Q: Can you share a bit about Hexnode’s journey and how it conquered the endpoint management market?
A: Hexnode’s journey began in 2013 with a clear mission- to simplify endpoint management for enterprises. At that time, businesses were struggling with the complexity of managing an increasingly diverse array of devices. Many organizations relied solely on client management tools (CMT) to manage their Windows desktops, leaving them ill-equipped to handle the growing presence of mobile devices. Our goal was to develop a solution that provides IT administrators with a seamless, unified experience for managing their endpoints.
As the industry progressed, concepts like Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), and Work From Home (WFH) gained considerable traction, leading to a significant influx of devices into corporate workforces. We realized the urgency of businesses to contain all these new devices and keep up with various emerging policies.
In response, we continuously innovated to stay ahead of market demands, integrating support for all major operating systems, including Android, Windows, iOS, macOS, Fire OS, Apple TV and our latest additions – Chrome OS, Linux and Vision OS. What began as a mobile device management (MDM) solution has now matured into a fully-fledged unified endpoint management (UEM) platform. This cross-platform capability has been a significant factor in our success, enabling us to cater to a wide range of industries, including education, healthcare, and government sectors.
Our growth has been driven by a customer-centric approach. By listening closely to our users, we have been able to address their pain points and introduce critical features such as remote management, BYOD management, and automated patch deployment.
Hexnode’s focus on security, ease of use, and comprehensive support has solidified our position in the endpoint management market. This commitment has led to our recognition by leading analyst reports like Gartner and Forrester as we continue to manage and secure devices for organizations worldwide.
Q: How has the evolution of endpoint devices influenced industry standards and best practices?
A: Over the years, we have witnessed a seismic shift from desktop-centric environments to a much broader ecosystem that includes mobile phones, tablets, and IoT devices. This influx of new device types has fundamentally changed how businesses approach device management and security.
With this shift, organizations now walk a tightrope between ensuring privacy and maintaining security. The growing presence of IoT devices has further complicated this landscape, as the massive amounts of data being generated and collected introduce new and increasingly complex regulatory challenges.
This has led to the adoption of frameworks like Zero Trust and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions. The key takeaway is to realize that security and management of devices must go hand in hand.
Moreover, the sheer number of devices in today’s corporate landscape makes manual management no longer feasible. This has amplified the need for AI-driven automatic solutions to streamline and enhance endpoint management processes.
Q: How does Hexnode enable businesses to support remote or hybrid work environments and the challenges that they bring?
A: While remote work offers flexibility for employees, it introduces significant challenges for employers in managing and securing diverse devices scattered across various locations.
Hexnode enables businesses to remotely monitor and manage all endpoints, enabling IT admins to update operating systems and troubleshoot issues from a distance. Organizations can set dynamic policies based on location, maintaining control and ensuring compliance without compromising user productivity. For BYOD, Hexnode offers strong support by keeping work and personal data separate, allowing employees to securely use personal devices- ensuring flexibility while maintaining security. In the event of device theft, our remote management capabilities give IT admins the leverage to wipe and lock devices.
Security in distributed work environments is also paramount. Features like web content filtering, which controls access to specific sites, bolster productivity by cutting off distractions and preventing access to malicious websites. On the other hand, certificate management adds an extra layer of protection by ensuring that only authorized devices and users can access corporate networks and sensitive data.
Q: How does Hexnode help businesses comply with regulatory requirements across different regions and industries?
A: Compliance is never a one-size-fits-all solution, as different regions and industries have unique regulatory requirements.
At Hexnode, we have built our platform to be both flexible and comprehensive, allowing businesses to meet these varying standards seamlessly. Hexnode enables organizations to tailor policies that align with specific regulatory standards, such as GDPR in Europe, HIPAA for healthcare in the U.S., or other global data protection and security regulations. Through dynamic grouping, organizations can push policies based on regional requirements. This granular control helps maintain compliance across different locations without disrupting overall management efficiency.
Additionally, organizations can make use of Hexnode’s fine-tuned reporting capabilities to demonstrate compliance. IT admins can schedule reports, making it easier to prepare for audits. To further streamline compliance, we have partnered with leading compliance automation platforms like Vanta and Drata. These integrations streamline the audit process, helping businesses meet various regulatory standards more efficiently.
Meanwhile, our platform is continuously updated to keep up with evolving regulatory landscapes, ensuring our clients stay compliant across the world.
Q: What are some of the biggest trends you’re seeing in enterprise mobility today?
A: One of the major trends in enterprise mobility is the way organizations are moving away from siloed approaches and adopting unified platforms that offer both robust security features and comprehensive device management capabilities. This convergence is not just about improving efficiency; it’s about creating a more holistic approach to managing the entire device lifecycle, from deployment to security. In this line of trend, we see platforms integrating UEM and Unified Endpoint Security (UES) into a single, cohesive solution. These platforms now offer the ability to manage devices while simultaneously deploying integrated security features — simplifying IT operations and strengthening security.
Another significant trend is the increasing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI is no longer just a buzzword in our industry — it’s becoming integral to endpoint management and security. We are seeing real, practical applications of AI and machine learning such as predictive analytics for device performance and automated threat detection and response. These technologies are enhancing the capabilities of enterprise mobility solutions, making them more proactive and intelligent in handling device-related challenges.
Additionally, there’s a growing emphasis on improving the digital employee experience (DEX). As hybrid work becomes more entrenched, organizations are looking for solutions that not only secure and manage devices but also optimize performance and user satisfaction. With advanced analytics tools, UEMs can help evaluate user interactions and device performance, positioning organizations to make data-driven decisions that enhance the digital employee experience.
Q: What can Hexnode users expect in the coming years in terms of new innovations and product expansion?
A: At HexCon24, our annual user conference and first-ever in-person event, Hexnode introduced an exciting lineup of new features, starting with the launch of Hexnode Genie, Hexnode’s innovative AI-assistant. Hexnode Genie automates the creation, validation, and analysis of custom scripts, streamlining workflows for IT admins. Looking ahead, we are planning to expand Genie’s functionality across more platforms and integrate additional capabilities in the near future.
We also rolled out custom reports, enabling admins to generate reports based on specific device configurations or attributes. With options for pre-defined, fully customizable, and scheduled reports, this feature ensures flexibility and ease of use.
Another key feature is deployments, which automate routine tasks. Admins can now push actions, files, certificates, or updates to multiple devices with just a few clicks, enhancing efficiency.
Additionally, we introduced the MSP portal, a centralized solution that allows partners to manage accounts and licenses from a single interface, simplifying the management of multiple client fleets.
On the platform side, we’re expanding support to Linux, Chrome OS, and Vision Pro, ensuring broader device compatibility. Hexnode is stepping into an exciting new chapter as we unveil these innovative features and extend our global reach. We’re enthusiastic about the possibilities that lie ahead for both our company and our valued customers as we continue to drive innovation and growth.
