productivity. Microsoft Intune integrates with Microsoft's suite of productivity tools, such as Office 365, SharePoint, and OneDrive. This integration allows organizations to leverage their existing Microsoft infrastructure and provides a familiar user experience for employees.

4. Application Management: BlackBerry BES12 offers advanced application management features, including the ability to distribute and manage both native and third-party applications within a secure container. It also provides application wrapping capabilities to enhance security. Microsoft Intune allows organizations to distribute and manage applications through an enterprise app store. It offers application protection policies and supports both native and web-based applications.

5. Device Control: BlackBerry BES12 provides granular control over device settings and policies, allowing administrators to enforce policies related to device passwords, camera usage, and Wi-Fi connectivity. It also offers remote wiping and locking of devices in the event of loss or theft. Microsoft Intune provides similar device control capabilities, including the ability to enforce password policies, remotely wipe devices, and restrict certain device functionalities.

6. Network Connectivity: BlackBerry BES12 offers advanced network connectivity options, including support for VPN and enterprise Wi-Fi networks. It also provides secure connectivity through BlackBerry's global network infrastructure. Microsoft Intune supports VPN connectivity and can integrate with existing enterprise Wi-Fi networks for seamless connectivity.

In summary, BlackBerry BES12 focuses on providing advanced security features, extensive platform support, and tight integration with BlackBerry's productivity suite. On the other hand, Microsoft Intune offers cross-platform compatibility, integration with Microsoft's productivity tools, and a wide range of device management capabilities.