Managing thousands of endpoints across multiple operating systems is a major obstacle for organizations pursuing Zero Trust security initiatives. Pima Community College recently faced this reality as it worked to secure nearly 10,000 devices across campuses while supporting 40,000 students, 2,500 employees and a growing portfolio of specialized technology programs. Their approach offers valuable lessons for organizational and IT leaders balancing security, operational efficiency and end-user experience.
The challenges of Zero Trust endpoint management in higher education
Supporting approximately 40,000 students and 2,500 employees meant managing a highly diverse device ecosystem spanning Windows, macOS, iOS and Chromebooks. The environment also included specialized technologies such as IoT devices, virtual reality systems and industry-specific equipment used throughout academic programs.
Like many organizations, Pima relied on multiple endpoint management tools to support this environment. Each platform addressed a specific need, but because none provided complete coverage across the entire device fleet, workflows were fragmented, security was inconsistent and administrative efforts were regularly duplicated. As the organization advanced its Zero Trust strategy, the limitations of this approach became increasingly difficult to sustain.
Without a unified approach, endpoint management risked becoming a barrier to the college’s broader Zero Trust initiative.
How organizations can manage diverse endpoints from a single platform
To simplify operations and strengthen security, Pima selected Omnissa Workspace ONE UEM as its centralized endpoint management platform. The ability to manage all devices through a single solution regardless of operating system or location allowed the college to standardize device enrollment, patch management, software updates and compliance enforcement across Windows, macOS, iOS and ChromeOS devices. Rather than managing separate processes across multiple platforms, administrators could establish common security controls and operational workflows throughout the environment.
For organizations implementing Zero Trust security frameworks, this level of consistency is critical. Security policies are only as effective as the organization’s ability to apply and monitor them across every endpoint.
The power of self-service application delivery in improving IT efficiency
Endpoint management was only one part of the equation. Pima also needed a more efficient way to deliver software to users across dozens of academic disciplines, each requiring different applications and tools.
Using Workspace ONE Intelligent Hub, the college created a centralized application experience that streamlined software delivery while reducing IT workload. Core applications such as Microsoft 365 could be automatically deployed, while faculty, staff and students could access role-specific applications through a self-service catalog. Users gained faster access to the software they needed without requiring IT intervention for every request, effectively reducing administrative overhead while creating a more consistent experience across the institution’s diverse user base.
How AI-driven automation could further streamline endpoint operations
With a unified endpoint management foundation established, Pima is now exploring how AI and automation can further improve operations.
Future initiatives include leveraging Omnissa Intelligence, Omni and Freestyle Orchestrator to automate repetitive endpoint management tasks and streamline application deployment workflows. Automation offers a practical path toward maintaining security and operational control without continuously expanding IT resources, and simplifying management has better positioned Pima to adopt automation in the future, as endpoint environments continue to become more diverse and widely distributed.
Building a scalable endpoint management strategy
By consolidating multiple tools into Workspace ONE, Pima established a centralized endpoint management strategy that supports its Zero Trust goals across nearly 10,000 devices. Securing their growing and increasingly diverse endpoint environment allowed the college to reduce tool sprawl and streamline workflows, creating a scalable path forward.
Whether you’re managing thousands of endpoints across education, healthcare or enterprise environments, Tech Orchard helps organizations effectively implement and optimize Workspace ONE environments that strengthen security while reducing administrative burden. Reach out at help@techorchard.com today to discuss your endpoint management strategy and identify opportunities before complexity becomes a barrier to organizational growth.
