There a million and one ways you can leverage the cloud to make your IT estate smarter. But when it comes to deploying and managing devices, apps, and workspaces, most cloud-first businesses are choosing two main approaches: modern management and cloud native.
So what’s the difference between the two? And are they enemies, or friends? Let’s start from the top.
Building on one-another
In technology, progress rarely happens in straight lines. Instead, we see ideas build on each other, expand, and open new possibilities.
That’s exactly the relationship between modern management and cloud native.
They’re not rivals. They’re not mutually exclusive. They’re two approaches that work together – each with clear benefits – on the path to a more agile, secure, and future-ready organisation.
Modern management: a modern way to manage it all
Modern management is about using the cloud to deploy, manage, and secure the things the people in your business use every day. This is everything from devices, operating systems (OS), apps, workspaces and more.
And it’s not just about the tools users need access to, but how that access is granted, controlled, and managed to protect your business data and systems.
In the context of Microsoft, tools like Intune and Endpoint Manager allow IT teams to configure, patch, and protect devices wherever they are, while Azure Active Directory brings identity and access under one roof with features like Conditional Access and Single SignOn.
The result?
- Centralised visibility
- Consistent security policies
- Simplified deployment and updates
- Secure remote access
Modern management fits perfectly within organisations looking to modernise existing estates and support hybrid work without ripping everything up and starting again.
Cloud native – taking it a step further
A cloud native approach goes beyond using cloud-based tools and services to manage what you already have. Instead, it’s about designing your apps, services, and infrastructure to live and run in the cloud right from the start.
Cloudnative technologies are built from the ground up to fully leverage the cloud’s scalability, elasticity and resilience.
In practice, that means:
- Applications are modular, containerised, and able to scale instantly.
- Tools are created as SaaS solutions, always up to date and deeply integrated.
- Security and identity controls are built on cloudfirst models like Zero Trust and continuous access evaluation.
With cloud native, you’re not just modernising management – you’re shaping your entire digital environment on the capabilities of the cloud.
Two approaches, both with value
Modern management and cloud native aren’t “either/or.” They’re both part of a journey:
| Area | Modern management | Cloud native |
| Focus | Manage existing devices, apps and OS with cloud tools | Build and run apps, services, and management entirely in the cloud |
| Value | Simplifies and secures what you have | Unlocks scalability, agility, and cloud-first innovation |
| Use case | Ideal for hybrid estates and gradual cloud adoption | Ideal for new apps, future growth, and cloud-led strategies |
Many organisations will benefit from a blend of both: modern management to keep daytoday operations secure and streamlined, and cloud native for new initiatives, modern apps, and longterm transformation.
Where 848 fits in
We work with businesses at every stage of their cloud journey.
- We help organisations master modern management, putting tools like Intune, Endpoint Manager and Azure AD to work so you can manage devices and apps smarter (and with less hassle).
- We also help you explore and adopt cloud native strategies, creating environments designed to grow, flex, and evolve in step with your business.
Because whether you’re refining your current approach or building for the future, both modern management and cloud native have their place – and we can help you make the most of each.
A cloud strategy that works for you
Build a cloud approach that works for you. We can help you unlock more value from the cloud and access the benefits of modern management and cloud native development.