With a growing number of UK employees spending a significant amount of time working remotely, organisations are facing challenges in managing the increasing number of endpoints within their IT Infrastructure.
To ensure employees can access company data and resources, wherever they’re working, robust solutions are essential. That’s where Microsoft Intune comes in, as it offers a comprehensive solution, enabling organisations to streamline modern device management while maintaining high levels of security and control.
In this guide, we outline what Microsoft Intune is, the key benefits of using it within your organisation and the various licences available. Read on to learn more.
What is Intune?
Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based endpoint management solution that focuses on mobile device management [MDM] and mobile application management [MAM]. It allows organisations to manage the devices and applications their employees use that access corporate data.
8 Key Intune Benefits
Organisations who adopt Microsoft Intune into their processes can expect to receive the following 8 benefits:
- Simplified application deployment
- Enhanced compliance and data protection
- Integration and compatibility
- Multi-platform device management
- Real-time monitoring
- Robust security measures
- Scalability and adaptability
- Workflow efficiency
1. Enhanced compliance and data protection
One of the key benefits of Intune is its ability to enhance compliance and data protection. By implementing the software, organisations can be assured that compliance policies are consistently enforced, helping to mitigate risks and vulnerabilities.
In addition to this, devices looking to access corporate resources will be forced to adhere to security standards.
2. Integration and compatibility
If you’re an organisation that uses other Microsoft products, the good news is that Intune integrates seamlessly with the broader Microsoft ecosystem.
The integration is applicable across a range of Microsoft 365 security applications, to provide comprehensive device application management.
3. Multi-platform device management
Another great benefit of Microsoft Intune is that it has multi-platform device management. When working with the software, you can be rest assured that it will be compatible with a wide range of devices, both corporate and personal.
These include Windows, macOS, iOS and Android devices, so all devices in your infrastructure will be protected.
4. Real-time monitoring
A neat feature of Microsoft Intune is its real-time reports. The main benefit of these reports is that you’ll be able to proactively address any issues that arise, as and when they take place.
Over time, Microsoft Intune real-time reports will help you deliver optimal device management.
5. Robust security measures
As remote work increases the number of vulnerabilities, organisations are facing a growing risk of endpoint attacks., Intune plays an important role in providing critical security measures.
It integrates seamlessly with multifactor authentication [MFA] and conditional access, to ensure secure access to company resources. When paired with Defender for Endpoint, t provides a fantastic option for organisations who are looking to improve their cyber security measures.
6. Scalability and adaptability
Another key benefit of Microsoft Intune is that it offers great scalability. If you’re a growing organisation, Intune’s cloud-based properties means that you can grow, and it will grow with you, keeping your data safe throughout.
In addition to scalability, Intune offers impressive adaptability through tailored configurations and customisation.
7. Workflow efficiency
Administrators of Microsoft Intune can enjoy several automated features for device management and policy deployment, making for a more user-friendly experience. The ‘Company Portal’ application allows for several self-service tasks, including:
- App installation
- PIN/Password resets
- Device enrolment
These, combined, allow for a more efficient workflow, all while improving an organisation’s cyber security.
8. Simplified application deployment
The eighth and final benefit of Microsoft Intune is that it automates application installation and distribution. This frees up your IT teams and end users to focus on more pressing business matters.
Manual work is reduced with Microsoft Intune, making it a worthwhile investment for organisations looking to improve their cyber security.
Different Intune Licence Plans
There are three licences available for Microsoft Intune:
- Intune Plan 1
- Intune Plan 2
- Intune Premium Suite
Intune Plan 1
The first licence available is Intune Plan 1, which is a “cloud-based unified endpoint management solution included with subscriptions to Microsoft 365 E3, E5, F1, and F3, Enterprise Mobility + Security E3 and E5, and Business Premium plans, including versions of these suites that do not include Microsoft Teams.”
You can expect the following core capabilities from this package:
- Cloud-based unified endpoint management
- Cross-platform endpoint management
- Built-in endpoint management
- Mobile application management
- Endpoint analytics
- Microsoft configuration manager
Intune Plan 2
Intune Plan 2 is an “add-on to Microsoft Intune Plan 1 that offers advanced endpoint management capabilities.”
With this plan, you can expect everything that’s included in Plan 1 with the addition of the following:
- Microsoft Intune tunnel for mobile application management
- Microsoft Intune management of speciality devices
- Microsoft Intune firmware-over-the-air (FOTA) updates
Intune Premium Suite
The final licence available is the Microsoft Intune Premium Suite. This is an “add-on to Microsoft Intune Plan 1 that unifies mission-critical advanced endpoint management and security solutions.”
With this plan, you can expect everything included in Plans 1 & 2 plus the following:
- Microsoft Intune remote help
- Microsoft Intune endpoint privilege management
- Microsoft Intune advanced analytics
This is the most expensive package out of the three available, because it includes all of the features.
CWSI for Microsoft Intune Services
If you’re looking to improve your endpoint management, and believe Intune could be a good fit for your organisation, consider our Microsoft Intune services. At CWSI, we have a team of experts, with years of experience, who can help you implement Intune into your organisation seamlessly. Speak to an Intune Expert by contacting us below.
Microsoft Intune Frequently Asked Questions
What is Intune Used For?
The main purpose of Microsoft Intune is to better manage data protection and endpoint vulnerabilities. This solution offers an easy-to-manage, effective system that can scale with a business to great heights.
What is the Difference Between Azure and Intune?
Azure AD is primarily concerned with identity and access management, whereas Intune is focused on endpoint management. Intune can integrate with Azure AD in order to utilise its features, which is worth noting if your organisation has implemented both types of software.
Why Would a Company Choose to use Microsoft Intune?
A company should choose to use Microsoft Intune if they’re looking to tighten up their endpoint management and reduce the number of vulnerabilities and threats that exist within their digital ecosystem. Intune helps manage these issues in real time, with easy-to-use systems.
