Embrava DeviceOS
One company, every layer.
- Hardware
- Embrava
- On-device layer
- Embrava DeviceOS
- Applications & integrations
- Embrava
- Cloud management
- Embrava Connect Cloud
Embrava DeviceOS vs Microsoft MDEP
Same layer. Different stack around it.
Embrava DeviceOS and Microsoft MDEP are both the on-device layer: the operating system, identity, and configuration foundation a workplace device runs on. The difference is what sits around each one. Embrava builds the hardware, writes Embrava DeviceOS, and operates Embrava Connect Cloud, so one company is accountable for the complete experience.
What is the difference between Embrava DeviceOS and Microsoft MDEP?
Both are the on-device layer. Embrava DeviceOS runs on Embrava’s room signs, desk signs, status lights, and workplace displays. Microsoft MDEP runs on hardware built by its OEM partners, originally Teams certified meeting room devices and now extending across signage, kiosks, scheduling panels, phones, and IoT. [1][8][10]
Microsoft MDEP
One layer, many partners.
- Hardware
- OEM partner
- On-device layer
- Microsoft MDEP
- Applications & integrations
- Microsoft, OEM, or third party
- Cloud management
- Microsoft Intune + Entra ID
What is Embrava DeviceOS?
Embrava DeviceOS is the identity, configuration, and update layer that runs on Embrava’s room signs, desk signs, status lights, and workplace displays. It gives each device its identity, configuration, applications, and role in the workplace.
Embrava Connect Cloud is the platform above it: cloud management, integrations, and the administrative console connecting those devices to the systems an organization already uses. Embrava builds all three layers. For the complete explanation, see the Embrava DeviceOS Foundation Page.
What is Microsoft MDEP?
Microsoft’s Device Ecosystem Platform, or MDEP, is an Android based platform built on the Android Open Source Project. Device manufacturers and software developers use it to build commercial hardware supported by Microsoft’s management and security tooling. Microsoft controls the operating system image and patch cadence, and its documentation describes hardware based device attestation, Microsoft Intune, and Microsoft Entra ID as parts of its enterprise device management approach. [1][2]
MDEP was created to standardize the software on Microsoft Teams certified meeting room hardware. It now also covers scheduling panels and phones, and is expanding into digital signage, kiosks, and workplace IoT. [1][8][10][13][14] Its hardware comes from independent OEM partners. [3–9][12]
For organizations standardizing certified Microsoft Teams Rooms hardware, MDEP is a strong, well-engineered foundation. For a deeper explanation, read What Is Microsoft MDEP? A Guide for Workplace Technology Teams.
Is Embrava DeviceOS a Microsoft MDEP alternative?
Yes, for organizations evaluating connected workplace displays, room signs, desk signs, and presence devices. Both platforms now serve overlapping categories, so the comparison is a real one rather than a difference of scope.
For certified Microsoft Teams Rooms and meeting room video hardware, MDEP is the platform built for that environment. Where Embrava differs is that the hardware below the layer and the cloud platform above it come from one company, and that presence signaling and desk level devices are what Embrava builds for.
