The pursuit of ever-increasing control over what equipment is online and connected to a corporate network requires various tradeoffs of privacy, self-determination, and purpose. Even as BYOD and its variants become more prevalent thanks to shrinking IT procurement budgets, users are expected to accept potentially tight controls over how they use their own devices in a corporate environment. And, of course, there are the devices that the organization owns. All of them can be controlled using mobile device management (MDM) software. Installed on individual devices and managed from a central server (sometimes in the cloud), MDM (an umbrella term for several similar related technologies) simplifies device security, monitors location, and deploys updates. Hexnode is a dedicated MDM product that is used by several household names across the globe. In this review, we'll take a look at why you should consider this mobile device and app management solution.
Parental guidance is even included with Hexnode's MDM software (Image credit: Hexnode)
Features
Hexnode MDM helps manage a wide range of usability issues: device, app, security, content, spend, BYOD, and kiosk. Its wide selection of features lets you manage wireless device enrollment and configuration, blacklist and whitelist websites for mobile browsers, and create separate work profiles for BYOD. Windows tablets and hybrids can be securely provisioned and devices can be tracked.
Comprehensive security options protect corporate devices and the data on them (Image credit: Hexnode) Comprehensive security options enforce strong password policies, system and application-level encryption, web filtering, and data loss prevention policies data (DLP). These include restricting data transfer over USB, Bluetooth, and wireless, and funneling data through corporate VPNs. Work profiles can be contained in containers and copy paste disabled. Hexnode includes device tracking and theft prevention technologies, including the ability to selectively and remotely wipe company data. Dynamic clustering enables deployment of policies, configurations, app updates, and other MDM basics, and apps can be remotely installed on supported mobiles. Kiosk mode can also be configured for devices, ensuring that only one or two apps can be accessed. For user assistance, Hexnode includes remote control software.
Hexnode also offers integrations for many popular device and software platforms (Image credit: Hexnode) Beyond MDM, Hexnode also offers three Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) packages, with advanced functionality for managing non-mobile hardware. This also extends to integrations with leading business and productivity suites such as Google Workspace, Active Directory, Office 365, Zendesk, and others.
Installation and configuration
Hexnode offers on-premises and cloud deployment. Hexnode's on-premises MDM server is fully manageable and secure, with data and hardware limited to third-party access. However, if your organization has a limited IT presence, a cloud-based MDM solution is more suitable. Hexnode's cloud-based MDM solution can be accessed over the Internet, without having to troubleshoot the server. On individual devices, contactless enrollment is available, with support for Apple DEP, Android Enterprise ZTE, Samsung Knox, and even custom Android flash ROMs with Hexnode preconfigured. This potentially reduces the pressure of device enrollment for the end user.
Hexnode can be used to manage Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, tvOS, and even Fire OS devices (Image credit: Hexnode)
Compatibility
Hexnode offers extensive compatibility with mobile devices. Android phones and tablets and iPhones can be used with Hexnode MDM, as well as Windows 10 laptops, tablets and hybrids. As such, most (if not all) mobile phones and laptops in your organization will be can manage through Hexnode. Beyond MDM and in the area of Hexnode's UEM offerings (see below), macOS desktops and laptops are supported, as well as streaming media systems tvOS and Fire OS. It is also compatible with rugged devices, IoT hardware, and digital signage software.
Hexnode Pay as you Grow pricing gives you business flexibility as you add employees and new devices (Image credit: Hexnode)
Packages and prices
Hexnode offers pay-as-you-grow pricing and licenses, with additional features and devices available as needed. The Express option offers basic MDM and kiosk functionality for €1.00 per device per month. Pro is just €1.80 per device/month for advanced MDM and a full kiosk, and a huge increase in features from DEP, ZTE and Knox logging to VPN, blacklisting and whitelisting etc. Enterprise costs €2.80 per device/month and moves Hexnode functionality to UEM, adding additional features, such as support for macOS, tvOS, and Windows, more VPN, application management, content management, and more. Office 365 based enrollment. Hexnode's $3.80 Ultimate device/month plan makes this even better with app management for desktop operating systems, iOS home screen layout control, pre-registration. Finally, Ultra costs $5.80 per device/month, has all the features of any other package, plus a focus on desktop system management and security. This is a complete UEM solution. Each Hexnode package also includes the provision of one or more technician licenses. However, before signing up for any of these offers, Hexnode offers a fully functional 30-day free trial. This can give you a chance to fully evaluate the solution before committing to a package.
Final verdict
In a market that includes big names pushing their mobile device management suites as part of a larger package that can also include servers and network hardware, Hexnode is a refreshing alternative. Focusing on the software you will need to manage your organization's mobile devices, Hexnode only needs a working network and a suitable server to operate. Alternatively, there is the option to host Hexnode in the cloud, rather than on-premises. There are several MDM and UEM packages available, each licensed per device. If you're just looking for a way to manage the iPhone and Android devices your coworkers use, Hexnode's MDM option is affordable and efficient. But for a more in-depth device management experience spanning desktops, IoT, ruggedized devices, media streamers, and other endpoints, consider Hexnode's UEM packages.