Compare Tools
Side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right tool for your organisation.
Microsoft Intune
Microsoft
Microsoft SCCM / MECM
Microsoft
Tagline
Cloud-based MDM and MAM for Windows, iOS, Android, macOS
On-premises endpoint management and software distribution
Category
Endpoint Management
Endpoint Management
Importance
★★★★★
★★★☆☆
UK Pricing
Included in Microsoft 365 Business Premium (~£18.60/user/mo). Standalone from ~£6.00/user/mo.
Included with Microsoft 365 E3/E5 or as standalone System Center licence (~£10/user/mo for full suite).
Target Size
Any size — excellent for 50–500 seat organisations
200+ managed devices, particularly with on-prem infrastructure
Pros
- Native Microsoft ecosystem integration (Entra ID, Defender, Teams)
- No on-premises server infrastructure required
- Windows Autopilot enables zero-touch provisioning
- Strong conditional access policy support
- Continuous feature releases from Microsoft
- Unparalleled control over Windows OS deployment and task sequences
- Works entirely on-premises — no cloud dependency for device management
- Mature platform with decades of enterprise adoption
- Co-management with Intune for gradual cloud migration
- Excellent for managing devices with intermittent internet connectivity
Cons
- Complex conditional access can be difficult to configure correctly
- Limited native Linux device management
- Licensing tiers can be confusing
- Reporting and compliance dashboards feel basic vs. competitors
- macOS support lags behind iOS/Windows
- Requires significant on-premises infrastructure (site servers, SQL, distribution points)
- High administrative overhead compared to Intune
- Cloud-first organisations are migrating away from SCCM
- Not suitable for remote-first workforces without complex CMG setup
- Microsoft is gradually shifting investment toward Intune
Cyber Essentials
Patch ManagementAccess ControlMalware ProtectionSecure Configuration
Patch ManagementSecure ConfigurationMalware Protection
Integrations
Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD)Microsoft Defender for EndpointMicrosoft 365 AppsWindows AutopilotSCCM / MECM (co-management)
Microsoft Intune (co-management)Microsoft Entra ID (hybrid join)Microsoft Defender for EndpointWindows Update for BusinessSQL Server Reporting Services
Why Use It
If your organisation runs Microsoft 365, Intune is the natural choice. It reduces tool sprawl, integrates with Entra ID for conditional access, and works seamlessly with Defender for Endpoint. For UK SMBs standardised on Windows, it is hard to beat.
For organisations with complex Windows imaging requirements, air-gapped networks, or large software deployment needs that Intune cannot easily handle, SCCM remains the gold standard. Co-management with Intune allows gradual migration without losing SCCM capabilities.