Today, businesses rely heavily on technology to run efficiently and meet customers' demands. It is important that all technological endpoints, including laptops, desktops, and mobile devices, perform optimally. Endpoint Analytics offers organizations a solution that collects data and insights surrounding endpoint performance so that they can ensure that all these endpoints work seamlessly together and make improvements and changes where needed.
One of the key advantages of Endpoint Analytics is its capacity to detect and resolve issues before they escalate into major issues. This proactive approach to endpoint management can save organizations time and money by reducing support tickets, avoiding expensive downtime, and guaranteeing users a smooth experience.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll look into the details of Endpoint Analytics, its benefits, and how you can implement it.
What Is an Endpoint Analytics Portal?
The Endpoint analytics portal is a comprehensive Microsoft Endpoint Manager Admin Center dashboard, granting IT professionals access to in-depth information and practical tools.
The Endpoint analytics portal is an integral component of Microsoft Endpoint Manager. It delivers valuable insights and resources designed to assist IT administrators in enhancing end-user experiences while minimizing support expenses. Endpoint analytics is devoted to gathering, deciphering, and interpreting data from endpoint devices connected to a company's network.
Examples of endpoint devices include:
- Computers
- Laptops
- Mobile phones
- Tablets
- IoT devices
Endpoint Analytics' main goals are to boost security, optimize device performance, enhance end-user experiences, and automate IT administration procedures.
IT managers and security experts can learn about many facets of device usage, performance, and security with the help of Endpoint Analytics. This can entail monitoring hardware and software setups, spotting patterns and potential problems, assessing user experience metrics, and proactively fixing prevalent faults.
Organizations can use the information provided by Endpoint Analytics to make wise decisions about resource allocation, device management, and security policies. Ultimately, this results in lower support expenses, higher productivity, and an improved user experience for staff members compared to manual management of devices.
Key Components of Endpoint Analytics
The following are the key components of Endpoint Analytics:
- Data gathering: Endpoint Analytics technologies collect information from various resources, including operating systems, applications, hardware, and network connections, to provide insights. Performance indicators, software usage, user behavior, and security incidents might all be part of the data collection.
- Data analysis: Endpoint Analytics systems use sophisticated methods like machine learning algorithms to process and analyze data. This analysis allows IT teams to spot patterns, trends, and abnormalities in real-time, giving them important information about the security and health of the network.
- Visualization: To show the analyzed data in a clear and usable way, Endpoint Analytics platforms frequently incorporate visualization capabilities, such as dashboards and reports. This makes it simple for IT managers to monitor endpoint performance, spot potential problems, and make informed decisions.
- Threat detection and response: Endpoint Analytics can assist in detecting possible security threats, such as malware infections, unauthorized access, or odd user behavior. Organizations can lessen the risk of data breaches and the effects of security incidents by proactively detecting and addressing these risks.
- IT optimization: By locating performance bottlenecks, ineffective procedures, and underutilized resources, Endpoint Analytics enables organizations to optimize their IT infrastructure and operations. With the aid of this knowledge, endpoint performance may be enhanced, software installations can be made simpler, and resource allocation can be made more effective.
Types of Data Collected & Analyzed Through Endpoint Analytics
Endpoint Analytics gathers and examines data from all endpoint devices connected to a company's network to offer insights into these devices' performance, security, and usage.
Here are some examples of the data that Endpoint Analytics normally gathers and examines:
- Inventory of connected devices: Details about the hardware characteristics, models, serial numbers, and operating system versions.
- Software inventory: Information on installed programs, such as their names, versions, and installation dates, enables businesses to keep their software current and in line with licensing regulations.
- Metrics relating to user experience: Information on how well a device performs and how satisfied users are, including login times, application load times, system responsiveness, and crash reports.
- Security data: Information on device security, including firewall configurations, operating system updates, antivirus status, and discovered security threats or vulnerabilities, is called security data.
- Network connectivity: Information about network connections, such as IP addresses, Wi-Fi or ethernet status, and data usage, can be used to spot connectivity problems or possible bottlenecks.
- Device usage patterns: Information on how devices are used, such as frequently used programs, user behavior, and peak usage periods, can be useful in determining future training needs and optimizing resource allocation.
- Event logs: Records of system activities and application faults that assist IT managers in troubleshooting problems and spotting prospective concerns.
