Windows devices power critical operations across industries. But as businesses grow and workplace models evolve, managing applications on these devices becomes a challenge that demands modern solutions.
Windows Application Management resolves this issue by offering IT administrators the capabilities to optimize application performance while maintaining compliance with organizational policies and safeguarding sensitive data. With evolving workplace needs, such as BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies and remote work setups, UEM solutions redefine how applications are managed across diverse environments.
This blog explores the essentials of Windows Application Management. It highlights the key features of Scalefusion’s application management and offers a step-by-step guide for application management on Windows 10 devices with Scalefusion UEM.
What is Windows Application Management?
Windows Application Management refers to managing and controlling applications’ deployment, configuration, maintenance, and security on Windows-based devices. It encompasses a range of tasks designed to ensure that applications are properly installed, updated, and optimized for performance while maintaining compliance with organizational policies.
With the increasing complexity of enterprise IT environments, Windows Application Management ensures employees access the tools they need while safeguarding the system. This includes managing licenses, enforcing security protocols, handling app updates, and ensuring the right applications are installed on the right devices.
Key features of Windows Application Management with Scalefusion UEM
1. Deployment
IT admins can deploy a wide range of applications on Windows devices in bulk from the Scalefusion dashboard. They can assign applications to specific device profiles and apply these profiles to all managed Windows devices and user and device groups at once. Scalefusion’s Windows application management enables you to deploy applications in the following ways:
a. Windows Application Management: With Scalefusion’s ‘Application Management’ feature you can install, configure, and manage the following types of applications:
- Enterprise Apps: Scalefusion streamlines the upload and distribution of private apps via its Enterprise Store. Organizations can upload APK files of in-house apps, publish them on the Scalefusion dashboard, and deploy them to managed devices or specific profiles.
- Scalefusion Apps: Scalefusion offers proprietary apps to ensure smooth operation, enhanced security, and better control over applications and data. For instance, Scalefusion’s ProSurf is a customized browser developed by Scalefusion that can be used on managed Windows devices to provide a secure and restricted browsing experience.
- Win32 Apps: Scalefusion through its Enterprise Store allows you to deploy Win32 apps on your Windows devices in exe. form.
- Office 365 Apps: Scalefusion’s application management enables remote installation of O365 Apps onto managed Windows 10 devices. This is implemented through the Office configuration service provider (CSP), which installs a Microsoft Office client on the device via the Office Deployment Tool (ODT).
Once the applications are configured, they can be deployed to a specific device profile. This ensures automatic installation on all Windows devices assigned to that profile, streamlining the deployment process.
b. Windows App Catalog: Scalefusion’s Windows App Catalog is a centralized space for a collection of apps. It allows you to manage and distribute applications to your managed Windows devices. Windows App Catalog enables the creation of a tailored app store specifically designed for Windows device management. Administrators can create catalogs of apps and categorize them according to their organization’s specific needs.
c. Scalefusion Windows Deployer: IT admins can add, configure, and bundle the required applications together, and push them onto the user’s devices remotely using Scalefusion’s Windows Deployer.
2. Application Policy
Scalefusion’s Windows device profile enables you to configure an application policy based on your use case. You can choose from the following three options:
a. Multi-app Kiosk mode: This policy enables you to select the list of applications that you want to allow on your managed devices. This will block all other applications.
b. App Locker policy: Using this policy you can select a list of allowed or blocked apps. This will enable the user to see all the applications but they will not be able to use the blocked apps.
c. Skip Application policy: You may choose this policy if you want to skip app configuration and allow all the apps.
3. Software Metering
Software Metering is a powerful feature within Scalefusion that enables you to track and analyze the usage of software applications across your organization’s devices. You can identify unused or underutilized software to reduce funds spent on unnecessary renewals.
4. Third-Party Application Patching
With Scalefusion’s third-party application patching, you automate the monitoring and management of application updates on managed Windows devices. You generate extensive reports on all application updates, enabling you to make informed decisions.
