DSM End of Life 2026
Migration. Standardization. Control.

MS Intune
Recast Software Logo

DSM ends on  December 31, 2026.

Desktop & Server Management (DSM) is a well-established client management solution—but one with a clearly defined end date: Ivanti has announced that support for DSM will end on December 31, 2026—after which security updates and vendor support will no longer be provided.

Now is the right time to act. Because the choice is yours: structured transformation or project pressure.

A successful migration starts with transparency, clear prioritization, and a clearly defined target architecture. With Microsoft Intuneand Recast Workspace, we create a modern, future-proof management platform—secure, structured, and sustainable.

Let’s talk about how you can manage the transition effectively.

Start the DSM Assessment
Discuss the migration strategy

: Replacing DSM Does Not Require Changing Tools

A new target architecture alone cannot replace an established structure. The real challenge lies not in the introduction of new systems, but in your existing system and software landscape.

Organically grown DSM package landscapes
Dependencies between applications
Customized business processes
Lack of standardization
Limited time offer until December 31, 2026

Unstructured migration shifts complexity.
Structured migration reduces it.

The difference isn't in the product—it's in the approach!

The structured approach

ceterion Migration Toolkit

Structure before implementation.

Transparency before migration.

 

Our Migration Toolkit quickly provides clarity on:

  • Your existing DSM architecture

  • Package landscapes and dependencies

  • Criticality of individual applications

  • Technical and organizational risks

  • Realistic migration pathways

No blanket assumptions. No standard roadmaps. 

Rather, a reliable basis for decision-making. 

The Result:

  • Prioritized Migration Planning
  • Defined Target Architecture
  • A clear DSM exit strategy by December 31, 2026
  • Predictable Resource and Budget Management

Migration doesn't start with Intune. It starts with clarity.

The target platform:
Microsoft Intune + Recast Workspace

A DSM replacement is more than just a substitute. 
It defines your future management architecture and workplace design. 

Microsoft Intune

The foundation of modern device management.

  • Cloud-based management of clients and policies
  • Compliance and Security Integration
  • Update and Patch Management
  • Zero-trust-enabled architecture
  • Scalable governance structures

Intune is the foundation.

Recast Workspace

The targeted expansion for enterprise needs.

  • Advanced Software Deployment
  • Structured rollout management
  • Automated workflows
  • Transparent administrative processes
  • Lifecycle-based application management

Recast fills the gap where operational management, monitoring, and dynamic application deployment are critical.

The Result:

standardized
controllable
audit-proof
future-proof

Not just a successor to DSM, but a structural advancement in architecture and operations.

Standardization is key to 's success

ceterion Packaging Framework

The biggest challenge of the DSM replacement lies not in the implementation of new systems, but in your existing software environment. Legacy systems often lead to: 

  • Customized package logic 
  • Undocumented dependencies 
  • Different rollout mechanisms 
  • Lack of reusability 

A 1:1 migration handles this complexity. 
A structured migration reduces it.

Our Approach

The ceterion Packaging Framework provides:

  • Modular, PowerShell-based package architecture
  • Separation of logic and metadata
  • Standardized rollout mechanisms
  • Audit-proof versioning
  • Client and environment compatibility
  • Seamless integration with Intune and Recast Workspace

Optional: Dynamic parameterization 

Packages can optionally be dynamically parameterized using cPF components.

This makes it possible to:

  • Environment-dependent configurations

  • Client-specific customizations without duplicate code

  • Flexible control of installation options

  • Centralized maintainability despite a wide range of variants

In addition, parameters can be passed and applied at runtime via a REST API. This allows deployment-specific settings to be dynamically controlled—without modifying the package code.

One package. Multiple use cases. Fully controlled. 

Standardization is not a side effect.
 It is a prerequisite for control.

Our Services: Structured Migration Modules

DSM replacement is not a standalone project.
It is a managed transformation process.  

Our modules are clearly defined and can be combined:

  • Analysis of the existing DSM structure

  • Assessment of package landscapes and dependencies

  • Identification of business-critical applications

  • Risk and Complexity Assessment

  • Realistic migration planning

→Result:A reliable basis for decision-making.

  • Structured Implementation of Microsoft Intune
  • Integration of Recast Workspace
  • Role and Permission Model
  • Compliance and Governance Design
  • Definition of packaging standards

→Result: Ascalable, manageable management architecture.

  • Structured migration of existing DSM packages

  • Standardization with the ceterion Packaging Framework

  • Optional: Dynamic parameterization using cPF components

  • Integration with Microsoft Intune and Recast Workspace

  • Documentation and Handover

→Result:Reduced complexity. Controlled operation.

  • Management of the transition phase

  • Minimizing operational risks

  • Defined cutover

  • Shutdown before December 31, 2026

→Result:No unplanned system failure.

Modules can be ordered individually or combined into an end-to-end transformation .

The next step is clear.

DSM ends on  December 31, 2026.

Structured migration begins with transparency.

Plan your migration now
Discuss the migration strategy

Questions? We are happy to help.

Find quick answers here – or feel free to contact us directly.

Desktop & Server Management (DSM) will be discontinued as of December 31, 2026.

After this date, the manufacturer will no longer provide security updates, product updates, or official support.
Operating a production DSM environment after this date increases the risk in terms of security, compliance, and manufacturer support.

After the end of life, the following risks in particular arise:

  • No security updates
  • No bug fixes
  • No manufacturer support
  • Increased compliance risk
  • Limited audit capability

For regulated organizations, this can have a direct impact on internal and external audits.

A technical migration is possible, but rarely straightforward.
The real challenge lies in:

  • Established parcel delivery networks
  • Dependencies between applications
  • Custom installation logic
  • Lack of standardization

A structured analysis prior to migration is therefore crucial.

A simple migration preserves existing complexity.
Without standardization, the following remain:

  • Custom package logic
  • Redundant structures
  • Increased operating expenses

A sustainable migration should modernize and standardize the package landscape —for example, through modular architecture and optional dynamic parameterization.

Microsoft Intune serves as the strategic cloud platform for modern device management.

Recast Workspace extends Intune with advanced features for:

  • Structured Software Deployment
  • Rollout Control
  • Automation
  • Transparent administrative processes

Together , we create a scalable management architecture that complies with governance requirements.

The duration of the project depends on:

  • Number of packages to be migrated
  • Complexity of the existing structure
  • Degree of desired standardization
  • Target Architecture and Operating Model

A rapid assessment provides a solid basis for planning within a few weeks.

The closer we get to December 31, 2026, the higher the following will be:

  • Project Printing
  • Resource constraints
  • Migration risks

Structured preparation in the first half of 2026 significantly improves predictability.
Take advantage of this time now —and achieve maximum planning certainty through structured preparation!

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