- Configuration data: Information concerning the settings and configurations of a device, such as registry settings, group policies, and system preferences.
Endpoint Analytics assists organizations in gaining a thorough knowledge of their endpoint devices by gathering and analyzing this wide variety of data. This insight enables them to optimize performance, strengthen security, and enhance end-user experiences.
Endpoint Analytics vs. Desktop Analytics
While Configuration Manager and Intune both support the implementation of Endpoint Analytics as a solution, this is not the situation with Desktop Analytics since it is limited to integration with Configuration Manager despite being a cloud-managed service.
The main variations between the two are as follows:
|
Endpoint Analytics |
Desktop Analytics |
|
Gather and analyze data from any endpoint device that can connect to a network |
Assist businesses with the planning and execution of Windows and Office updates or upgrades |
|
Covers a range of endpoint devices, including desktop and laptop computers, smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices |
Primarily focused on managing Windows devices and their upgrades |
|
Helps IT managers proactively identify and fix frequent problems and optimize device performance |
Helps IT managers assess organizational preparedness for updates and upgrades, spot potential compatibility issues, and set up test pilots |
|
Part of Microsoft Endpoint Manager, which combines Configuration Manager and Intune into a single platform |
Integrated with Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager |
|
Offers insights into user experience, security, device performance, and compliance |
Provides information on how well drivers, hardware, and software work together in a Windows system |
While Desktop Analytics focuses on managing Windows desktop environments and upgrades, Endpoint Analytics covers various endpoint devices. Both technologies give IT managers useful information and resources to maintain and enhance their organization's security, end-user experiences, and device performance. Microsoft recommends Endpoint Analytics because it can be used to determine whether a device is ready for Windows 11 hardware.
Benefits of Endpoint Analytics
Endpoint Analytics offers a range of benefits to organizations by providing valuable insights and tools for IT administrators to maintain and enhance device performance, security, and end-user experiences.
Key benefits of Endpoint analytics include:
1. Improved Security
Endpoint Analytics assists businesses in locating security gaps, tracking device compliance, and spotting possible dangers or breaches. IT managers can put the required security rules and corrective measures in place to safeguard sensitive data and uphold overall network security by using insights regarding the security posture of endpoint devices.
2. Enhanced Productivity
IT managers can monitor user experience metrics like login times and application performance with Endpoint Analytics. They can find and fix any bottlenecks or problems affecting staff productivity using the insights. A more effective work environment may be created by proactively addressing these problems, increasing productivity and end-user satisfaction.
3. Improved Device Performance
By offering more information on device hardware, Endpoint Analytics assists with providing optimal software setups and performance indicators. IT administrators may use this data to optimize device settings, resolve problems, and otherwise ensure that devices perform at their best. This improves user experience while extending device life and lowering the frequency of hardware updates or replacements.
4. Increasing Visibility
Long-standing business networks will likely have linked devices that can be identified just by IP addresses. With a solution like Endpoint Analytics, people know whether these devices are heart rate monitors, security cameras, or cash registers. A blatant security risk exists when devices are improperly recognized, profiled, and protected. Endpoint Analytics takes the first step in safeguarding devices by determining what they are.
5. Spoof Detection
It is possible for an insecure endpoint to be compromised or purposefully added to the network, where its MAC address makes it appear to be something it is not. As an illustration, a hacked printer cab impersonates an MRI machine to obtain patient information.
Endpoint analytics flags the unusual behavior by properly identifying and analyzing its communication.
6. Threat Assessment
The profile that Endpoint Analytics creates is used to assess each device based on its network behavior. Administrators or upstream security apps can use this score as additional assistance when determining whether to trust an endpoint or check it for security flaws.
7. Threat Reduction
Threats can be decreased by using Endpoint Analytics' proof of identity, profiling, grouping, and trust rating. Administrators may use this data to create security rules. To stop the spread of threats, they could also put in place systems to isolate rogue or hacked endpoints.
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Use Cases for Endpoint Analytics
Endpoint Analytics is a flexible solution that can enhance security, productivity, and device performance in various sectors.
The following three use examples highlight the benefits of Endpoint analytics in the financial, healthcare, and remote management sectors:
Healthcare
Ensuring compliance with data protection laws like HIPAA is essential in healthcare organizations. Endpoint Analytics assists in keeping track of device compliance, spotting any security holes, and guaranteeing the security of important patient data.
