A Gradual Move to Cloud for Endpoint Management

Endpoint security has always been a challenge for the enterprise. Managing the distribution of content out to a variety of types of devices has only been complicated by the proliferation of mobile devices, which require a different approach to endpoint security, and the increase in both frequency and type of cyberattacks. As with most other technology challenges, the result of these events is the enterprise considering the cloud.

To handle the flood of updates and security fixes, many enterprises have placed more servers across their locations — but those servers require maintenance and management, further driving up costs. Enterprises need a single solution that can distribute software updates and security patches across their organization’s endpoints, whether it’s a laptop, mobile device or a desktop computer. In pursuit of a solution that reduces cost and eases the management of endpoint security, many enterprises are considering what it would take to orchestrate a move to the cloud.

The options are not quite there yet to make this move cost effective, but there are still options for improvement without a full move to the cloud. Enterprises are beginning to embrace a co-management approach, with a workload-based solution that allows different workloads to work simultaneously. The workloads are distributed between traditional on-site lifecycle management systems and a cloud-based device management tool.

The co-management model offers a transition point for enterprises that want to begin moving toward cloud endpoint management. The development and execution of the transition strategy are critical as organizations begin to shift their management approach.

Peer-to-peer content distribution: With security concerns requiring a quick solution for every endpoint on any given day, enterprises can no longer wait days or weeks for patches to reach every device. Even waiting for the opportunity to distribute updates during the night is often impossible. Enterprises that require reliable delivery of content need speed and scale, so peer-to-peer content distribution is an absolute necessity.

Peer-to-peer content distribution allows for content and updates to be delivered to each endpoint, with workloads shifting as necessary. Distribution is completed at-scale and without any negative impact on the end-user device or on the network. It also prepares the enterprise for a move to the cloud in the future, and for co-management options right now.

As enterprises consider a move to co-management, they need to evaluate endpoint distribution solutions with three key requirements in mind:

• Platform agnostic: Solutions should be able to work across any combination of platforms, whether cloud-based or on-premise, distributing across the enterprise in a continuum.

• Cloud-enabled: Content won’t come only from on-site servers in the future.

• Co-management equipped: Any solution should be able to work intelligently with both on-premise and cloud-based content distribution seamlessly, delivering updates and applications simultaneously.

At AMD Technology, we partner with the leading cloud providers to deliver enterprise-grade solutions to our clients. To learn more about simplifying your endpoint distribution and security options, contact us today.