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It’s pretty tough to choose between two things that are equally good in their aspects. Addigy, the Apple device management solution or Hexnode, the all-in-one UEM solution? A thorough analysis needs to be done to make the Addigy vs Hexnode choice. No worries. We’ve got the research covered so that you can do the choosing bit.
Addigy
Addigy has established itself as a forerunner in Apple device management. They offer services for one platform and one platform only, which also happens to be the Apple of their eye (Pun intended). Addigy also plans on sticking to the path it has taken so far. To further develop the Apple IT ecosystem by providing its constantly updating MDM services. It does seem quite evident that Addigy would not branch to support other platforms.
The cool thing about Addigy is its focus on scripting. With its inbuilt and scalable script-library, Addigy does establish itself as a unique MDM solution. They have a good customer base and have a generally favorable opinion. However, there is growing concern about the information accessible through Addigy. With custom scripts, almost any information can be pulled out of the devices, threatening employee privacy.
Hexnode
Hexnode is a leader in the device management industry, with customers from over a hundred countries. Knowing the difficulties in managing devices, Hexnode has taken upon the mission to simplify the device management process. Unlike Addigy, Hexnode decided to pursue the route to become a complete UEM solution, supporting all device form factors and all platforms.
Hexnode already offers a vast arsenal of features for devices running on all standard platforms. From kiosk lockdown capabilities to screensaver configurations, Hexnode has them all. Hexnode also happens to support pushing custom scripts on Windows and Mac devices. As a result, Hexnode amplifies enterprise mobility without compromising security by bringing endpoints and IT closer.
Hexnode vs. Addigy
There are certainly a lot of criteria to consider before deciding on a UEM solution, and rightly so. A UEM is responsible for managing and securing all the devices connected to your enterprise network. So, here are a few contrasting features between the two. Let the battle commence!
Supported platforms
If you are going ‘Hey, that’s unfair!’ after reading the sub-heading, here’s why. A UEM solution encompasses all endpoints, regardless of platform. So, this is a pretty important criterion.
Addigy offers an elaborate solution to Apple devices; there is no doubt about that. Hexnode also provides a complete solution to Apple, Windows and Android devices. Both solutions provide a comprehensive list of features. Device actions and device details are comparative and emphasized. Both of them offer remote view and control, which could be used to remotely troubleshoot and monitor abnormal device operations. It is also possible to push or schedule system updates on these assets. This eliminates the need for the user to set up configurations on the device. The meaning of the term ‘devices’ is the only difference here between the solutions.
Supported devices
Aren’t devices and platforms the same? Definitely not. Platforms are one thing; devices are another. Hexnode offers support for enterprise-oriented devices such as LG Gate and Samsung Knox devices. These assets offer a more extensive set of restrictions which provides more control to the enterprise, making them ideal as an enterprise device.
OEMConfig devices are endpoints that a UEM solution can manage by using an OEM Config app. These apps are released by the OEM vendor, which specifies what settings we can configure on these devices. Ruggedized endpoints like handheld scanners and RFID readers are examples. Hexnode supports many OEM vendors, hence many OEM config devices.
Hexnode’s support for various devices spanning across multiple platforms definitely puts it in front of Addigy. Not just as the better MDM but also as the better UEM solution.
UEM capabilities
Device Grouping and geofencing
Naturally, a UEM solution would be employed to manage and secure several endpoints. So, what helps pushing configurations to devices in bulk easier? Device grouping, of course. Say you want to push a passcode policy to all the iOS devices in the enterprise. Follow these steps to make it happen.
- Make an iOS device group
- Define the passcode policy (Hexnode) or MDM configuration (Addigy)
- Push the policy onto the iOS group
Now, the extent of device grouping determines how easily we can configure devices in bulk. Let’s start with something simple. Imagine you want to push a configuration to all macOS devices in the HR department. Addigy can do that, so can Hexnode.
Alright, here is scenario two. So, you want to push a configuration on an Android device from the marketing team in California and whose devices are not passcode compliant. Oh, except for Mark and Joe. Addigy can’t do that, but Hexnode can.
No, it’s not because Addigy doesn’t support Android devices, but it’s because of how grouping works. Addigy uses filters to create device groups while Hexnode uses dynamic groups. Filters are undoubtedly efficient but not as efficient as dynamic groups. Hexnode’s dynamic groups can help you segment groups further without any limitations. It is also possible to input exceptions along with conditions when creating a group, which can be used to target devices on a granular level.
Dynamic group, coupled with the geofencing capabilities that Addigy lacks, could be used to apply configurations on moving assets. This is certainly effective for devices used in the transportation Industry.
Kiosk lockdown
Kiosk lockdown is used to restrict a device to a particular application or a set of applications. This is done to configure a device to perform a single function or to prevent the user from getting distracted by using non-work applications.
Addigy does not offer a specific Kiosk lockdown feature which is quite disappointing, considering the vast capabilities it offers. Hexnode, on the other hand, offers single app, multi-app and web app kiosk modes. The advanced kiosk capabilities further restrict the device, helping the user stay more focused. This is a pretty helpful feature when handing out devices to students in schools and other educational institutions.
| Feature | Addigy | Hexnode UEM |
| Apple device management | ✅ | ✅ |
| Device actions and reports | ✅ | ✅ |
| Remote view and control | ✅ | ✅ |
| Device grouping | ✅ | ✅ |
| Policy/MDM configuration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Kiosk lockdown | ❌ | ✅ |
| Geofencing | ❌ | ✅ |
| Android management | ❌ | ✅ |
| Windows management | ❌ | ✅ |
| OEMConfig support | ❌ | ✅ |
Support
Support is crucial when employing a device management solution. The extent of features available on both Addigy and Hexnode is no joke. Without proper guidance, you will be lost as a sheep. Despite the user-friendly and straightforward user interface offered by both the solutions, having questions is only natural.
Fret not, for Addigy and Hexnode offers top-notch support. With 24/5 availability, Hexnode’s support is a level above. While Addigy’s quick responses are limited to chats and emails, the Hexnode support team is ready for a call anytime.
The final verdict
The result should be obvious. Yes, Hexnode won. Addigy is an excellent solution when it comes to MDM solutions for Apple devices but is undoubtedly lacking as a UEM solution. They both may be in the same industry but are entirely different when it comes to direction. It’s a little challenging to conclude from such comparisons. As a UEM solution, however, the answer is plain as day.
In realistic terms, it is pretty hard to find an enterprise or institution using only Apple devices. There would be a few non-Apple devices connected to the network. Keeping those assets unmanaged can be a big mistake. Employing a complete UEM solution like Hexnode eliminates any liabilities in the network. In a world switching to IoT, Addigy might fall back if they remain committed to Apple devices. Hexnode, on the other hand, changes with the tides, bringing in fresh updates and offering support to the latest platforms.
Disclaimer
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