Cisco Meraki Systems Manager (MDM+EMM) vs Ivanti Avalanche [EOL] comparison

Cisco and Ivanti are both solutions in the Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) category. Additionally, 96% of Cisco users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of Ivanti users who would recommend it.

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Executive SummaryUpdated on May 20, 2026

Cisco Meraki Systems Manager and Ivanti Avalanche are mobile device management solutions with unique strengths. Cisco stands out for its ease of use and comprehensive management from a cloud-based dashboard, while Ivanti offers cost-effective features, especially for remote access and package deployment.

Features: Cisco Meraki Systems Manager boasts a user-friendly dashboard for easy application and security policy deployment. It supports reliable geofencing, device tracking, and remote wiping. Ivanti Avalanche offers powerful remote control and efficient bulk package deployment, ideal for enterprises requiring frequent remote updates over large device numbers.

Room for Improvement: Cisco Meraki needs to enhance scripting capabilities and third-party integration. Its pricing model is considered expensive, and there is a need for better Linux compatibility. Ivanti Avalanche could refine its pricing structure and upgrade its Android management features, while also enhancing automation and AI capabilities for better device behavior insights.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Cisco Meraki's cloud deployment is scalable, facilitating remote management across dispersed locations, supported by reliable technical assistance. Ivanti Avalanche primarily supports on-premises deployment, catering to organizations with this preference but could benefit from a stronger cloud offering. Cisco's customer service is well-regarded, but some critique the local support, whereas Ivanti provides commendable on-site assistance despite limited remote support.

Pricing and ROI: Cisco is perceived as expensive but offers significant value in terms of reliability and flexibility, supporting a centralized management and support structure. Ivanti Avalanche, more moderately priced, delivers essential features without hidden costs, though it could improve affordability. Both solutions present ROI potential, with Cisco noted for reducing operational downtime through efficient remote management.

To learn more, read our detailed Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) Report (Updated: August 2026).

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Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM)

August 2026

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

Microsoft Intune

Featured Reviews

Anumula Hitesh

Senior Business Development Executive at Digitaltrack

Centralized device management has automated onboarding and improves remote security compliance

One thing I feel Microsoft Intune could improve is troubleshooting visibility. In many cases, when a policy or application deployment fails, the error messages are a bit generic. So, admins still spend time checking logs manually or testing on devices one by one. Compared to the simplicity of deployment, troubleshooting sometimes feels less mature. I also think reporting and real-time monitoring could be stronger. The dashboard gives useful information, but in large environments, many teams still depend on additional tools or scripts for deeper reporting and analytics. If I had to focus on one area first, I would probably choose troubleshooting and reporting. Deployment through Microsoft Intune is generally straightforward, but when something fails, identifying the exact root cause can still take more time than expected. Error messages are sometimes too generic, and admins often have to dig through logs, sync status, or multiple portals to understand what actually happened. I think user experience and policy management could also improve further. Microsoft Intune has become much better over the years, but sometimes the admin portal still feels fragmented because certain configurations open in different sections or redirect to older interfaces. For new admins, especially, it can take time to understand where everything is located. Another thing is policy conflict handling. In larger organizations, multiple device policies, compliance rules, and configuration profiles can overlap. When conflicts happen, the visibility is not always very clear, so admins spend time figuring out which policy actually won or caused the issue.

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Sulesh PK

Monitoring and Operations Pilot at Egis S.A.

Has simplified hardware issue identification but needs integrated communication options

We have monitoring capabilities and we are monitoring some network tools from Cisco Meraki Systems Manager (MDM+EMM) and troubleshooting as well. I am currently working with version MR 32.1.4. Policy involves connecting mostly through emails, as we don't have any special kind of policy features. If any alert comes, we connect via mail. We don't utilize the geolocation tracking feature. The unified dashboard helps me simplify device management for my team based on the location, as we have configured devices from many different countries. We give the device's name based on the location, allowing us to identify easily in the dashboard. Regarding operational cost savings, it is cost-saving because in other companies, they use different tools for different networks, such as one for Windows, another for Linux, and a different one for VMware. We use all the systems including Windows, Linux, and networking under Cisco, Centreon, and Cisco Meraki Systems Manager (MDM+EMM), which is very cost-efficient. Regarding pricing and licensing of Cisco Meraki Systems Manager (MDM+EMM), I don't have information about that, as we are from the technical department. Details about subscription and quotation come from another department. I rate this solution 8 out of 10.

