Hexnode, a leader in enterprise mobility, offers Unified Endpoint Management solutions for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, tvOS, and Fire OS devices. Hexnode is one of the most trusted enterprise security solutions worldwide, combining multiple security features into a single console. Mr. Apu Pavithran, CEO and Founder of Hexnode, discussed with IT Voice how solutions like Hexnode help companies secure their devices and the scope of enterprise security in the post-pandemic era.
- Can you share the story behind Hexnode’s founding and how the company has evolved to become a leader in the UEM space?
Hexnode was found at a time when workplaces started to get mobile. With the heightened popularity of smartphones – especially when iPhones became the new Blackberry, it became evident that businesses didn’t have a hope of managing their data and devices without a solution in place. Organizations mostly just managed Windows desktops with client management tools (CMT), and that was it. With mobile devices flooding the workplace, creating a real need for efficient management solutions, Mobile Device Management (MDM) became a key solution in addressing these challenges.
Studies and reports were already predicting a shift towards flexible work arrangements, and security had to start from the endpoint. This was exactly what we had in mind. Since the move to the cloud was starting to gain traction, we decided to deliver our product as a SaaS solution.
We also wanted Hexnode to be accessible to businesses of all sizes. Today, with the highly segregated workforce, device diversity, adoption of BYOD, and the prevalence of IoT, we have evolved from an MDM solution to a unified endpoint management (UEM) solution.
- What are some of the organizations’ most significant challenges in managing enterprise mobility today, and how does Hexnode address these challenges?
One of the most prominent challenges organizations face today in managing enterprise mobility is the sheer diversity of devices and securing them from the ever-present cyber threats. This complexity is further amplified by the rise of hybrid work environments, where employees are spread across different locations, using personal devices and connecting to multiple networks. With work untethered from specific locations and schedules, there’s an undeniable need for more flexible device management solutions.
Each endpoint is a critical access point to the enterprise network, and any unsecured device can become a gateway for malicious actors to breach the system. Additionally, compliance with regulatory standards adds another layer of complexity, especially when organizations operate in multiple regions with varying legal requirements.
Hexnode provides IT admins with the necessary visibility over the devices. They can monitor, manage, and secure all devices from a single console. In terms of security, we offer automated patch management, real-time monitoring, web content filtering, and identity management to keep endpoints secure. Additionally, our BYOD management tools allow organizations to separate personal and work data on employee devices, maintaining privacy without compromising security.
Finally, Hexnode helps organizations stay compliant by offering tailored policy management and detailed reporting capabilities. This allows businesses to meet the regulatory requirements of different regions and industries while simplifying the auditing process.
- What sets Hexnode apart from other UEM solutions in the market, especially regarding features, scalability, and customer experience?
Hexnode has been built to scale, meaning it can adapt to the needs of small businesses as well as large enterprises with thousands of endpoints. Moreover, our customers don’t have to trade usability or affordability for advanced features. Our solution goes beyond basic device management to include features like remote monitoring and management (RMM), local user management, automated patch management, and more.
Our response time is the best in the industry, and each query that has been raised is handled with utmost care. Hexnode has always had a keen ear for its customers’ opinions. We offer 24/5 support, and our team works closely with clients to ensure they get the most out of the platform. From onboarding to ongoing assistance, our customer success team is dedicated to helping businesses optimize their endpoint management. The positive feedback we receive about our personalized support is a testament to our commitment to customer satisfaction.
- How do you envision the future of business mobility? What trends will impact the UEM and enterprise software market in the next decade?
We are entering an era where employees expect to access corporate resources from anywhere, using any device seamlessly. At the same time, companies face growing pressure to secure those data and endpoints and streamline their management. As organizations increasingly embrace hybrid work models, the future of business mobility is centered around flexibility, security, and automation.
Recent research indicates that workforce productivity is the driving force behind modern business success. Any disruption within endpoints doesn’t just have implications for the employees but can also impact businesses. As a result, businesses are shifting focus from conventional endpoint management to performance management to create a more friendly digital employee experience (DEX).
The rapidly evolving threat landscape demands equally dynamic security measures. When managing organizational endpoints using UEM, advanced security features like extended detection and response (XDR) act as real-time security guards, continuously monitoring app behavior for suspicious activities. With AI and ML transforming the industry, integrating them with tools like automated threat intelligence and incident response can be a game changer.
- How is Hexnode incorporating AI and automation into its platform to enhance the efficiency of endpoint management and improve security?
One of our most exciting features is Hexnode Genie, which incorporates natural language processing (NLP), enhancing device management capabilities. With Genie, IT admins can effortlessly create, validate, and deploy custom scripts across Windows and macOS. Ultimately, this feature is designed to reduce the time and effort required for device management, improve accuracy in script deployment, and enhance overall operational productivity within organizations.
We have also made it easy to deploy files, certificates, or updates to a device or group of devices with just a few clicks and automate routine processes. IT admins can also set up configurations that trigger actions based on specific workflows. Another automated feature we offer is dynamic grouping. With dynamic grouping, member devices automatically change based on specified conditions. During periodic group sync, devices move in and out of the group.