Comparison: Embrava DeviceOS and Microsoft MDEP
| What matters | Embrava DeviceOS | Microsoft MDEP |
|---|---|---|
| Intended device scope | Workplace devices built and sold by Embrava: room signs, desk signs, status lights, and workplace signage. | Hardware from an OEM ecosystem, originally certified Teams Rooms, now including scheduling panels and phones and expanding into signage, kiosks, and workplace IoT. [3][4][8][10][13] |
| Hardware & software ownership | One vendor: Embrava designs and builds the hardware and the software together. | Microsoft’s managed Android distribution on hardware from independent OEM partners. [3][5–9][12] |
| Deployment model | Embrava devices deployed across the workplace and connected to existing systems through Embrava Connect Cloud. | OEM hardware enrolled in Microsoft Intune and Microsoft Entra ID. [1][2] |
| Device identity | A unique device identity provisioned during manufacturing. | Hardware based device attestation using Microsoft’s own public key infrastructure. [1] |
| Network admission | Certificate based network authentication, confirmed against your network architecture during a security architecture review. | Policy based conditional access, managed through Microsoft Intune. [1] |
| Fleet management | One console, Embrava Connect Cloud, for configuration, staged updates, and monitoring across the fleet. | Native enrollment in Microsoft Intune and Microsoft Entra ID; management scope follows Microsoft’s platform. [1][2] |
| Microsoft ecosystem relationship | Native Microsoft 365 single sign on and Microsoft Graph access through Embrava Connect Cloud, alongside Google Workspace and Zoom. | Built around the Microsoft ecosystem first, with native Intune and Entra ID enrollment as part of the platform. |
| Branding & experience control | A brand kit for on screen customization; a device’s role can change through a configuration update. | Standardized by design, so certified hardware behaves predictably across many OEMs. |
| Application flexibility | Workplace applications (booking, wayfinding, presence) run natively through Embrava Connect Cloud. | Beyond Microsoft’s own Teams experiences, application functionality comes from the OEM or a third party running on top of the platform. [1][2] |
| Device lifecycle | A device’s role can change through configuration as needs evolve, for example from booking display to wayfinding. | Updates are validated and delivered by each OEM, and update policies vary by device and scenario. [1] |
| Emergency communications | Select Embrava devices can broadcast urgent workplace communications through Embrava Connect Cloud. | Not an operating system feature; depends on the application layer running above MDEP. |
| Support & accountability | One Embrava relationship across hardware, software, applications, cloud management, and the core device experience. | The complete solution can involve separate relationships with Microsoft, the hardware manufacturer, and the application provider. |
Should you choose Embrava DeviceOS or Microsoft MDEP?
Choose Embrava DeviceOS if:
- You need connected room signs, desk signs, status lights, displays, or wayfinding.
- You want one company accountable for hardware, software, applications, cloud management, and support.
- You need connections with Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Zoom, or other workplace systems.
- You want the experience to reflect your brand, workflows, spaces, and employee needs.
- You want devices that adapt as your workplace evolves.
- You want fewer technology relationships and simpler everyday management.
Choose Microsoft MDEP if:
- You are deploying or refreshing certified Microsoft Teams Rooms hardware.
- You want Microsoft’s managed operating system image across compatible OEM devices.
- Your priority is native Microsoft Intune and Microsoft Entra ID enrollment and management.
- You want Microsoft to manage the operating system image and patch cadence for that hardware category.
- An MDEP based digital signage or kiosk solution from an OEM partner fits your Microsoft centered environment.
- You are deploying MDEP based scheduling panels, signage, or workplace IoT from an OEM partner.
Key differences
Hardware, ownership, and accountability
MDEP: Microsoft provides the operating system, OEM partners build the hardware, and application providers deliver the software, so a solution can span several vendors. [1][5–7]
Embrava: one company designs and supports the hardware, software, applications, and cloud.
Device identity and secure network access
Each platform has its own identity and security controls; evaluate both against your architecture.
Embrava: authenticated, encrypted connections and certificate based network authentication.
Request an architecture reviewFleet management and device lifecycle
MDEP: managed through Microsoft Intune and Microsoft Entra ID. [1][2]
Embrava: one console, Embrava Connect Cloud, and a device can change role through configuration rather than new hardware.
Workplace ecosystem integration
MDEP: built around the Microsoft ecosystem first.
Embrava: connects with Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Zoom, and booking and sensor platforms, with deeper Microsoft Places integration in development.
Microsoft 365
How Embrava DeviceOS works alongside Microsoft MDEP
Choosing Embrava DeviceOS does not require replacing Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams Rooms, or MDEP based devices. A certified Teams Room running MDEP can operate alongside Embrava room signs, desk signs, status lights, and workplace displays in the same building, each platform keeping its own identity, management, network, and application controls while connecting to the same Microsoft environment.
