By BNC Systems — Your Trusted Partner for IT Consulting and Outsourcing in Dallas and Denver
While Microsoft Intune and BNC Pulse (RMM) are often mentioned in the same conversation, they solve very different problems in IT environments. Intune is designed to provide strong identity control, device security, and compliance across Microsoft 365 ecosystems, while BNC Pulse focuses on real-time monitoring, automation, and operational management. Knowing the strengths of each platform helps organizations choose the right solution or combine them for a more complete approach.
When to Use Intune vs. When to Use BNC Pulse
Intune is typically selected when an environment requires strong identity-driven security, compliance, and mobile device management across mixed platforms (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android). It is best used when:
- The organization is fully invested in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.
- Zero Trust security, Conditional Access, and compliance enforcement are a priority.
- Devices need standardized configuration profiles, policies, and app deployments.
- Mobile Device Management (MDM) and Mobile Application Management (MAM) are required.
- The environment includes BYOD or company-owned devices requiring a unified security posture.
- Governance, auditing, and identity-based access control are important.
BNC Pulse is chosen when the operational focus is on monitoring, automation, remote remediation, and managing large fleets of desktops/servers. It is best used when:
- An MSP or internal IT ops team needs real-time scripting, automation, and remote troubleshooting.
- Deep performance monitoring and alerting at the device/service level are required.
- Patch orchestration, scheduled remediation, and mass automation workflows are priorities.
- The environment includes servers or mixed OS machines that need constant RMM oversight.
- The organization requires multi-tenant management or centralized monitoring for many customers.
- Mobile device management is not a major requirement.
In many environments, both systems are deployed together: Intune for security/compliance/identity and BNC Pulse for monitoring, patching, scripting, and operational visibility.
High-Level Summary of Intune and BNC Pulse
Intune provides comprehensive, cloud-native device and application management tightly integrated with Microsoft 365. Its strengths include identity-driven control, compliance enforcement, Conditional Access, MDM/MAM capabilities, Defender integration, and governance. It excels in securing and standardizing devices in modern cloud-based work environments.
BNC Pulse delivers powerful RMM capabilities designed for operational efficiency. Real-time scripting, automated remediation, patch management, deep monitoring, and remote support tools included. It provides exceptional visibility into device health and performance, making it ideal for MSPs and IT operations teams managing distributed fleets.
In short:
- Intune = Security, Compliance, Identity, Mobile Management, Zero Trust.
- BNC Pulse = Monitoring, Automation, Scripting, Patch Control, Remote Support.
At the end of the day, both Intune and BNC Pulse bring valuable strengths to modern IT operations. Intune anchors identity and security, while BNC Pulse keeps your systems running smoothly behind the scenes. Rather than choosing one, many businesses see the best results from using both in a complementary way. If you’re unsure which direction makes the most sense for your environment, our team can help you evaluate your current setup and recommend a path forward based on your security, compliance, and operational goals. We are your trusted IT service provider Dallas and Denver.
Curious what a better device management strategy could look like for your business? Reach out at bncsystems.com and let’s explore options together.
