Microsoft Intune is the official successor to System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM). Though SCCM still lives as Configuration Manager (ConfigMgr) and is fully supported, Microsoft’s long-term direction is toward Intune and cloud-native endpoint management. As it says in a post on the Configuration Manager blog page:
Microsoft Intune is the future of device management, and all new innovations will occur there.
However, Intune does not provide the same management capabilities as Configuration Manager, so it’s not a feature-for-feature replacement. The path forward depends on how an organization wants to manage its endpoints. The main options are:
- Move fully to Intune
- Run co-management with Configuration Manager and Intune side by side
- Replace both with a third-party unified endpoint management (UEM) platform
Which one suits your organization depends on your current Microsoft 365 license, how mixed your operating system fleet is, and how much on-prem infrastructure you’re willing to keep.
Key Takeaways
- Intune is not included in Microsoft 365 Business Basic or Business Standard. You need Microsoft 365 Business Premium, F3, F1, E3, or E5 to get it. For some organizations, the additional licensing cost can be a barrier to adopting Intune.
- SQL Server Standard licensing can cost $7,800 or more, but Configuration Manager includes a free SQL Server Standard runtime license for its dedicated site database. Separate licensing is required when the SQL instance also hosts unrelated third-party databases. Additionally, you need Windows Server, IIS, and admin time for running Configuration Manager.
- Co-management lets you move seven workloads from Configuration Manager to Intune one at a time. But when Configuration Manager detects a third-party MDM managing the same device, it automatically deactivates certain Configuration Manager workloads to avoid management conflicts.
- Third-party application patching is Intune’s weak spot and may need extra tooling. Generally, third-party patching tools cost around $2 to $5 per device per month.
How Do Configuration Manager and Intune Compare?
Cloud services such as Microsoft Intune are gaining popularity as organizations manage diverse device environments. However, Configuration Manager still holds ground for managing Windows endpoints.
Many environments deploy both Configuration Manager and Intune, particularly when they need to manage non-Windows devices. This approach can gradually push endpoint management toward Microsoft’s cloud-based ecosystem.
The following table shows a feature-by-feature comparison, so you can see where Configuration Manager wins, where Intune wins, and where both fall short.
| Capability | Configuration Manager | Intune | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS coverage | Windows only | Windows, macOS, iOS/iPadOS, Android, Linux | ConfigMgr relies on Intune for managing mobile and non-Windows devices. |
| Deployment model | On-prem servers (Windows Server, SQL, IIS, SSRS) | Cloud-native, no infrastructure required | Your IT team is responsible for patching and maintaining the ConfigMgr infrastructure. |
| OS imaging and task sequences | Full support, bare-metal OS imaging and complex Task Sequences | No true equivalent, but uses Windows Autopilot for provisioned setups | This is ConfigMgr’s strongest advantage over Intune. |
| Application deployment | Native, granular targeting using Distribution Points | Native (Win32 apps + Enterprise App Catalog), but less granular targeting | Both handle first-party app deployment well. |
| Third-party app patching | Limited support for third-party catalogs via WSUS | Limited support with Enterprise App Management | Both need catalogs/add-ons or third-party tools. |
| Windows Update management | Via Software Update Point and WSUS | Native, through Windows Update for Business rings and Windows Autopatch | Intune doesn’t require local update storage and branch caching servers. |
| Conditional Access / Zero Trust | Not supported natively | Native, through Microsoft Entra ID | Intune evaluates device compliance before granting access to M365 resources. |
| Reporting granularity | Deep SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) and CMPivot | Less granular, improving with Advanced Analytics add-on | ConfigMgr provides direct SQL database querying capability. |
| Remote control | Native, built in | Included with Microsoft 365 E3 and E5, may require Microsoft Remote Help add-on for other licensing paths | Neither is a full remote-support replacement |
| Bandwidth Management | Distribution Points, BITS control, and LEDBAT | Delivery Optimization (P2P) and Microsoft Connected Cache | ConfigMgr uses distribution-point infrastructure; Intune uses cloud-managed peer caching. |
| Directory dependency | Requires on-prem Active Directory for site infrastructure, but clients can also be workgroup or Microsoft Entra-joined devices | Requires Microsoft Entra ID for cloud-based device management | Hybrid identity setup bridges both platforms. |
| Licensing | Included with ConfigMgr client management licenses | Bundled into Microsoft 365 SKUs or standalone at $8/user/month | Plans such as Intune USL, EMS E3/E5, M365 E3/E5, and M365 F3 include dual-use rights for both tools. |
What is Microsoft Configuration Manager?
