It's become increasingly difficult for organisations to manage devices, applications, and data across multiple platforms, especially when employees are working remotely or using their own devices. Microsoft Intune offers a cloud-based solution that makes managing and securing endpoints easier, helping organisations stay productive and secure.

What is Microsoft Intune?

Microsoft Intune is part of the Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS) suite. It gives IT teams the ability to manage devices, apps, and data across Windows, macOS, iOS/iPadOS, Android, and even Linux devices. Intune supports both company-owned and personal (BYOD) devices.

Key benefits include:

  • Ensuring all devices comply with corporate security policies
  • Deploying apps and updates remotely
  • Protecting corporate data, even on personal devices

Core capabilities of Microsoft Intune

1. Cross-platform endpoint management

  • Manage laptops, phones, tablets, and virtual machines from a single console
  • Quickly onboard new employees with pre-configured devices and apps

2. Built-in endpoint security

  • Integrates with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
  • Provides encryption, antivirus, and conditional access to reduce security risks

3. Mobile Application Management (MAM)

  • Control how corporate apps and data are used on personal devices
  • Prevent data leaks by restricting copy/paste or app access

4. Enterprise application management

  • Centralised app deployment, updates, and access
  • Ensures employees always have the correct software versions

5. Endpoint analytics and remote help

  • Monitor device performance and user experience
  • Troubleshoot issues remotely to reduce downtime

6. Advanced security features

  • Endpoint Privilege Management: allow approved admin tasks without full credentials
  • Conditional Access: control access based on device compliance, user location, or app

7. Specialty device management

  • Manage non-traditional devices such as AR/VR headsets and conference room systems

Microsoft licensing and pricing

Intune uses a per-user subscription model. Most Microsoft 365 and EMS suites include core Intune capabilities, while advanced features are available as add-ons.

Key points:

  • Subscription-based, charged per user per month
  • Can be bundled with Microsoft 365 or EMS for cost efficiency
  • Supports multiple devices per user

Let's look at some real world scenarios:

The rapidly growing startup:

  • Advantage: Quickly onboard new employees with pre-configured devices
  • Challenge: Initial setup can be complex without a dedicated Intune specialist

The established manufacturing company:

  • Advantage: Manage shared devices on the factory floor and secure executive laptops
  • Challenge: Integrating Intune with legacy systems may require planning and training

Microsoft Intune essentials

Intune is powerful but not always the perfect fit:

  • Organisations with fully on-premises infrastructure may find cloud-first management less suitable
  • Specialised hardware or niche operating systems may require additional tools
  • Air-gapped or zero-internet environments cannot use cloud-based Intune

Recommendations for using Intune

  • Invest in Training: Ensure IT staff understand Intune’s features and best practices
  • Phased Rollout: Start with a pilot group before full deployment
  • Define Policies Clearly: Include security, legal, and HR teams in policy creation
  • Leverage Conditional Access: Implement a robust Zero Trust framework
  • Regularly Review & Optimise: Keep policies updated and monitor compliance
  • Consider Co-Management: For existing SCCM users, transition gradually to cloud management

What's the future of Microsoft Intune? 

Microsoft continues to enhance Intune with:

  • AI and automation for predictive analytics and policy recommendations
  • Expanded endpoint coverage including IoT and operational technology devices
  • Consolidated admin experience for easier management
  • Stronger integration with security tools and improved digital employee experience

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Microsoft Intune is a comprehensive solution for managing devices, applications, and security in modern workplaces. By unifying endpoint management, enforcing security policies, and providing analytics, it helps organisations stay productive and secure, even in distributed work environments.

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FAQs – Microsoft Intune

Q1: What is Microsoft Intune used for?
Intune is a cloud-based solution for managing and securing devices, applications, and data across Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux devices. It helps organisations enforce security policies and manage endpoints remotely.

Q2: Can Intune manage personal devices (BYOD)?
 Yes. Intune supports BYOD policies, allowing IT teams to secure corporate apps and data on personal devices without affecting the user’s private data.

Q3: How is Microsoft Intune licensed?
 Intune is licensed per user, usually as part of Microsoft 365 suites or the Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS) E3 and E5 suites. Advanced features may be available as add-ons. (Note: EMS Kiosk Suites have been discontinued)

Q4: Does Intune work with existing on-premises systems?
 Yes, Intune can co-manage devices alongside on-premises systems like SCCM. This allows organisations to gradually move workloads to the cloud while leveraging existing infrastructure.

Q5: What devices can Intune manage?
 Intune supports a wide range of devices, including laptops, smartphones, tablets, Linux devices, AR/VR headsets, and conference room systems.

Q6: How does Intune improve security?
 Intune integrates with Microsoft Defender, uses conditional access, enforces encryption and antivirus policies, and helps prevent data leaks from corporate applications.