Remote and hybrid work models have become an indelible part of the corporate landscape, but IT teams are still struggling to manage remote endpoints effectively. In a recent Forrester Consulting study, 75 percent of IT and security leaders said that hybrid work models have amplified IT operational challenges.
At their core, these challenges stem from an inability to track and manage endpoints across their lifecycle. More than half (55 percent) of respondents said that maintaining an accurate asset database was a top concern. Another 46 percent said they need better tools for tracking the location of devices. Three-quarters of respondents said that improved endpoint management would have a positive impact on overall business operations.
These and other problems can be addressed with an outsourced endpoint lifecycle management solution. By putting endpoint lifecycle management in the hands of experts, organizations can reduce costs, increase security and free IT teams to focus on strategic tasks.
What Is Endpoint Lifecycle Management?
Endpoint lifecycle management is not the same as mobile device management (MDM) or device lifecycle management. MDM is software that’s used to monitor devices, push out security updates, and ensure that users and devices comply with company policies and regulatory requirements. Device lifecycle management focuses on managing the physical hardware of mobile devices, IoT devices, printers and more.
Endpoint lifecycle management is much broader in scope, covering all the tasks needed to manage endpoints from procurement to final disposition. In addition to hardware, it involves managing software and optimizing the user experience.
What Are the Stages Endpoint Lifecycle Management?
The lifecycle of an endpoint is typically broken down into four phases:
- Procurement. Devices are selected and acquired according to policy-based standards. Upon delivery, the devices are received into inventory, with basic information captured in the asset management system.
- Deployment. Devices are imaged, configured and distributed to users. Information about the configuration, installed software, user, location and other details is captured.
- Maintenance. Devices are monitored, patches are deployed and security updates pushed out. The help desk troubleshoots issues and provides user support. Information about the device is captured at each touchpoint.
- Disposition. At the end of their lifecycle, devices are decommissioned and wiped of all data. Any residual value is recovered through redeployment within the organization or resale on the secondary market. If a device has no residual value, it is broken down into its component parts and recycled or properly disposed of. Information related to the final disposition is captured.
What Are the Benefits of Endpoint Lifecycle Management?
Increased productivity is a primary benefit of endpoint lifecycle management. Effective management ensures that endpoints are reliable and performing optimally. Users don’t have to wait for support from the IT team or try to resolve problems on their own. This in turn helps to optimize the user experience.
Proactive maintenance helps ensure that endpoints are up-to-date and secure, reducing potential threats and improving compliance with standards and regulations. Endpoint location tracking and secure disposition of assets reduce the risk that sensitive data will be stolen or exposed.
Endpoint lifecycle management also reduces costs. It allows organizations to capture every bit of value from IT assets and eliminate unnecessary spending on devices that can be redeployed for other use cases.
How to Overcome Endpoint Lifecycle Management Challenges
Endpoint lifecycle management isn’t easy. Many organizations are struggling with a diverse set of devices that are scattered across multiple locations and a remote workforce. They often lack the tools, skills and resources they need to design and implement a lifecycle management program.
KST Data can help you overcome these challenges. We specialize in endpoint lifecycle management, with proven methodologies and advanced tools that encompass every stage. We handle everything for you, ensuring that accurate data is captured at every touchpoint so you know exactly which endpoints are in your inventory and where they’re located. We also provide a seamless experience for all your users, whether they’re in headquarters, a satellite office or working remotely.
If your IT team is struggling with endpoint lifecycle management, contact KST Data. Let us help you optimize the full lifecycle management of all your endpoints in every location across the extended enterprise.