AirWatch - affordable, scalable and fun to use!
February 16, 2016
AirWatch - affordable, scalable and fun to use!
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Overall Satisfaction with AirWatch
We initially implemented AirWatch about 4 years ago to address the need for a BYOD program. It was used for personally owned devices only as our corporate standard at the time was Blackberry serviced by BES. Today we have eliminated all Blackberries and the BES and use AirWatch for corporate provided devices as well as BYOD's. All levels of users use AirWatch and we support Apple and Android devices.
- Ridiculously easy setup. We created a self help document with screenshots so anyone anywhere can setup AirWatch on their own device without IT Helpdesk intervention.
- We use AirWatch as a saas and for our size (125 active users) it works well because it is cost effective and requires very little maintenance from our staff.
- From an administrative perspective it's very easy. All you do is add user information and send the user instructions...that's it!
- Great GUI that makes it easy to manage users, devices, profiles, etc.
- More options on the HUB screen
- Better navigation from device screen
- Fast deployment to end users
- Fast initial setup and implementation
- Increased efficiency as it allowed users to use their own devices
- Lowered our internal costs because we don't need to buy devices for everyone
- Allowed us to eliminate BES which saved us licensing costs and allowed us to decommission a server.
We looked at Good Technologies and Mobile Iron. At the time Good Technologies was cost prohibitive and on initial demo did not appear to be as intuitive as we would've liked. We did a complete trial of MobileIron and it offered the same features as AirWatch but also more which we knew we wouldn't take advantage of. AirWatch was the simplest to implement and use and still offered us a robust feature set. AirWatch can be completely internal hosted on your own servers or it can be a Saas which offers additional cost savings.
Evaluating AirWatch and Competitors
Yes - Blackberry Enterprise Server. BES had run its course and couldn't accommodate other types of devices such as iPhones and Androids. AirWatch was the clear front runner because it was easy to setup and the sales support during the trial and crossover to implementation was second to none.
- Price
- Product Features
- Product Usability
We were used to the security offered by the Blackberry Enterprise server so the tool we used had to offer the same security features we required. AirWatch did indeed offer the security features we required.
We wouldn't change anything. We evaluated other products and "test drove" another product. We have not once regretted our decision to implement AirWatch.
AirWatch Implementation
- Implemented in-house
Change management was a small part of the implementation and was well-handled
- Change in technology for our end users
- IT Helpdesk having to learn iOS and Andoid operating systems