Configuration Manager, still known by its earlier name SCCM, is Microsoft’s on-premises system management platform for Windows devices. Organizations pair it with Active Directory to manage fleets of on-prem Windows endpoints, handling tasks like:
- OS imaging
- Software deployment
- Patch management
- Device configuration
- Hardware and software inventory
- Compliance enforcement
Renaming SCCM to Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager and again to Microsoft Configuration Manager didn’t change the architecture. It’s still a server-based tool built for organizations that run their infrastructure on-premises. You will encounter all three names in Microsoft documentation and related content, and they refer to the same product lineage.
Configuration Manager Benefits
Configuration Manager’s core strength lies in its strong control over on-premises Windows environments. It handles full OS deployment and imaging with task sequences that can install drivers, join devices to domains, and run custom scripts step by step.
Configuration Manager also provides detailed on-premises reporting through SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS). Distribution points help organizations control how content is delivered across their network, which can be useful for branch offices with limited bandwidth.
On the security side, Configuration Manager works with both Windows Defender Antivirus and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint to protect managed devices.
Configuration Manager is well suited to traditional Windows and on-premises environments, while cloud attach and co-management with Intune support organizations moving toward cloud-based management.
Configuration Manager Disadvantages
Implementing, configuring and maintaining Configuration Manager requires expertise. Microsoft’s own documentation puts it plainly:
To be successful with Configuration Manager in a production environment, thoroughly plan and test the management features.
Prerequisites for running Configuration Manager include supported Windows Server for site system roles and SQL Server for the site database. SSRS is required when you use Configuration Manager reporting, while IIS is required for specific site system roles. This infrastructure has to be licensed, hosted, patched, and backed up.
Then, Configuration Manager lacks native Zero Trust features, like conditional access based on device compliance. To address this gap, IT teams resort to point solutions, leading to tool sprawl.
Furthermore, to unlock some modern features, Configuration Manager has to be integrated with Microsoft cloud services, which is where the transition pressure starts.
What is Microsoft Intune?
Intune is Microsoft’s cloud-based mobile device management (MDM) and mobile application management (MAM) platform. It covers Windows, macOS, iOS/iPadOS, Android, Linux, and Chrome OS devices from a cloud console. It’s bundled with Microsoft Entra ID, which provides identity and Conditional Access. It also enables you to assign policies and roles to users rather than only to machines. Admins usually adopt Intune for compliance-gated access: Intune can check a device’s health and configuration before letting it access Microsoft 365 services like Exchange Online and SharePoint.
Intune Plan 1 is included in many Microsoft 365 / EMS bundles, including:
- Enterprise: Microsoft 365 E3 / E5 / E7
- Business: Microsoft 365 Business Premium
- Frontline Workers: Microsoft 365 F1 / F3
- Enterprise Mobility + Security: EMS E3 / E5
- Education: Microsoft 365 A1 / A3 / A5
- Government: Microsoft 365 G3
Microsoft Intune Plan 1 is also available as a standalone subscription at $8 per user per month.
Standalone Add-ons
These advanced Intune solutions are available as standalone add-ons or as part of an Intune Suite:
- Microsoft Intune Remote Help
- Microsoft Intune Endpoint Privilege Management
- Microsoft Intune Advanced Analytics
- Microsoft Intune Enterprise Application Management
- Microsoft Cloud PKI
- Microsoft Intune Plan 2
Intune Benefits
Intune provides centralized endpoint management and application management from a cloud console, so your team doesn’t have to patch servers and maintain databases.
Intune works with several Microsoft services, including:
- Windows Autopilot for zero-touch device provisioning
- Microsoft Defender for Endpoint for endpoint security and device-risk signals
- Microsoft Purview for data protection, sensitivity labels, and endpoint DLP
- Windows Autopatch for automated update management
- Microsoft Entra ID for identity, authentication, and Conditional Access
Some of these capabilities depend on Microsoft Entra ID. For example, Conditional Access can require a device to be compliant and managed before allowing access to company resources.
Windows Update for Business rings give you staged rollout control over Windows updates without having to maintain a Software Update Point (SUP).
Intune also provides remote device actions, such as remotely wiping, restarting, and retiring managed devices.
Intune Disadvantages
Intune has its limitations.
- It has no full OS imaging or task-sequence equivalent. You need workarounds or a different tool for bare-metal deployment scenarios that Configuration Manager handles natively.