For the treatment of patients, healthcare personnel primarily rely on specialized software and systems. Endpoint Analytics offers insights into how well an application is doing, assisting IT teams in finding and fixing any problems that might be affecting the delivery of patient care or employee or team productivity.
Additionally, healthcare organizations frequently use various devices, including computers, mobile devices, and IoT devices like medical equipment. IT managers can manage and safeguard this complicated device ecosystem using Endpoint Analytics.
Finance
Financial firms must uphold strict security requirements since they handle sensitive client data. Endpoint Analytics may assist in spotting possible attacks, locating weaknesses, and ensuring endpoint devices adhere to security standards.
IT professionals may increase productivity, pinpoint performance issues, and optimize application settings using Endpoint Analytics. Financial institutions must also adhere to several industry laws. Endpoint Analytics may help organizations comply with regulatory obligations by offering insights about device compliance.
Education
Endpoint Analytics can enhance the whole digital learning experience for students and teachers in the education industry. IT managers can guarantee the best performance and security by monitoring and controlling devices like laptops, tablets, and interactive whiteboards. A more fluid and effective learning experience may be achieved by optimizing software settings and identifying application performance issues by Endpoint Analytics.
Retail
Endpoint Analytics may help retail firms by guaranteeing the functionality and security of their point-of-sale (POS) systems and other devices utilized across the business. IT teams can swiftly find and fix problems affecting sales transactions or customer experiences by keeping an eye on device performance, even when these devices exist in various distributed environments.
By offering information on device security and compliance, Endpoint Analytics may assist merchants in ensuring adherence to industry rules like the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).
Manufacturing
Companies in the manufacturing industry may use Endpoint Analytics to enhance the functionality of IoT devices and industrial control systems on the factory floor. IT teams may resolve performance bottlenecks and potential security flaws before they affect production or endanger critical data by recognizing these problems.
Additionally, by ensuring that devices are up to date and in compliance with industry standards, Endpoint Analytics may assist industrial organizations in better managing and maintaining their heterogeneous device ecosystems.
Government
Endpoint Analytics is a tool government organizations can use to improve their networks' and devices' security and functionality, which frequently handle sensitive and classified information.
Endpoint Analytics assists government IT administrators in implementing the proper security rules and corrective measures by offering insights regarding device compliance, vulnerabilities, and possible threats.
Additionally, government organizations may increase staff productivity and optimize operations by monitoring user experience and device performance.
Endpoint Analytics in Microsoft Endpoint Manager
To utilize Endpoint Analytics in Microsoft Endpoint Manager, appropriate permissions are required. This includes having an appropriate role under the Endpoint Analytics, Organization, or School Administrator categories, as well as read permission under the Help Desk Operator or Endpoint Security Manager Intune roles. Additionally, the Reports Reader Azure AD role is required. To use Proactive Remediation in Endpoint Analytics, the appropriate role under the Device Configurations category must be granted.
Built-in role permissions
|
Role name |
Azure Active Directory role |
Intune role |
Endpoint analytics permissions |
|
Global Administrator |
Yes |
Read/write |
|
|
Intune Service Administrator |
Yes |
Read/write |
|
|
School Administrator |
Yes |
Read/write |
|
|
Endpoint Security Manager |
Yes |
Read-only |
|
|
Help Desk Operator |
Yes |
Read-only |
|
|
Read Only Operator |
Yes |
Read-only |
|
|
Reports Reader |
Yes |
Read-only |
Licensing Requirements
To use Endpoint Analytics, a valid license is required for enrolled devices. This includes devices with an Intune subscription, such as Microsoft 365 Business Premium, Microsoft 365 E3, and E5. For Proactive Remediations, the following licenses (or any subscription that includes them) are required:
- Windows 10 Enterprise E3 or E5 (included in Microsoft F3, E3, or E5)
- Windows 10 Education A3 or A5 (included in Microsoft 365 A3 or A5)
- Windows 10 Virtual Desktop Access (VDA) per user.
Requirements When Enrolling Devices via Intune
When enrolling devices via Intune, certain requirements must be met:
- The device must run Windows 10 Pro, Pro Education, Enterprise, or Education, with version 1903 or later.