Where the two overlap, compare the complete solution: hardware, applications, integrations, management, support, and accountability, rather than the operating system alone.
What should an enterprise evaluate before selecting workplace devices?
Evaluate the complete experience across technology, operations, employees, and long-term ownership.
- 01
Device purpose
Which physical workplace experience must the device support?
- 02
Solution ownership
Who is accountable for the complete experience?
- 03
Security & management
How are identity, access, updates, and policies managed?
- 04
Workplace integrations
Does it connect with all the systems you rely on?
- 05
Employee experience
Can employees act without opening another application?
- 06
Brand & workflow control
Can the experience reflect your organization’s needs?
- 07
Operational effort
How many vendors, consoles, and support teams are involved?
- 08
Long-term value
Can the solution adapt as workplace needs change?
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Microsoft MDEP based meeting room devices and Embrava workplace devices can operate in the same building and connect with the same Microsoft environment. Each platform maintains its own device identity, management, network, and application controls while serving a different part of the workplace experience.
Yes, Embrava connects with Microsoft 365 through Embrava Connect Cloud, including supported identity and workplace data capabilities. Embrava is also building deeper integration with Microsoft Places to connect digital workplace information with the physical desks, rooms, and displays it represents.
No. Microsoft MDEP is built on the Android Open Source Project, but Microsoft manages the operating system image, patch cadence, device attestation, and enterprise management capabilities. This differs from a generic Android Open Source Project build maintained independently by a hardware manufacturer.
Yes. Microsoft has expanded MDEP beyond certified meeting room hardware into digital signage and kiosk devices through OEM partners, with the first signage solution announced in January 2026 and more shown at InfoComm 2026. [3][4][8]
Yes, increasingly. MDEP based scheduling panels have been announced by OEM partners, and Microsoft has described desk-level devices as part of the platform’s direction. [8][9][10][11] Embrava DeviceOS differs in that Embrava builds the hardware, the on-device layer, and the cloud platform together, and in supporting presence signaling and status lights alongside room and desk devices.
No. Microsoft MDEP provides the operating system, security, and management foundation for compatible hardware. The workplace applications and user experience still come from the OEM or software provider operating on top of MDEP. Embrava provides those workplace applications through Embrava Connect Cloud.
- Microsoft: MDEP Platform Overview (Microsoft Learn, updated 22 September 2026)
- Microsoft: MDEP Architecture Overview (Microsoft Learn, updated 21 August 2026)
- invidis: InfoComm 2026: Avocor and IAdea bring MDEP strategy to the show (10 June 2026)
- IAdea: IAdea, MediaTek, and Microsoft announce the first digital signage solution built on MDEP (11 January 2026)
- Yealink: What is Microsoft Device Ecosystem Platform (MDEP) (1 September 2025)
- Barco: Microsoft Device Ecosystem Platform (MDEP): everything you need to know (12 December 2024, updated 26 June 2026)
- UC Today: Crestron joins Microsoft’s Device Ecosystem Platform for seamless collaboration (5 February 2025)
- Microsoft: The Platform Era Expands: MDEP at InfoComm 2026 (Microsoft Community Hub, 17 June 2026)
- Microsoft: MDEP at ISE 2026: A New Era for Enterprise Devices (Microsoft Community Hub, 3 February 2026)
- Microsoft: MDEP Core Topics (Microsoft Learn)
- AV Magazine: Q-SYS adds Teams devices and Microsoft Places integration (4 June 2026)
- IAdea: IAdea unveils display solutions and partners for the Microsoft Device Ecosystem Platform at ISE 2026 (27 January 2026)
- AVNation: Microsoft’s MDEP expansion turns displays into IT endpoints (18 August 2026)
- Collab Collective: Microsoft advances its enterprise Android strategy with MDEP (12 February 2026)
All sources accessed 24 September 2026.
Related resources
Embrava is not affiliated with or endorsed by Microsoft. Microsoft, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Places, and Microsoft Device Ecosystem Platform are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
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