- Third-party application patching is weak. Intune can deploy Win32 apps, but you need another tool to keep Chrome, Adobe Reader, and other common apps patched.
- Reporting is less granular than Configuration Manager’s SQL-backed reporting, particularly for custom queries and detailed device data.
- Intune is not included in Microsoft 365 Business Basic and Business Standard, so organizations must upgrade to a M365 bundle that includes it.
- Microsoft Entra and Intune are part of a broader architecture that can be difficult for smaller teams to deploy without an outside partner.
How Does Co-Management Work with Configuration Manager and Intune?
Co-management lets Configuration Manager and Intune manage the same Windows 10 and later devices at the same time. It allows you to:
- Keep some workloads on Configuration Manager while moving others to Intune. That way, you can run legacy applications that require traditional Microsoft infrastructure.
- Shift specific workloads from Configuration Manager to Intune one at a time instead of cutting over all at once. Several line-of-business applications tied to legacy, on-prem infrastructure can’t be moved on day one.
Here are the workloads that co-management supports:
| Workload | Can move to Intune | Typical migration order | Risk of moving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compliance policies | Yes | 1st | Low: read-only checks, safe to test early |
| Office click-to-run apps | Yes | 2nd | Medium: update channel mismatches cause end-user disruption |
| Client apps | Yes | 3rd | High: complex dependency chains and custom detection rules require thorough testing |
| Windows Update policies | Yes | 4th | Low to medium: watch for ring conflicts with existing patch cadence |
| Device configuration | Yes | 5th | Medium to high: broad policy surface, easy to conflict with GPOs |
| Resource access (Wi-Fi, VPN, certificates) | Yes | 6th | Mandatory: legacy Configuration Manager workload is deprecated; managed via Intune |
| Endpoint protection | Yes | 7th, last | Medium: protection gaps in antivirus/firewall policy become visible quickly |
Organizations may prefer to stay on co-management for several reasons:
- Line-of-business applications depend on legacy Microsoft infrastructure.
- Configuration Manager still gives IT teams a level of granular control and custom scripting power that Intune cannot match for now.
- It allows organizations to integrate local client health metrics into Microsoft Entra Conditional Access policies for Zero Trust security.
Co-management works differently from third-party MDM coexistence. Microsoft’s documentation on Configuration Manager coexistence notes that management gets complex when Configuration Manager coexists with other MDM solutions.
When the Configuration Manager client detects that a third-party MDM service is also managing the device, it automatically deactivates certain workloads in Configuration Manager. This behavior allows the MDM service to take over these functions.
How Do You Keep Apps Up-to-Date and Deploy Windows Updates After SCCM?
This is the question that sends people looking for an SCCM replacement. Let’s split it into two separate problems: Windows patching and third-party application patching, because the tools that solve one may not solve the other.
Windows Patching
Windows Update client policies, formerly known as Windows Update for Business, represent one of Microsoft’s primary cloud-oriented options for managing Windows updates after Configuration Manager. You can configure these policies through Group Policy or an MDM solution such as Microsoft Intune. When update rings in Intune are assigned to dynamic device groups, targeted update policies automatically adjust as group membership changes. The Windows Update service is included with supported versions of Windows, while Intune licensing is required when you want to manage these policies through Intune.
Windows Autopatch automates more of the update process, including deployment groups and rollout schedules. It is available with eligible licenses, including Microsoft 365 Business Premium and qualifying Windows Enterprise E3 or E5 licenses, which are included with Microsoft 365 F3, E3, and E5.
Third-Party Application Patching
Intune can deploy Win32 applications. Moreover, with Enterprise Application Management, it provides access to Microsoft’s Enterprise App Catalog, a hosted repository of pre-packaged Microsoft and third-party applications. Supported catalog apps can also receive automatic updates. However, organizations that need comprehensive third-party application coverage, more extensive patching automation, or RMM capabilities may consider dedicated tools. Action1 is one, followed by others like Patch My PC, NinjaOne, and Automox. These platforms patch a wider range of operating systems and include remote monitoring and management (RMM) features that Intune lacks.
| Tool | What it patches | Requires Intune | Pricing model |
|---|---|---|---|
| PatchMyPC | Third-party apps for Windows (including ARM) and macOS | Yes, or Configuration Manager/WSUS |
Enterprise Plus: $3.50 per device per year with a $3,500 annual minimum Enterprise Premium: $5 per device per year with a $5,000 annual minimum |
| Action1 | OS and third-party apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux | No, standalone SaaS platform with an endpoint agent | Free forever for first 200 endpoints; quote-based beyond that |
| NinjaOne | OS and third-party apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux; also includes RMM features (monitoring, alerting, remote access) | No, standalone SaaS platform with an endpoint agent | $1.50 per month at 10,000 endpoints, to $3.75 at 50 or fewer endpoints; pricing varies by region and products purchased |
PatchMyPC needs Configuration Manager, Intune, or WSUS to deploy packages. Action1 and NinjaOne solve this through their own lightweight agent. They can operate independently, but at the cost of losing native integration with conditional access and Entra ID-based compliance checks.