- The device must also be either Azure AD Joined or Hybrid AD Joined.
- It is important to ensure clear connectivity to the Microsoft public cloud.
- The Intune Service Administrator role is required to begin information gathering.
Requirements When Enrolling Devices via Configuration Manager
To enroll devices in Endpoint Analytics via Configuration Manager, the minimum version required is 2002 with KB4560496 or later. Additionally, Microsoft Endpoint Manager tenant attachments must be enabled. Finally, Endpoint analytics must be enabled for devices uploaded to Microsoft Endpoint Manager.
Proactive Remediation Scripting Requirements
To use Proactive Remediation Scripting in Endpoint Analytics, devices must meet specific requirements as follows:
- First, the device must be either Azure AD joined or Hybrid AD joined.
- Additionally, the device must be managed by Intune and have either Windows 10 Enterprise, Pro, or Education.
- Alternatively, the device can be co-managed and run Windows 10 version 1903 or later.
Best Practices for Implementing Endpoint Analytics
Endpoint Analytics implementation needs careful planning and adherence to best practices to achieve the most benefits. Consider the following recommended practices while deploying Endpoint Analytics in your company:
Ensuring Privacy and Data Security
When collecting and processing data from endpoint devices, it is critical to make privacy and data protection a priority. To protect sensitive information, be careful to use strong data encryption, secure data storage, and stringent access restrictions. Additionally, abide by any data protection laws and keep open communication with your staff on the gathering and using of your data.
Defining Metrics to Measure Success
Establish precise objectives and set specific metrics to gauge the success of your project before adopting Endpoint Analytics. Improvements in device performance, user experience, security posture, and IT support effectiveness may be among these criteria. Make sure your Endpoint Analytics setup is producing the anticipated outcomes by routinely monitoring and assessing these KPIs.
Using a Reliable Endpoint Analytics Tool
Choose an Endpoint Analytics solution that is trustworthy and satisfies your organization's demands and specifications. Examine the features and capabilities of several tools and their simplicity of deployment, scalability, and interaction with your current IT infrastructure. Choose a renowned solution from a dependable source to guarantee reliable performance, security, and support.
Microsoft has a mechanism for evaluating the dependability of various endpoint protection solutions known as the Microsoft score system for endpoint tools. This system evaluates how well endpoint security products defend against threats, including malware, ransomware, and phishing scams.
The score system makes use of a variety of characteristics, such as protection, performance, and usability, to assess the efficacy of endpoint protection systems. The tool's success at identifying and thwarting threats is reflected in its protection score, while the tool's influence on system performance is evaluated by its performance score. The tool's usability is evaluated based on how simple it is to use and how well it fits into existing workflows and systems.
Integrating with Existing IT Infrastructure
Integrate Endpoint Analytics with your organization's current IT infrastructure, such as device management platforms, security solutions, and help desk systems, to get the most out of it. Data may be exchanged seamlessly through this connectivity, giving you a complete picture of your device landscape and simplifying effective administration and support procedures.
Training IT Staff and End-Users
Inform your IT team about the functions and features of the Endpoint Analytics solution you've selected and provide them with the instruction they need to utilize the instrument efficiently. Also, educate end users on the advantages of Endpoint Analytics, discuss and resolve any worries they may have, and instruct them on how to optimize their devices for speed and security.
Regularly Review and Update Policies
Continually examine and revise your company's device management and security guidelines depending on the information and advice your Endpoint analytics solution offers. By addressing changing risks, user requirements, and device configurations, your rules are updated and functional.
By adhering to these best practices, you can ensure that Endpoint analytics is successfully implemented in your business, enhancing security, productivity, and device performance.
Conclusion
Endpoint Analytics can be a powerful tool to help businesses optimize their IT infrastructure and improve employee productivity. By providing insights into device performance, usage patterns, and potential issues, Endpoint Analytics can help organizations proactively address IT challenges before they impact business operations. Additionally, Endpoint Analytics can aid in the identification of opportunities for cost savings and process improvement.
At Amaxra, we are experts in Endpoint Analytics and can help your business leverage this technology to drive success. Our team of experienced IT professionals can help you develop a customized Endpoint Analytics strategy tailored to your unique business needs. Contact us today to learn how we can help you empower your business with Endpoint Analytics.
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