Item: ManageEngine Endpoint Central
Rating: 10
Author: Verified User

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We use endpoint central daily. We have it perform automatic and scheduled updates of all versions of Windows (PC and Server editions) and Microsoft Office. In addition, the tool is invaluable in that it offers our IT staff remote control for support purposes of all machines on the domain, even those that reside in remote locations (using VPN).

We also use the tool to exclude or remove certain updates that are known to cause issues. Another frequent use is the ability to monitor software/hardware inventories and manage software installed, very useful for detecting risky or out of date 3rd party software. Having purchased the addon package of endpoint security, we can also centrally manage Bitlocker encryption for all machines (encrypt/decrypt on the fly, even if users lost their Bitlocker passwords, this product allows IT admins to see the Bitlocker key and use it to unlock their PC's). All in all, this is a time saving, efficiency increasing tool, that allows one IT person to perform the work of many others. It is highly recommended.

Pros and Cons

Scheduling of Microsoft updates (and exclusions of updates or machines)
Endpoint security management - risk assessment - bitlocker encryption management - Security hardening
Remote control of devices for IT support with or without end user permission
SW and HW reporting and management / Inventory

User Interface could use some cleanup.
Updating the software itself should become more automatic.

Most Important Features

Scheduled updates
Remote Control
IT security
IT Inventorying

Return on Investment

Increased effectiveness
Saved man hours
Makes the IT job much easier

Alternatives Considered

WSUS (provided by Microsoft) is a MUCH inferior product, no flexibility at all, updates when it wants and how it wants and was generally not suit for purpose. In addition, endpoint offers all the other functionality that WSUS doesn't (as said earlier in my review, remote control, endpoint security and much more).

Key Insights

Do you think ManageEngine Endpoint Central delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with ManageEngine Endpoint Central's feature set?

Yes

Did ManageEngine Endpoint Central live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of ManageEngine Endpoint Central go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy ManageEngine Endpoint Central again?

Yes

Likelihood to Recommend

This software is suited in any environment where there are more end user than IT staff, which is pretty much everywhere. This becomes especially true in medium to large sized business and organizations. The amount of time saved (from IT Support and Administration but also from the end user's side) is simply incredible.In addition, Junior IT admins will find the automatic suggestions e.g. for optimal server configurations / setup quite useful.

The only scenario where I'm not sure the benefits will outweigh the costs are in very small businesses, where there are few end users and few PC's/Servers. In all other scenarios, this tool is truly invaluable, compared to the it's low financial cost. I would add that purchasing a perpetual license is also an option with this product and does make financial sense after 5 years or so.

Endpoint Central - THE MUST have IT tool for any medium (or larger) business

Overall Satisfaction with ManageEngine Endpoint Central