What are the Third-Party Alternatives to Intune and Configuration Manager?
If you manage a mixed-OS fleet or your M365 licensing doesn’t include Intune, a unified endpoint management platform is worth evaluating. Many of these platforms combine device management with patch management, software deployment, remote monitoring, and endpoint security, while supporting Windows, macOS, and Linux with a near feature parity.
| Platform | Best For |
|---|---|
| Action1 | Organizations that want a cloud-based endpoint management platform without depending on Intune, Configuration Manager, Active Directory, or Entra ID. Action1 provides cross-platform patch management for Windows, macOS, and Linux, along with software deployment, endpoint inventory, remote desktop, scripting, and vulnerability management. |
| JumpCloud | Organizations that want cloud-based directory, cross OS device management, and SSO without relying on Active Directory, Entra ID, or Intune. |
| NinjaOne | IT teams and managed service providers (MSPs) that want cross-platform endpoint management with patching, remote monitoring, remote access, and asset management. |
| ManageEngine Endpoint Central | Organizations that want an on-premises or cloud-hosted endpoint management platform with extensive Windows management, patching, and mobile device support. |
| Automox | IT teams that want cross-platform OS and third-party app patching without the overhead of a full RMM or UEM suite. |
Each platform solves a different part of the problem. Some offer cross-platform device management without separate tools for each OS. Others provide automated patching without an Intune subscription. A few deliver directory and identity services without depending on Entra ID. The right choice depends on which parts of the Microsoft stack you want to replace.
Active Directory Modernization
Moving off Configuration Manager raises a question: what happens to Active Directory? You don’t necessarily have to decommission it. Many cloud directory platforms, including Entra ID and third-party options such as JumpCloud, can sync with on-premises Active Directory. This lets Active Directory continue supporting legacy applications while the cloud directory handles authentication, SSO, and device policies.
Integration models include:
- One-way sync: Identity attributes flow from Active Directory to the cloud directory, with Active Directory as the authoritative source.
- Bidirectional sync: Selected attributes can be updated in both the on-premises and cloud directories, depending on the platform and configuration.
- Federated setup: The directories remain separate, while authentication is delegated between them using standards such as SAML or OIDC. This does not require the directories to synchronize all their identity data.
Identify which applications and workflows still depend on Active Directory and which can move to the cloud. Then pick a sync model that matches those requirements.
What Should You Consider Before Choosing an SCCM Replacement?
Your identity and device management needs, the tools your teams use, and your budget are important factors that determine which of the three paths is the most suitable for your organization.
Evaluate these five factors in the context of your environment to guide your decision.
1. Current and Future Platform Plans
Is your fleet Windows-only, or does it include macOS and Linux, along with personal Android and iOS devices? If you have an all-Microsoft roadmap with no mixed-OS plans, Intune paired with Entra ID might be what you need. A third-party solution that only manages Windows devices and integrates well with the Microsoft stack will also work.
A mixed OS environment weakens the all-Microsoft case. Intune supports Windows, macOS, iOS/iPadOS, Android, Linux, and Chrome OS, but the available management capabilities vary by platform. Consider a third-party platform with a wider feature set for cross-platform device management.
2. Tool Sprawl
Let’s count the tools each path requires.
- Configuration Manager needs Windows Server and SQL Server, while IIS supports specific site system role and SSRS supports reporting, so “one tool” comes with several infrastructure dependencies.
- Co-management can centralize user access and device management across operating systems, but it involves Configuration Manager, Intune, Entra ID, and other services. Which services and features are available depends on your license.
- With Intune, many organizations need add-ons for third-party patching and Entra ID P1 at minimum. This amounts to two to three separate subscriptions.
- A consolidated third-party UEM platform is one tool, one console, and one bill to bring together several endpoint-management functions. Consolidation cuts costs, reduces errors, and saves time.
