Simplifying app deployment for MSPs with Nerdio Manager
Managing applications across multiple clients is one of the biggest headaches for MSPs. Frequent updates, custom configurations, and security patches make it a constant challenge. Just last year, Adobe Acrobat had 24 updates, many with critical security fixes. Google Chrome? 30 updates—13 major, 17 minor. That’s 54 updates to manage across just two apps.
Traditionally, keeping software up to date means manual packaging, testing, and deployment. It’s time-consuming and drains IT resources. But there’s a better way.
How Nerdio simplifies application management
Nerdio Unified Application Management (UAM) automates app deployment using Microsoft Intune and WinGet repositories. No more complex packaging or manual rollouts. Applications stay updated, secure, and consistently deployed across environments.
Here’s how Nerdio Manager for MSP, powered by UAM, streamlines deployment, cuts operational overhead, and boosts efficiency.
Keeping applications updated and secure
Outdated software is a top security risk. The average user relies on 30+ applications daily, and businesses may use hundreds. Keeping them updated is critical to reducing vulnerabilities.
MSPs are prime targets for cyberattacks. A recent attack in the UK impacted 80-200 clients, causing widespread outages and reputational damage. Nerdio Manager automates application updates via the Public WinGet Repository, ensuring critical apps like Chrome and Acrobat stay up to date. Newly deployed devices and session hosts automatically receive the latest software, eliminating security gaps.
By automating patching, Nerdio Manager fortifies security, reduces risk, and protects MSPs from threats.
Reducing manual workload
Application management is a major time drain for MSPs. Many dedicate 1-2 full-time employees to manually tracking, patching, and deploying software—often spending six hours per week across multiple clients.
With Nerdio UAM, automation takes over. By optimizing image management and application deployment, MSPs can cut app management time from 6 hours per week to only 30 mins. Combined across multiple accounts this could be a considerable time saving. Less manual work, more efficiency.
Automating deployment with image management
Building and maintaining images manually is a tedious process. Nerdio Manager automates it completely.
A Windows 11 24H2 image with Acrobat and Chrome from the Public WinGet Repository can be created and deployed in 30 minutes. Manually? That takes 4-5 hours.
Deploying applications directly to AVD session hosts
Instead of managing multiple golden images, Nerdio Manager allows applications to be deployed directly to session hosts using Intune or WinGet. The benefits?
- Faster updates: Changes happen instantly, no full image rebuilds required.
- Simplified maintenance: Reduces complexity by eliminating multiple image versions.
- Greater flexibility: Applications can be installed or updated on demand, no logoffs needed.
- Minimized downtime: Updates apply to active session hosts without disruption.
- Easier patch management: Update applications without redeploying images.
Deploying apps via Intune can be slow, but Nerdio speeds things up with WinGet, a package manager that automates software installation, upgrades, and removals.
WinGet for faster, scalable deployments
WinGet simplifies application management by automating installs and updates. Nerdio Manager integrates with the Public WinGet Store, providing centralized deployment across Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) session hosts.
Key benefits of WinGet with Nerdio UAM:
- Automated deployment: Reduces manual work across multiple clients.
- Scalability: Supports applications from public and private repositories.
- Agentless: WinGet is built directly into Windows 11 so no extra agents to manage
- Consistency and security: Ensures all hosts run approved, up-to-date applications.
- Automated patching: Updates apps without full image redeployment.
Shell Apps for customized deployments
For complex applications, Nerdio UAM includes Shell Apps, enabling customized deployments with:
- Application versioning: Custom installs with version control.
- Detection methods: Similar to SCCM or Intune to ensure installations meet requirements.
- Advanced installation scripts: No need for time-intensive packaging.
Enhancing Microsoft 365 management with Intune integration
With the rise of Microsoft 365, many customers opt for Intune to manage applications. Nerdio Manager enhances Intune deployments with several advantages:
- Centralized & automated deployment: Automates app deployment across multiple tenants from a single platform. Ensures consistent, policy-driven deployment across corporate-owned and BYOD devices.
- Scalability & multi-tenant management: Allows MSPs to deploy applications at scale without manual configuration. Dynamic application assignments ensure new session hosts receive required applications automatically.
- Improved security & compliance: Automates patching to reduce security risks. Enforces compliance by removing outdated or unauthorized applications. Implements zero-trust policies to control deployments.
- Faster deployment & reduced downtime: Deploys applications in real time without requiring reimaging. Supports self-healing applications that redeploy automatically if removed or corrupted.
- Cost savings & resource optimization: Reduces infrastructure costs by replacing SCCM setups with cloud-based management. Optimizes licensing with dynamic role-based access. Lowers IT labor costs through automation.
- Simplified application lifecycle management: Enables seamless updates and patching without manual intervention. Supports zero-touch provisioning for onboarding new employees efficiently.
- Flexibility across hybrid & cloud environments: Supports both AVD and physical endpoints. Works with hybrid Active Directory and Entra ID (Azure AD). Enables device-agnostic deployments across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
Bringing it all together
Nerdio Manager for MSP revolutionizes application deployment with Unified Application Management. Whether using Public WinGet, Private WinGet, Intune, or SCCM, applications can be deployed seamlessly across physical devices, AVD, and Windows 365. By automating deployment, updates, and patching, MSPs can reduce IT overhead, enhance security, and ensure consistency across multiple tenants.
The days of manual installations and complex image management are over. Modern MSPs need policy-driven, automated solutions that eliminate repetitive tasks, minimize downtime, enforce compliance, and optimize resources. With Nerdio, IT teams can focus on strategic growth instead of tedious maintenance. Automating application management boosts agility, lowers costs, and ensures end users always have the latest, most secure tools, without disruption.