- With cyber threats constantly evolving, how does Hexnode ensure robust security for enterprises managing thousands of devices across different geographies?
Hexnode is designed to address the dynamic nature of cybersecurity with a multi-layered approach. From fundamental security policies like encryption and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to real-time device monitoring and automated patching, Hexnode offers fully-fledged protection for businesses.
For enterprises managing devices in different regions, we offer geofencing capabilities. These allow IT teams to enforce location-specific security policies that notify admins when these devices move outside the designated safe zones, making them non-compliant with a particular policy, thus ensuring compliance with various regional regulations. Organizations can significantly enhance their security posture by adopting a multi-layered security approach with identity as the new perimeter. Identity and access management (IAM) features enable them to precisely identify user groups and authenticate users using robust methods like MFA or Single Sign On (SSO).
With Hexnode’s remote security features, such as the ability to lock or wipe devices and monitor suspicious activity in real-time, we provide enterprises with the tools they need to secure their global fleet of devices against constantly evolving cyber threats.
- Hexnode now serves organizations in over 100 countries. What strategies did you implement to achieve such global reach and scale?
Expanding Hexnode’s global reach has been a combination of strategic product development, customer-centric services, and a strong focus on scalability. From the very beginning, we aimed to create a platform that is versatile and adaptable across different regions and industries. Our Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) solution was built to be OS-agnostic and support a broad range of devices, allowing us to serve various business environments, irrespective of the vertical.
One of the core strategies that helped us scale globally was our focus on simplicity and accessibility. We designed Hexnode to be easy to deploy and manage, regardless of an organization’s IT team’s technical capabilities. Additionally, our localization efforts ensure that the platform meets the unique compliance and security requirements of different regions. Furthermore, partnering with local resellers and expanding our channel partner network has allowed us to provide personalized support and foster stronger relationships in each region.
Hexnode offers 24/5 global support to assist organizations across time zones and ensure customers receive the help they need, regardless of location. Most importantly, we constantly listen to our customers’ demands and feedback and try to incorporate feasible changes to our product, making it customer-centric.
- As a thought leader in IT governance and information security, what advice would you give CIOs and IT leaders managing today’s rapidly changing IT landscapes?
Businesses should adopt a strong cybersecurity culture practiced across all levels. We are all threatened by escalating threats like ransomware attacks, data breaches, and similar incidents against organizations, whether small businesses or Fortune 500 companies. By fostering awareness, training, and education, CIOs can empower employees at all levels to recognize and report potential threats.
While fostering a security culture among employees is crucial, embracing digital transformation with caution is equally essential. It is vital to future-proof the IT infrastructure and embrace digital transformation in alignment with long-term business objectives. CIOs should ensure that new technologies are thoroughly vetted for security vulnerabilities and integrated in a controlled, phased manner.
Apart from this, there is a greater need for efficient and clear communication and for enhancing the skill set for improved understanding. CIOs must effectively communicate the IT strategy and its impact to both the board and leadership. This involves regular updates on IT’s roadmap, costs, and risks, fostering trust and transparency. To address business needs, CIOs should involve the entire leadership team and understand the user perspective.
- How has the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the demand for remote endpoint management solutions, and what trends have you observed post-pandemic?
The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a major catalyst for the shift towards remote work. Many enterprises were caught off guard and had to shift from their traditional security approaches quickly. Businesses realized their existing tools needed to be designed to handle such distributed environments at scale and required remote endpoint management solutions to protect their data.
In the post-pandemic world, with the rise of hybrid work models, organizations have proactively enhanced their cybersecurity strategies to align with the new normal. Enterprises now prioritize device management solutions that enable IT administrators to securely and efficiently manage devices remotely.
With a focus on innovation, new security policies and features are continuously being introduced to safeguard corporate data. Notably, there has been rapid adoption of enterprise security solutions such as Identity and Access Management and Zero Trust approach, showing how enterprises are prioritizing cybersecurity.
- What’s next for Hexnode? Can you give us a glimpse into any upcoming innovations or strategic plans you are excited about?
We have some exciting developments on the horizon as we continue expanding globally and building a diverse team. We have opened new offices in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru in India, as well as in Singapore, marking a key expansion for us.
We recently hosted HexCon24, our first-ever in-person event for customers and partners, where we unveiled several key enhancements to our platform. One of the most exciting news is our extended support for Linux, Chrome OS, and Vision Pro. This expands Hexnode’s versatility, allowing organizations with diverse device environments to manage everything from a single platform.
We also introduced Hexnode Genie, an automation tool for seamlessly deploying custom scripts across devices. Another feature we’re particularly excited about is the ability to customize, schedule, and access pre-designed reports utilizing user-friendly templates, providing valuable insights about their devices. Additionally, we have launched the Managed Service Provider (MSP) portal, offering our partners the convenience of managing customers from a single interface.
Moreover, following the success of our Hexnode Gateway for macOS, we’ve extended the solution to support Windows devices. With this, administrators can now effortlessly transition managed Windows devices from another MDM to Hexnode. With these groundbreaking features and our global expansion, the future looks incredibly bright, and we are excited about what it will hold for us and our customers.