If your goal is to reduce the number of tools and licenses, put a number on it and then decide.
3. Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace Usage
The productivity suite you use also plays a role in framing your decision. If you’re on Microsoft 365, Entra ID and Intune integrate natively. If you’re on Google Workspace, you may get less value from the Entra ID and Intune bundle because you’re adding another identity layer to your environment.
Google Workspace organizations should consider third-party UEM platforms more seriously. These platforms can work with both Microsoft and Google environments.
4. Non-System Needs
At times, teams evaluate device management and discover the protocol gap when it’s too late to roll back any commitments.
Neither Configuration Manager nor Intune addresses protocol requirements such as LDAP, RADIUS, Samba, and SSH. If your environment depends on these for wireless authentication, network access control, or Linux server management, choose a platform that supports these protocols natively instead of adding separate tools to handle them.
5. Vendor Lock-In
This is the factor with the most potential to compound your costs, and Microsoft’s licensing model illustrates the point.
Microsoft has made major licensing changes for Entra ID. Now privileged access management and other identity governance capabilities require higher-tier or additional licensing. Organizations using Entra ID may also adopt Entra Connect, Entra Domain Services, and other Microsoft services as they build their identity and Zero Trust strategy. Each service can add another component to deploy, configure, and manage, and some may require additional licensing or subscriptions.
Microsoft does integrate with other technologies, but not always easily. This can be a problem when another vendor offers a capability you want but integration complexity stands in the way.
This doesn’t mean that the Microsoft stack is a bad choice but be aware of the add-on costs and integration issues.
Should You Use SCCM Application Supersedence or Direct Source Replacement?
There is another meaning of “SCCM replacement.” It can also refer to replacing an application package with a newer version inside Configuration Manager, which is different from replacing the SCCM platform itself.
So, what is the right way to update an application package in Configuration Manager?
It’s strongly discouraged to replace the old installer files with new ones in the source location, then run Update Content. It works technically, but it leaves you without version history, breaks detection rules, and undermines dependency tracking.
Use application supersedence instead. Supersedence lets you define how a newer application replaces an older one. It preserves the relationship between application versions, handles dependencies, supports upgrade workflows, and lets you choose between an in-place upgrade or an uninstall-then-install sequence.
The Verdict: Which Path Fits Which Organization
The verdict is subjective to your specific environment. Run your situation against these three profiles:
| Scenario | Suggested Path |
|---|---|
| Windows-only and on-prem, with in-house Configuration Manager skills already on staff, and line-of-business applications dependent on legacy Microsoft infrastructure | Stay on Configuration Manager, or move to co-management if you want conditional access or plan to shift workloads to the cloud gradually. You already have the expertise to manage Configuration Manager, SQL server, SSRS, and IIS, plus the infrastructure cost is already paid for. |
| Cloud-forward and already licensed for M365 Business Premium, F1, F3, E3, or E5 | Move to Intune. It’s already included in your license, and you avoid the SQL Server and IIS maintenance burden in exchange for less management granularity. Evaluate a third-party patching tool only if Intune’s application coverage or patching automation doesn’t meet your needs. |
| Mixed-OS fleet, or licensed on M365 Business Basic / Business Standard with no upgrade plans, or dependent on legacy protocols (LDAP, RADIUS, Samba, SSH) | Consider a third-party UEM platform. They are generally priced per device. You also get consistent management across Windows, macOS, and Linux. |
Here is a baseline cost model for a 250-endpoint environment evaluating on-premises infrastructure, Microsoft licensing, and third-party SaaS alternatives:
| Management Option | Infrastructure / Subscription Cost* |
|---|---|
| Option 1: Configuration Manager (On-Premises) |
Starting software cost: $2,630+ upfront Also factor in server/VM hosting, storage, backups, access licenses (CALs), and admin maintenance time. |
| Option 2: Microsoft Intune (Cloud-Native) |
Note: Calculated at 250 users; M365 per-user licensing covers up to 5 primary devices per user, so per-endpoint cost drops if users own multiple devices. Also factor in optional third-party application patching add-on. |
| Option 3: Third-Party UEM (SaaS Platform) |
Example price: $5 per device/month 250 devices × $5 = $1,250/month Annual cost: $15,000 |
*Pricing is illustrative and based on US list prices as of Sep 2026. Actual costs vary by licensing agreement, volume discounts, reseller pricing, and product selection. Configuration Manager costs are not directly comparable to per-device SaaS pricing because server licensing and infrastructure costs are upfront and environment-dependent.
