Intune, ABM, and Knox: Navigating the Maze of Mobile Device Management

In today’s mobile-first workplace, managing corporate devices is no longer just an IT task, it’s a strategic necessity. With tools like Microsoft Intune, Apple Business Manager, and Samsung Knox, businesses have powerful options for mobile device management. 

But when comparing Intune vs Apple Business Manager vs Samsung Knox, it becomes clear that each platform has its strengths and its complexities. It’s no wonder that according to Gartner, 70% of IT teams say managing mobile devices across multiple platforms is one of their top operational challenges.

In this article, we’ll explore how they differ, where they overlap, and how Spectrum’s Managed Mobile Services can simplify it all.

 

Intune vs Apple Business Manager vs Samsung Knox:
What Each Platform Offers

Business Mobile Solutions Microsoft Intune MDM

Microsoft Intune: Unified Management Across Platforms

Intune is Microsoft’s cloud-based endpoint management solution. It allows businesses to manage devices, apps, and security policies across Windows, Android, iOS, and macOS.

Key benefits:

  • Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 and Azure AD.
  • Conditional access and compliance policies.
  • App deployment and remote wipe capabilities.
  • Support for both corporate-owned and BYOD devices.

Intune is ideal for organisations already invested in Microsoft’s ecosystem, offering a centralised way to manage diverse devices.

Business Mobile Solutions Apple Business Manager

Apple Business Manager (ABM): Streamlined Apple Device Deployment

ABM is Apple’s portal for managing iPhones, iPads, and Macs at scale. It works in tandem with an MDM solution (like Intune) to automate device enrolment and configuration.

Key benefits:

  • Zero-touch deployment via Apple’s Device Enrollment Program (DEP).
  • Volume app purchasing and distribution.
  • Role-based access and integration with Apple School Manager (for education).

ABM is essential for organisations using Apple hardware, but it requires careful setup and integration with third-party MDMs.

Business Mobile Solutions Samsung Knox

Samsung Knox: Enterprise-Grade Android Security

Knox is Samsung’s suite of mobile security and management tools, designed specifically for Samsung devices.

Key benefits:

  • Hardware-level security and encryption.
  • Knox Mobile Enrollment for bulk provisioning.
  • Knox Manage for remote control and policy enforcement.
  • Customisable containerisation for work/personal separation.

Knox is a powerful solution for businesses standardising on Samsung, but it’s separate from Google’s Android Enterprise and requires its own management workflows.

The Challenge: Fragmented Ecosystems, Complex Management

While each platform offers excellent features, managing them together can be a logistical headache:

  • Multiple portals: IT teams must juggle Intune, ABM, Knox, and possibly others.
  • Inconsistent enrolment processes: Each platform has its own method for provisioning and securing devices.
  • Policy conflicts: Ensuring consistent security and compliance across platforms is difficult.
  • Support burden: Troubleshooting device issues across different OSes and manufacturers drains IT resources.

For many businesses, especially those without large internal IT teams, this complexity leads to delays, security gaps, and rising costs.

Real-World Use Case

Imagine a care provider with 150 mobile devices split across iPhones, Samsung tablets, and Windows laptops. Their IT team spends hours each week troubleshooting device enrolment issues, chasing updates, and managing security policies across three platforms. With Spectrum’s Managed Mobile Services, all devices are pre-configured, monitored, and supported — freeing up time and reducing risk.

How Spectrum Can Help: Managed Mobile Fleet Services

At Spectrum, we simplify mobile device management by handling the entire lifecycle for you — across Intune, ABM, Knox, and beyond.

Our services include:

  • Zero-touch deployment: Devices arrive pre-configured and ready to use.
  • Cross-platform integration: We set up and manage Intune, ABM, and Knox.
  • Ongoing support: Our helpdesk handles troubleshooting, replacements, and updates.
  • Security & compliance: We enforce policies across all devices to keep your data safe.
  • Cost control: We help you avoid over-provisioning, reduce downtime, and streamline billing.

Whether you’re comparing Intune vs Apple Business Manager vs Samsung Knox or simply trying to keep your mobile fleet secure and productive, Spectrum’s Managed Mobile Services are designed to take the pressure off your IT team. We handle the setup, integration, support, and security — so you can focus on growing your business.

Ready to Simplify Your Mobile Management?

If you’re tired of juggling platforms and portals, let us take the pressure off. Visit our Managed Mobile Services page or get in touch to see how we can tailor a solution for your business.

Mobile Airtime & tariffs

From classic business mobile tariffs to custom commercial deals, we provide 4G & 5G tariffs for all profiles and budgets. O2, Vodafone, EE and multi-net available.
Outsource the support and administration of company mobiles, applications, and connectivity to Spectrum. Reduce your overheads & increase access to skills.

Devices & Compliance

We offer next-day service on all handsets, Knox and ABM devices, SIM, and eSIM orders, providing reliable delivery to keep your business running smoothly and securely.

M2M & IOT

Support your M2M and IoT connectivity needs with our reliable mulit-net eSIM and SIM services. Access a suite of monitoring tools to stay in contol of your IoT fleet.

Mobile Airtime & tariffs

From classic tariffs to custom commercial deals, we provide 4G & 5G tariffs for all user profiles and budgets. O2, Vodafone, EE and multi-net available.
Outsource the support and administration of company mobiles, applications, and connectivity to Spectrum. Reduce your overheads & increase access to skills.

Devices & Compliance

We offer next-day service on all handsets, Knox and ABM devices, SIM, and eSIM orders, providing reliable delivery to keep your business running smoothly and securely.

M2M & IOT

Support your M2M and IoT connectivity needs with our reliable mulit-net eSIM and SIM services. Access a suite of monitoring tools to stay in contol of your IoT fleet.

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