What is Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (former SCCM)?
Let’s start with the basics: Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, or MECM (formerly SCCM), is one of the tools that IT admins in larger organizations rely on heavily. It helps you manage devices, deploy applications, enforce security policies, and keep everything running smoothly across the entire IT environment.
You can think of MECM as your all-in-one IT command center, giving you the ability to manage everything from desktops and laptops to servers and even some mobile devices.
If you’re in charge of keeping hundreds (or thousands) of machines updated and secure, MECM is your go-to tool.
Application Management: What Can MECM Do?
This is where MECM shines.
Application management is probably one of its core strengths, offering much more than just pushing software to machines.
MECM gives you total control over how and when applications are deployed, which devices or users they target, and how users interact with them.
Let’s break this down further.
Deployment Options
MECM supports several ways to deploy applications, depending on your needs.
- Manual deployments: Specify exactly which devices or users should receive the application and when. This is ideal for testing or one-off deployments.
- Automated deployments: Roll out applications across your organization on a schedule. This is super handy for pushing mandatory updates during off-hours.
MECM Software Center
If you prefer giving your end users some autonomy, MECM’s Software Center serves as a self-service portal. Users can browse from a catalog of approved applications – it’s like an internal app store, but you’re in control of what’s available. This reduces the number of IT support tickets, as users can install or update applications without IT intervention.
Supported Application Types
MECM is highly flexible when it comes to packaging formats. It supports:
- MSI files – the gold standard for application packaging in Windows environments
- Executable files (EXE)
- APPX packages for UWP apps
- Scripts (PowerShell or batch files) for custom setups
- Microsoft Store for Business apps
This variety means you can handle nearly any kind of software your organization requires, whether it’s a lightweight utility or a complex enterprise application.
Supersedence and Dependencies
MECM has robust mechanisms for handling application supersedence and dependencies.
Let’s say you’re rolling out a new version of an application. MECM can automatically uninstall the old version first and ensure the new one gets installed cleanly.
If an application requires a specific runtime or framework, MECM can handle those prerequisites during deployment, ensuring everything works seamlessly.
Deployment Reporting
MECM doesn’t stop at deploying applications; it also provides reporting capabilities. You can see which installations succeeded, which ones failed, and why.
This kind of visibility is crucial for troubleshooting and ensuring compliance, especially in environments where you’re managing sensitive data or regulated industries.
Advanced Installer’s Expertise in MECM and SCCM
At Advanced Installer, we’ve been deeply involved in the SCCM/MECM ecosystem for years.
We understand how complex and time-consuming application deployment can be – especially in large-scale environments – and we’ve built tools and resources to make it easier.
PacKit by Advanced Installer helps reduce the manual effort of packaging and updating applications for Intune and MECM. It’s ideal for streamlining repetitive tasks, updating existing packages, or packaging newer versions of applications—allowing you to focus on higher-priority work without compromising on quality.
Additionally, check out our resources to make the process smoother:
The Future of MECM vs. Intune
There’s a noticeable shift in IT management trends.
Intune, Microsoft’s cloud-based device management solution, is becoming the focus of Microsoft’s strategy. It’s modern, scalable, and built for the cloud-first approach many organizations are adopting.
But does that mean MECM is going? Not just yet.
MECM still has a strong foothold in enterprises that need on-premises management, especially in industries with strict compliance or data sovereignty requirements. It also supports hybrid scenarios, where MECM and Intune work together. This co-management model lets you use the best of both worlds—leveraging MECM’s robust on-premises capabilities while gradually adopting Intune for cloud-based management.
While Microsoft is investing heavily in Intune, MECM remains a critical tool for many enterprise IT environments.
For more on this topic, check out our article: SCCM to Intune Migration | Is Intune the Best Microsoft SCCM Alternative?
Conclusion
MECM continues to be a powerhouse for managing devices, applications, and updates in enterprise environments. Its flexibility and depth of features make it indispensable for IT teams.
While Intune is undoubtedly the future of Microsoft’s device management strategy, MECM’s strong integration with Intune means you can adopt a hybrid approach and make the transition at your own pace.
If you’re working with MECM and looking for ways to streamline your workflows, Advanced Installer has plenty of resources to help. Whether you’re troubleshooting deployments or looking for tips to optimize your app packaging, we’ve got the guides and tools to make your life easier.
Stay tuned for more technical insights—and as always, feel free to explore our resources or reach out with questions.
Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager: FAQ
Is Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM) being replaced by Intune?
Not immediately. While Microsoft is prioritizing Intune for modern cloud-based management, MECM is still widely used—especially in organizations that require on-premises control or have strict compliance needs. Many companies are currently using both in a co-management setup as they transition gradually.
What types of applications can MECM deploy?
MECM supports a wide range of application types, including MSI, EXE, APPX, PowerShell scripts, batch files, and Microsoft Store for Business apps. This makes it highly flexible for managing both simple utilities and complex enterprise software.
What’s the best way to manage an SCCM to Intune migration without falling behind?
Using tools like PacKit can help accelerate the migration process by automating app conversion and deployment. It allows teams to scale deliverables quickly while maintaining high quality, making it easier to meet tight project timelines.
Written by
Alex Marin
Application Packaging and SCCM Deployments specialist, solutions finder, Technical Writer at Advanced Installer.