AirWatch is now known as Workspace ONE Unified Endpoint Management (UEM). Following its acquisition by VMware, the platform was rebranded to reflect its expanded capabilities beyond traditional mobile device management.
The Evolution from AirWatch to Workspace ONE UEM
Originally, AirWatch was the name of both the company and its flagship product, primarily focused on managing mobile devices. This robust solution for enterprise mobility management (EMM) became a key player in securing and managing smartphones and tablets within corporate environments. However, as the digital landscape evolved, so did the needs of businesses.
In 2014, VMware acquired AirWatch, marking a pivotal moment in the product's journey. This acquisition paved the way for the solution to integrate more broadly into VMware's expansive portfolio, particularly under the Workspace ONE umbrella. The rebranding to Workspace ONE Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) signifies a shift from managing just mobile devices to a comprehensive approach that encompasses all endpoints.
Key Milestones in the AirWatch Journey:
| Year | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-2014 | AirWatch Company & Product | Leading solution for Mobile Device Management (MDM) and Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM). |
| 2014 | Acquired by VMware | Integration into VMware's broader enterprise IT solutions. |
| Post-2014 | Rebranded to Workspace ONE UEM | Expanded capabilities to manage diverse endpoints beyond mobile. |
What is Workspace ONE Unified Endpoint Management (UEM)?
Workspace ONE UEM is a modern, intelligence-driven platform designed to manage and secure all endpoints across an organization. It provides a single, unified console for IT administrators to manage a diverse array of devices, applications, and data. This goes far beyond what AirWatch initially offered, consolidating multiple management tools into one cohesive solution.
Core Capabilities and Benefits:
- Comprehensive Device Management:
- Mobile Devices: Continues the strong management of iOS, Android, and Windows Mobile devices.
- Desktops & Laptops: Extends management to Windows 10, macOS, and Chrome OS devices.
- IoT Devices: Capability to manage specialized Internet of Things (IoT) endpoints.
- Application Management: Facilitates the deployment, updating, and securing of internal, public, and web applications across all managed devices. This includes managing app licenses and ensuring compliance.
- Identity and Access Management: Integrates with Workspace ONE Access to provide single sign-on (SSO) and conditional access, ensuring users have secure and seamless access to their digital workspace from any device.
- Security and Compliance: Enforces security policies, conducts compliance checks, performs remote wipes, and ensures data encryption to protect sensitive corporate information on all endpoints.
- Automation and Intelligence: Leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to automate routine IT tasks, provide predictive analytics, and proactively address potential issues, enhancing IT efficiency.
Practical Applications:
Businesses leverage Workspace ONE UEM to achieve several critical objectives:
- Enable Remote Work: Securely provision and manage devices for employees working from anywhere, ensuring productivity and data protection.
- Streamline Onboarding: Quickly set up new employees with pre-configured devices and applications, reducing manual IT effort.
- Enhance Security Posture: Maintain a strong security stance by enforcing policies, patching vulnerabilities, and monitoring device health in real-time.
- Improve User Experience: Provide a consistent and personalized digital workspace, allowing users to access their tools and data effortlessly.
By evolving from AirWatch to Workspace ONE UEM, the platform has adapted to the complexities of modern IT, offering a holistic approach to managing and securing the digital workspace in an increasingly diverse and distributed device landscape.