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it_user1399731

Chief Technology Officer at Lane Clark & Peacock LLP

Offers scalability and ability to create granular policies

It is a very easy-to-manage and granular policy-based solution. Policies that you can create per device per user behavior are the most valuable feature In future releases, I would like to see more automation or bringing in AI into to understand device behavior. I have been using it for five…

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Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"I like how Intune deploys the policies and makes them customizable. You can deploy it through Intune and forget about it."

"One of the most valuable aspects of Microsoft Intune is its seamless integration with Azure Active Directory, offering capabilities akin to Group Policy Objects."

"Mobile device management is most valuable."

"Intune's security features for Apple iOS and Mac OS are helpful. We can check enrollment, manage public and private settings, and manage the organization's data using security key features."

"Microsoft Intune has positively impacted our organization by improving our security posture and making device management much more efficient, especially for remote users and distributed teams."

"The best features of Microsoft Intune include continuous implementation of new capabilities each year, covering almost everything."

"Microsoft Endpoint Manager is not expensive overall, especially for small environments."

"The policy and compliance monitoring of devices and the software deployment are most valuable."

More Microsoft Intune pros

"Initial setup is straightforward."

"The solution is simple."

"The solution is easy to use. However, AirWatch or Workspace might be more powerful because we've encountered issues, such as manually managing Windows updates."

"Cisco Meraki Systems Manager (MDM+EMM) has a positive impact on my company because it is very easy to use, and we can resolve issues easily, allowing us to resolve issues within the SLA."

"They can provide detailed information about your devices, including their validity, license status, etc."

"The central management console on the cloud is fast and is the solution's most valuable feature."

"The profile settings are valuable features; it is a good solution, good for daily use, and the UI is easy to learn, and the documentation and YouTube channel help us finish most of our engine work."

"The most significant benefit is that the deployment is quick and painless; you don't need a specialized IT department to implement and scale the network, and it's easy to maintain, too, requiring only one or two network administrators."

More Cisco Meraki Systems Manager (MDM+EMM) pros

"Installing the packages remotely and remote control are the most valuable features. There are around 100 pieces or devices, and the only way to send a package to a device is by connecting to the PC and then manually sending the package. By using Avalanche, we can send a package to all devices with one click. It is very stable and easy to use. Their technical support is also very good. We have implemented this solution for our clients, and they are satisfied with this solution. It does what it is meant to do."

"The most valuable features of the Ivanti Avalanche are the remote control and the file transfer."

"Ivanti Avalanche has reduced the time needed to perform updates on all the devices across our clients' organizations; it's a great time-saver for the client."

"The most useful feature of Avalanche is remote control — especially the ability to remotely install packages to many devices all at once. When the client has, for example, 100 devices needing updates, it would take far too long to update each device individually. But with Avalanche, we just connect to all the devices through the PC and send the updates out with one click."

"The terminal remediation feature is valuable."

"It is a very easy-to-manage and granular policy-based solution. Policies that you can create per device per user behavior are the most valuable feature."

"The solution is easy to work with. I like its stability and flexibility."

Cons

"There are some areas of improvement for Microsoft Intune, including faster policy sync so changes can apply quicker, a simpler interface, better reporting with more details and clear insight, improved troubleshooting, clearer error messages and logs, and stronger support for macOS and Linux, alongside better cross-platform features."

"Its configuration is fairly complicated. You have to do quite a bit of discovery to be able to deploy it for a customer. You have to ask them a lot of questions. So, its initial deployment is the biggest challenge. They should make it easier to deploy with the use of Wizards or something else. During the deployment stage, there could be profiles for the customers who are particularly wanting to use certain feature sets of Intune."

"The security aspect could be more effective. We are using other applications to manage network devices and groups, so if Microsoft Intune could improve in this area, especially on a network level, it would be a real advantage."

"It could offer more attributes for authentication."

"Yes, there are a couple of issues with stability."

"China blocks Google and Google Play Store, which makes installation challenging. Microsoft Intune is a company software, which has to be installed to the app portal or Microsoft Software Center."

"Support is another area that could improve, as sometimes response times can be slow, and resolving complex issues may take longer than expected."

"I would say the interface and dashboard summarizing the devices' status and compliance could be improved."

More Microsoft Intune cons

"Sometimes, the integrations are a bit tough."

"They could include bandwidth-based policies."

"Personally, we don't plan to continue to use it going forward. While the Apple side of the solution is great, the Windows side just has a lot of problems."

"Integration with other tools, such as, ConnectWise Automate."