FAQs
Is Microsoft Planning to Discontinue SCCM?
No. Microsoft continues to support and update Configuration Manager (formerly MECM/SCCM). It remains a core component of Microsoft Intune family products, specifically tailored for on-premises and hybrid endpoint management via co-management workflows.
What is the Best SCCM Alternative for Patch and Endpoint Management?
Microsoft Intune is the native cloud successor for Windows environments. However, third-party alternatives like Action1, NinjaOne, ManageEngine Endpoint Central, Automox, and Ivanti Neurons are top competitors. They offer lightweight agent-based patching, cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux), and lower infrastructure overhead.
Can You Use a Third-Party Endpoint Management Platform Alongside Intune?
Yes. Organizations can pair Intune with third-party tools (like Action1, NinjaOne, or CrowdStrike). Intune handles identity-driven compliance, Conditional Access, and primary MDM policies, while third-party tools handle complex third-party software patching, custom scripting, and specialized cross-platform workloads.
Do You Still Need an RMM Tool if You Use Intune?
It depends on your operational model:
- In-House Enterprise IT: Probably no. When Intune is paired with Windows Autopatch and cloud remote actions, it covers standard corporate device lifecycles.
- MSPs & Complex Environments: Yes. Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) platforms offer real-time unattended remote control, SNMP/network monitoring, dynamic script execution, and multi-tenant management that Intune does not natively support.
What is the Difference Between an RMM, UEM, and Endpoint Management Platform?
- RMM (Remote Monitoring & Management): Agent-focused tools designed for MSPs and IT teams. They emphasize continuous health and performance monitoring, real-time alerting, remote support/access, script execution, automation of routine tasks, and often patch management across networks and devices.
- UEM (Unified Endpoint Management): Policy and identity-driven solutions (such as Intune) that manage traditional endpoints (PC/Mac) and mobile devices (iOS/Android) from a single console. They focus on configuration profiles, compliance policies, app management, security controls, and device lifecycle management across platforms.
- Endpoint Management Platform: A broader umbrella term that encompasses any tool (RMM, UEM, or specialized patch manager) used to deploy software, maintain inventory, apply patches, enforce security, and manage the overall lifecycle of endpoint devices.
Are SCCM and Intune Best for Windows-Centric Environments?
Yes. While Microsoft has expanded Intune’s capabilities for macOS, iOS/iPadOS, Android, Linux, and Chrome OS, both Configuration Manager and Intune are natively optimized for Windows. They offer deep integration with Active Directory, Microsoft Entra ID, Windows Update client policies, and enterprise Microsoft 365 security ecosystems.
How Does Action1 Address SCCM’s Biggest Endpoint Management Limitations?
Action1 is a cloud-native Autonomous Endpoint Management (AEM) platform that eliminates the infrastructure overhead, complex maintenance, and network dependencies associated with traditional management tools like Configuration Manager. It provides patch automation, vulnerability management, and real-time remote endpoint control from a web console.
Action1 solves Configuration Manager’s endpoint management limitations with:
- Cloud-native endpoint management with no infrastructure investments
- Autonomous patching for Windows, macOS, Linux and 310+ third-party apps
- Staged patch rollouts through Update Rings (autonomy)
- Built-in vulnerability discovery and remediation
- No VPN for managing remote endpoints
- Automatic catch-up window for offline devices
- Private and secure software repository
- P2P patch and software distribution
- Prepackaged and custom software deployment
- Simpler and stronger real-time reporting
- Real-time inventory and visibility
On top of that, you also get:
- Scripting and automation: Run PowerShell and CMD scripts remotely across thousands of endpoints simultaneously.
- RBAC and MFA: Secure console access with RBAC and MFA.
- SSO: Integration with enterprise identity providers (such as Entra ID, Okta, and Google Workspace).
- Multi-tenancy: Centrally manage isolated OUs or client accounts.
- REST API: Easily integrate endpoint data and actions into existing IT workflows, ticketing systems, and SIEM platforms.
- 100+ built-in customizable report templates for operational efficiency and compliance audits.
- Free for up to 200 endpoints, fully featured, forever.
Note: Action1 is focused on endpoint security, patching, and software management. It does not replace Configuration Manager’s bare-metal operating system deployment (OSD) task sequences, nor does it replace mobile device management (MDM), mobile application management (MAM), or Conditional Access policies provided by Microsoft Intune and Microsoft Entra ID.





