Microsoft Intune
Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based service in the enterprise mobility management (EMM) space that helps enable your workforce to be productive while keeping your corporate data protected. It is part of Microsoft’s Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS) suite and integrates closely with other Microsoft services like Azure Active Directory and Azure Information Protection.
Key Features of Microsoft Intune
Mobile Device Management (MDM): Helps to manage the features and settings on laptops, tablets, and smartphones so they can access corporate resources safely.
Mobile Application Management (MAM): Allows you to manage and protect your organization’s data within an application. Intune offers comprehensive control over the organization’s applications without controlling the entire device. This is particularly useful for devices that belong to employees (BYOD — Bring Your Own Device).
Application Deployment: Easily deploy apps to employees’ devices. Intune supports deploying Office apps, line-of-business apps, and even third-party apps.
Compliance Policies and Conditional Access: Set rules and configure settings on personal and organization-owned devices to access network resources. Conditional access policies can include requiring devices to be compliant with organization policies, require approved client apps, or even be risk-assessed by Azure AD.
PC Management: Intune incorporates some features of System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) for managing PCs, providing cloud-based management that integrates with the on-premise manager.
Unified Endpoint Management (UEM): Manage all devices from a single console. Intune provides a unified approach to managing all types of devices, including mobiles, PCs, and even virtual endpoints.
Security Features: Integrate with Azure Active Directory for identity and access management. It also leverages Microsoft’s security capabilities like Microsoft Defender for Endpoint for enhanced protection.
Benefits of Microsoft Intune:
As a cloud-based service, it is highly scalable and accessible from anywhere, making it easier to manage a global workforce.
Strong integration with other Microsoft security tools ensures enhanced security and simplifies management.
Supports various platforms such as iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS.
Robust support for BYOD without compromising the security of corporates data.
Preparing for Implementation
When planning to implement Microsoft Intune, it’s crucial to start by assessing your organization’s specific needs to ensure that the deployment aligns with its IT infrastructure, staff capabilities, and business goals.
Here’s how you can begin:
1. Define Your Management Goals
Device Management: Decide on the types and numbers of devices you need to manage (e.g., mobile devices, PCs).
Application Management: Determine how you will handle application distribution, updates, and security.
Security Policies: Outline security requirements such as data protection, compliance standards, and access controls.
2. Evaluate IT Infrastructure
Review your current IT infrastructure to ensure compatibility with Intune. Consider integration points with other Microsoft services like Azure Active Directory and Office 365.
Assess the network infrastructure to handle communication with the Intune cloud service
3. Consider User Impact
Evaluate how introducing Intune will affect end-users, including changes in how they access services and data.
Plan for user training and support processes.
4. Pilot Testing
Choose a pilot group to roll out Intune before full deployment. Analyze feedback to adjust the full implementation plan.
System Requirements and Compatibility:
Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based service, but certain system requirements and compatibilities must be considered.
Operating Systems: Ensure the devices that will be managed are running supported OS versions (e.g., Windows (10 and later), macOS, iOS, Android).
Network: Stable internet access is vital for device management and communications with the Microsoft Intune service.
Integration: Check compatibility with other systems such as Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, Active Directory, and Azure AD for seamless integration
Licensing Options and Costs:
Microsoft Intune is available as a standalone subscription or included as part of Microsoft 365 bundles which can affect cost and licensing:
Standalone Intune Licensing
Per Device or Per User: You can typically choose between per-user (managing multiple devices per user) or per-device options depending on your organizational needs.
2. Microsoft 365 Bundles
Microsoft 365 Business Premium: Includes Intune along with several other Microsoft services like Office apps, and Advanced Threat Protection.
Microsoft 365 E3/E5: Enterprise-level bundles that include Intune, along with enhanced compliance, and security features.
Setting Up Microsoft Intune
Step 1: Setting Up an Intune Account
Prerequisites: Ensure you have a Microsoft Azure subscription. If not, create one by visiting the Microsoft Azure website.
Access Azure Portal: — Go to [Azure Portal](https://portal.azure.com). — Log in using your Microsoft credentials associated with the Azure subscription.
Navigate to Intune Services: — In the Azure Portal, select “All services” and search for “Intune” or access Intune directly at [https://endpoint.microsoft.com/](https://endpoint.microsoft.com/). Click on “Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center”.
Activation: — Once in the Intune service, set up by following the initial setup instructions, including setting your organization’s name, locale, and other preliminary settings.
Step 2: Configure Policies for Device Management
Access Configuration Policies: — In the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center dashboard, navigate to “Devices” > “Configuration Profiles” and click “+ Create Profile”.
Create a Profile: — Choose the platform (e.g., Windows 10, iOS/iPadOS, Android). — Select the profile type like “Administrative Templates”, “Device restrictions”, etc. — Click “Create” and begin configuring settings according to your organization’s requirements. — Set policies around security (password requirements, encryption), connectivity, and other controls.
Assign the Profile: — After the policy is configured, assign it to relevant groups of users or all devices by specifying assignments within the policy’s settings.
Step 3: User and Device Enrollment
Prepare for Enrollment: — Navigate to “Devices” > “Enroll devices” in the Endpoint Manager admin center. — Configure enrollment settings, such as enrollment restrictions defining which users can enroll devices and limits on the number of devices per user.
Enrollment for Windows 10/11 Devices: — Direct users to go to “Settings” > “Accounts” > “Access work or school” and click “Connect”. — Enter corporate credentials and follow the prompts to join the device to the Azure AD and enroll in Intune.
Enrollment for iOS/iPadOS and Android: — Direct users to download the “Company Portal” app from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Once installed, users should open the app, sign in with their corporate credentials, and follow the onscreen instructions to begin the enrollment process.
Verify Device Enrollment: — Once devices are enrolled, you can verify their status in the Endpoint Manager admin center under “Devices”.
Step 4: Managing and Monitoring Devices
1. Manage Devices: — Use the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center to perform actions on devices, such as remote wipe, password reset, configuration updates, software installations, and more.
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