"It would be beneficial to have better integration with other OS."

"Meraki Systems Manager lacks scripting capability compared to Workspace. I've seen the product focused mainly on mobile solutions. They might need more development in endpoints like Windows desktops."

"The tool's pricing needs to be more flexible like Cisco's."

"Security could be improved, and there could be more features that enable you to customize the end customer solution."

More Cisco Meraki Systems Manager (MDM+EMM) cons

"There is a lack of flexibility."

"In future releases, I would like to see more automation or bringing in AI into to understand device behavior."

"The tool's stability could be better."

"Its price could be improved. It could be cheaper. I would like to see a better approach for Android and an easy way to send packages and manage devices."

"Because our clients are all very satisfied with Ivanti from their side, there is little I can say about room for improvement. However, I think that to stay competitive with other solutions offering a similiar solution, Ivanti could look into making their products more affordable."

"The solution can improve by adding a kiosk mode option to the devices."

"Its price could be improved. It could be cheaper."

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The price of Intune is included with the license for Office 365, so we don't have to pay anything extra for it."

"I liked the tool's pricing until P2 came into effect. I am unsure about the current value versus the cost of the new licensing model."

"My team members bundled it together with their Microsoft solutions, including Microsoft 365 and related products."

"The price of Intune is often included as part of a bundle with other Microsoft licenses, which makes it somewhat cheaper."

"We use Defender ATP and E5 licenses."

"While I don't have access to high-level financial information, I believe we have achieved lower costs with this implementation."

"Pricing depends on the features. Microsoft offers special packages if there are more than 10,000 users, and you may be able to get a reduced rate."

"The pricing is not cheap, especially with inflation. They've had to increase their prices. It's not excessive, but alright."

More Microsoft Intune pricing and cost advice

"Meraki MDM is the cheapest solution we have used."

"It's extremely competitive and very good for a product in this sphere."

"My clients find it a bit expensive compared to other systems."

"My customers at times have issues with the price of the solution. It is expensive, but overall it is worth it. The licensing model cost is based on how many devices you require."

"The cost of installing this solution can be more expensive depending on who is doing the installation. Cisco is very expensive."

"Cisco Meraki Systems Manager is an expensive solution."

"The price is high for the market."

"The storage is affordable and the system has some price-related issues. Therefore, keeping the price in mind, I would rate it seven out of ten."

More Cisco Meraki Systems Manager (MDM+EMM) pricing and cost advice

"Although the solution is a bit costly in my opinion, for customers who really need this solution, Ivanti Avalanche is worth it."

"You will need to purchase licenses for each device."

"It is expensive. Its price could be cheaper."

"Other than the standard licensing fee, there aren't any additional or hidden costs, although I believe Avalanche could be made more affordable in general."

"The license is based on assets. I would rate the pricing a six out of ten, where one is cheap, and ten is expensive."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Financial Services Firm

10%

Manufacturing Company

Computer Software Company

Outsourcing Company

Construction Company

10%

Manufacturing Company

Financial Services Firm

Comms Service Provider

Manufacturing Company

13%

Construction Company

13%

Outsourcing Company

11%

Comms Service Provider

10%

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	192
Midsize Enterprise	62
Large Enterprise	186

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	16
Midsize Enterprise	5
Large Enterprise	14

No data available

Questions from the Community

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Product Reports

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Microsoft Intune

August 2026

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Cisco Meraki Systems Manager (MDM+EMM)

August 2026

Cisco Meraki Systems Manager (MDM+EMM) report

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Buyer's Guide

Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM)

August 2026

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Also Known As

Intune, MS Intune, Microsoft Endpoint Manager

Meraki MDM

No data available

Overview

Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based service designed for device management, security, and compliance. It supports automation and facilitates endpoint management for Windows, iOS, and Android devices, ensuring data protection and efficient policy enforcement.

Microsoft Intune offers seamless integration with tools like Windows Autopilot to automate device setup and deployment. Integrated with Azure Active Directory, it enhances policy management while providing robust reporting and analytics tools for compliance tracking. Despite its intuitive interface aimed at simplifying navigation and device security management, there are challenges such as compatibility issues with Linux and Mac, limited policy support for Android, and demands for better third-party integration. It's widely used for both corporate-owned devices and BYOD scenarios in dynamic IT environments.

What are the key features of Microsoft Intune?