Moreover, you can configure the sync interval and define how frequently Scalefusion Agent checks for application updates on the managed devices.
5. Remote Wipe and Lock
The remote wipe and lock feature lets you uninstall and delete applications from Windows devices if they are lost or stolen. This protects the data within the apps, preventing breaches and ensuring security.
6. Windows Application Management for BYOD
Managing applications on employee-owned devices (BYOD) is a critical aspect of modern workplaces. Windows Application Management for BYOD ensures that employees have access only to the applications required for their job role while protecting organizational data. You can deploy, configure, and monitor business applications on personal Windows devices without compromising user privacy.
With Scalefusion, IT teams can enforce application policies, ensure data security, and provide employees with a seamless work experience. This approach balances productivity with security, enabling organizations to confidently adopt BYOD practices.
How to Deploy Applications on Windows Devices using Scalefusion UEM?
Scalefusion UEM has made Windows application management a simple and quick process. Follow these steps to install and manage applications on your managed or BYOD devices using Windows App Catalog:
Step 1: Sign in to your Scalefusion UEM account.
Step 2: On the Scalefusion UEM dashboard, navigate and click on the Application Management tab on the panel to your left. Now, click on the Windows Business Store and go to the Windows App Catalog tab. To install applications on the Scalefusion dashboard, click on the ‘Add from App Store’ button.
Step 3: Search and choose the application you want to add to the Windows App Catalog and click on the ‘Go Back’ button on the top left of the screen.
Step 4: Once the applications are chosen, click on ‘View Details’ to configure the desired application. Now, click on ‘App Configs’/ ‘Install Configuration’ > ‘Create’ to create a new app configuration.
Step 5: A ‘Configuration’ dialog box will appear. Enter the required details and click on ‘Save’.
Step 6: Now, a ‘Publish App Configuration’ dialog box will appear. Here, click on the device profile you want the application to be deployed on. Click on ‘Publish’.
This will deploy the selected application on all the devices assigned to that device profile.
| Refer to this guide, to know other ways to deploy applications on Windows devices with Scalefusion UEM. |
Benefits of Windows Application Management
Effective Windows Application Management brings numerous advantages that enhance security and operational efficiency. Below are the key benefits:
- Enhanced Security: Regular application updates and robust security policies help mitigate vulnerabilities and safeguard sensitive data. Centralized management enables quick deployment of security patches across all devices, ensuring protection from emerging threats.
- Boosted Productivity: A well-organized application environment gives employees access to the right tools without unnecessary delays. Windows Application Management reduces downtime and boosts overall productivity by minimizing application conflicts and ensuring up-to-date software.
- Simplified Compliance: For organizations in regulated industries, Windows Application Management ensures adherence to compliance standards. Automated updates and patches help meet data security and privacy requirements, reducing the risk of non-compliance.
- Lower IT Overhead: Centralized management streamlines application deployment and updates, reducing the strain on IT teams. This leads to more efficient workflows, reduced downtime, and lower operational costs.
- Optimized License Management: Proper license management ensures compliance with vendor agreements and helps avoid unnecessary costs. It also provides valuable insights into application usage, making it easier to adjust licenses according to demand.
- Improved User Experience: Consistent application performance across devices enhances the user experience. Centralized management allows for pre-configured applications, ensuring a smooth and seamless experience without installation issues or app errors.
Leverage Granular Application Management for Windows Devices with Scalefusion UEM
Windows Application Management is no longer just a convenience; it is a necessity for modern enterprises dealing with the complexities of hybrid work environments, BYOD policies, and ever-evolving security threats.
Scalefusion UEM empowers IT administrators with a comprehensive feature to deploy, configure, monitor, and secure applications on Windows devices effortlessly. Gain granular control over application management, ensuring compliance, enhancing user experience, and safeguarding critical data.
Book a demo to know more about Scalefusion UEM or take a 14-day free trial today.
