Optimizing Endpoint Device Management with Microsoft Intune

The increase in remote and hybrid work models is accompanied by an equivalent rise in administrative challenges and management complexities. It is harder to oversee and configure devices when they are not at a walkable distance from your work desk! The adoption of BYOD policies further complicates the IT team’s work. However, as with all problems, there exists software that can solve them. We are referring to endpoint managers, particularly Microsoft’s cloud-based endpoint management solution, Intune.

Intune is a comprehensive endpoint management tool that enables organizations to

• Simplify device access to organizational data and resources
• Manage and monitor devices that connect to the organization’s network

Additionally, Intune integrates with several other Microsoft endpoint services like Windows Autopilot, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, and Microsoft 365 for better user device management. This blog will explore the features of Microsoft Intune and how it elevates the office management experience.

What Is Intune and What Are Its Key Features?

Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based endpoint management tool designed to simplify and enhance organizational device management practices. Even outside of remote, hybrid, and bring-your-own-device (BYOD) work models, Intune can be used to ensure that your systems are configured appropriately and compliant with standard regulations. Its integration with related Microsoft services creates a unified front for device management for both cloud and on-premises devices. The following sections will provide a brief overview of Intune’s key features and capabilities.

Mobile Device Management (MDM) and Mobile Application Management (MAM)

Intune’s primary services are the mobile device and application management tools that enable businesses to enforce security policies and monitor compliance. IT administrators can use Intune MDM and MAM to:

• Configure devices
• Manage applications
• Monitor device compliance
• Enforce security protocols
• Protect data and resources from being accessed by unauthorized devices

Organizations can even enable settings that allow Windows devices to be automatically enrolled into Intune when they login to Microsoft Entra ID.

Intune also offers a mobile application called Intune Company Portal that enables employees to access company resources, data, and applications. Intune’s MDM and MAM tools facilitate BYOD and remote work environments by ensuring that the endpoint device is compliant while safeguarding corporate data at the same time.

The following table outlines Intune’s key features for managing devices and applications within your organization:

Aspect	Description
Device Compliance	Ensures devices adhere to security policies through policy enforcement, configuration management, and monitoring.
Data Security	Protects corporate data with encryption, app protection policies, and conditional access.
Device Management	Streamlines deployment, updates, and troubleshooting of devices.
Support for Remote Work	Facilitates secure remote access and manages BYOD policies effectively.
Conditional Access	Automates policy deployment, including security settings, device configuration, compliance, and access control.
Web-Based Admin Center	Provides a centralized online portal for endpoint management and data-driven reporting. Accessible from any device.
Self-Service Features	The Company Portal app allows employees to perform tasks such as resetting passwords and installing applications, reducing IT support demands.

The key points of each aspect mentioned are elaborated further for a more comprehensive understanding of Intune and its features.

Device Compliance:

• Policy Enforcement: Applies security policies.
• Configuration Management: Remotely configures settings.
• Monitoring: Provides real-time compliance insights.

Data Security:

• Encryption: Safeguards data on devices.
• App Protection: Controls data usage within apps.
• Conditional Access: Ensures secure access to resources.

Device Management:

• Deployment: Manages app installation.
• Updates: Automates software updates.
• Troubleshooting: Offers remote diagnostics and support.

Web-Based Admin Center:

• Centralized Management: Manages endpoints and generates reports via an online portal.
• Accessibility: Accessible from any device with internet connectivity.

Self-Service Features:

• Company Portal App: Allows employees to reset passwords, install apps, join groups, and perform other tasks independently.
• Reduced IT Burden: Decreases IT support needs for routine tasks.

Conditional Access:

• Policy Deployment: Automates deployment of security, configuration, and compliance policies.
• Internet Access: Requires only internet access for policy deployment to user or device groups.

Support for Remote Work:

• Remote Access: Securely connects to corporate resources.
• BYOD Management: Ensures personal devices comply with policies.
• Multi-Location Management: Oversees devices from various locations.

Benefits of Microsoft Intune

Now that we have a complete understanding of what Intune is and what it does, let us explore how the tool improves productivity within professional workplaces.

• Strengthened Security

  Intune features impressive security features that help organizations safeguard their devices and data from potential threats. Its integration with Office 365 allows for policies and configurations to be set up that restrict access to corporate data without the appropriate credentials. Intune also integrates with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint to create guidelines that scan files and identify threats. The endpoint manager is not restricted in its integration with threat defense solutions and can connect with third-party applications as well. Intune maintains data integrity via granular permissions. Specific policies and restrictions can be applied to individual devices or groups of devices to protect data. Additionally, Intune allows advanced data-wiping features that selectively remove corporate data from devices while leaving personal information untouched.

• Comprehensive Device Management

  Intune serves as a unified endpoint management tool, efficiently covering a wide range of devices, including iOS and Android-based systems. This cross-platform coverage eliminates the need for manual intervention as IT administrators can conveniently manage employee devices from a single, user-friendly web interface. The Intune admin center facilitates this process by presenting a comprehensive view of device configuration details. Actions like troubleshooting can be done remotely from the admin center which streamlines device management and administration.

• Seamless Access to Local Resources

  Even though the cloud route is generally better than locally installing and deploying software, many organizations still rely on on-premises servers. This may either be due to the utilization of legacy systems or ongoing security concerns. Regardless of the reason, Intune facilitates secure access to these servers via VPNs and Intune-generated certificates which are only awarded to devices that meet certain conditions. The conditions can be customized to ensure that the devices trying to access the data are compliant with security regulations.

• Effortless Cloud Integration

  Being a cloud-based application, Intune seamlessly integrates with several other Microsoft cloud services. Intune also enjoys all the benefits that come with being hosted on the cloud like enhanced flexibility and scalability, improved accessibility, reduced IT overhead, and regular updates. Explore our hosted virtual desktop plans to unlock these advantages for your locally deployed software.

• Boosted IT Productivity

  Intune can be used to centrally deploy software, updates, and patches in bulk to all enrolled devices from a single, centralized panel. IT teams can also monitor the devices from this panel and receive real-time alerts allowing for quicker response times. The Intune Company Portal app also allows employees to reset passwords, install applications, and manage their devices, reducing the IT administrative workload.

Closing Remarks

In conclusion, Microsoft Intune is a powerful endpoint management service that is particularly effective when used within a Windows environment, along with Microsoft tools. It integrates with other endpoint services like Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Entra ID, Autopilot, etc. to unify and enhance end-user device management and security. Microsoft 365 plans help you make the most of Intune’s features and functionalities by enhancing collaboration, security, and productivity.

Contact us over chat, mail, or text to learn how to integrate Intune with your existing Microsoft infrastructure to streamline device management and tighten your cybersecurity measures.