Windows Autopilot: Automates device setup for rapid deployment.
Azure Active Directory Integration: Enhances user policy management.
Reporting and Analytics: Improves compliance visibility.
Mobile Application Management: Ensures app security without compromising personal data.
Cloud-Based Management: Allows management from any location.

What benefits and ROI can users expect?

Time Efficiency: Automation reduces time in policy enforcement and configuration updates.
Enhanced Security: Ensures data protection across corporate-owned and BYOD devices.
Improved Compliance: Advanced reporting tools enhance compliance visibility.
Flexible Management: Cloud-based nature supports management from any location.

In industries such as finance and healthcare, Microsoft Intune is implemented to ensure data protection and compliance with regulatory standards. Manufacturing sectors utilize Intune for managing a distributed workforce across global locations, while educational institutions employ it to secure and manage devices in learning environments supporting both students and faculty.

Microsoft

Cisco Meraki Systems Manager (MDM+EMM) enhances enterprise device management with centralized cloud-based control and robust security. Leveraging intuitive dashboards, it enables seamless deployment and management of applications and devices, supporting diverse environments with efficient scalability and minimal downtime.

Cisco Meraki Systems Manager (MDM+EMM) delivers a cloud-centric approach to managing enterprise networks by offering simplified device and application management. With strong security features such as geofencing, remote erasure, and secure access, it addresses critical needs in security policy enforcement and network monitoring. The system's analytics and extensive reporting capabilities offer insights that refine performance across device-heavy landscapes. Despite its advanced functionalities, areas for improvement include better scripting capabilities, broader compatibility with operating systems like Linux and Chromebooks, and stronger integration with third-party applications. Although pricing is considered high, the manager provides network visibility and control across devices like iPhones, tablets, and computers.

What are the key features of Cisco Meraki Systems Manager?

Cloud Management: Centralized, user-friendly interface for managing devices and applications.
Robust Security: Features like geofencing and secure access maintain network integrity.
Real-Time Analytics: Offers insights to optimize network performance with detailed reports.
Scalability: Supports seamless updates and handles large environments effectively.
Remote Control: Facilitates quick responses with remote wiping and troubleshooting abilities.

What benefits should users consider in Cisco Meraki evaluations?

Enhanced Efficiency: Streamlined processes for application deployment and device management.
Network Security: Comprehensive security features protect data and infrastructure.
Improved Insights: Access to detailed analytics improves decision-making.
Ultrafast Deployment: Rapid implementation minimizes downtime in dynamic environments.

Cisco Meraki Systems Manager is widely utilized across industries to manage and secure extensive networks. Educational institutions benefit from its mobile device management to ensure compliance and control over student devices. Retail environments leverage its centralized control to handle diverse endpoints, while healthcare providers count on its robust security capabilities to protect sensitive information and maintain network integrity. The manager's broad applicability ensures tailored management and security solutions for varied industry needs.

Cisco

Ivanti Avalanche is a robust management tool favored by organizations for mobile device and file transfer tasks. Its remote installation capabilities and policy-based management make it a reliable choice for efficient operations.

Ivanti Avalanche supports mobile device management and file transfers, especially in sectors like warehousing and logistics. Its stability and management features offer seamless remote control and package installation across devices, ensuring efficiency in environments such as transport and utilities. While users value its performance and technical support, there is interest in features like kiosk mode and broader Android support.

What are Ivanti Avalanche's most valuable features?

Remote Control: Enables remote management of devices, crucial for troubleshooting.
File Transfer: Facilitates efficient data transfer between devices.
Package Installation: Allows for simultaneous installation on multiple devices.
Policy-Based Management: Simplifies device management through customizable policies.
Granular Policies: Offers detailed control per device and user behavior.

What benefits and ROI should be considered?

Time Efficiency: Streamlines device management processes.
Stability: Provides consistent performance in dynamic environments.
Technical Support: Ensures guidance for optimal usage.
Cost-Effectiveness: A consideration for improving pricing models and expanding features.

Ivanti Avalanche is utilized in industries like warehousing, logistics, transport, and utilities for managing mobile devices, file transfers, and software updates. It supports technologies such as barcode scanners and thermal printers, assisting integrators in deploying solutions efficiently across client environments.

Ivanti

Sample Customers

Mitchells and Buzzers, Callaway

Hafen Hamburg & Empire Riverside Hotel, Eastview Church, Tourism Holdings, Colegio Sagrada Familia Hijas de Jesús, Tommy Bahama's, Canadian School Mexico, Rosebank College

Goya, Gist, TaylorMade

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August 2026

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