Intune

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Introduction

In today’s ever-changing tech environment, businesses must manage mobile devices, applications, and user access across a wide array of platforms. With the increase in remote work and the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) trend, protecting corporate data security while maintaining productivity has never been more important. This is where Microsoft Intune shines as a powerful tool.

Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based endpoint management and Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution that helps administrators maintain control over devices, apps, and users. It supports a Zero Trust security model and gives your organization the flexibility to manage Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, and even Android Open-Source Project (AOSP) endpoints—all from a single pane of glass. Whether you’re deploying Microsoft 365 apps, enforcing compliance policies, or setting up access rules, Intune offers a comprehensive solution for today’s enterprises.

Defining Microsoft Intune

What is Microsoft Intune? Microsoft Intune is part of the Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS) suite and provides cloud-connected endpoint management capabilities. It’s designed to help organizations manage client devices, secure access to applications, and maintain compliance across their IT environment. Intune seamlessly integrates with Azure Active Directory (now Microsoft Entra ID), Microsoft Endpoint Manager, and Microsoft 365 services including Outlook, Microsoft Teams, and Office 365.

With support for both corporate and personally-owned devices, Intune enables administrators to implement security measures while offering self-service features to employees for greater efficiency. It supports enterprise mobility management (EMM), enabling users to access business resources from virtually anywhere—without compromising security or compliance.

Key Capabilities and Features

Microsoft Intune delivers a wide range of features to simplify IT and strengthen security:

• Cross-platform Device Management: Manage devices running Windows, macOS, iOS/iPadOS, Android, Linux, and AOSP (including iPhone and Samsung devices with Samsung Knox). ✅Integrates with tools like Company Portal to streamline the user experience.
• Mobile Application Management (MAM): Apply app protection policies to control how mobile apps access corporate data, even on personal devices, without affecting the user’s personal content.
• Endpoint Security: Use Microsoft Security signals and endpoint analytics to detect, report, and respond to cyberthreats.
• Cloud-based Console: Leverage the web-based admin center for full visibility and control, reducing reliance on on-premises infrastructure.
• Compliance and Conditional Access: Combine compliance policies with conditional access rules to ensure only trusted, compliant devices can access sensitive resources. This includes multi-factor authentication (MFA) and two-factor authentication for extra protection.
• Integration with Microsoft Services: Deploy apps like Outlook, Microsoft Teams, and third-party apps while maintaining central control over access, configuration, and policy deployment.
• Support for Frontline Workers: Plans like F1 and F3 are tailored for employees using shared or task-based devices in hospitals, retail, and manufacturing (e.g., MKUH – Milton Keynes University Hospital).
• Endpoint Analytics and Reporting: Use data-driven insights to optimize performance, track activity, and manage application usage across all endpoints.

How Intune Works

Cloud-first Architecture Unlike traditional on-premises solutions, Intune operates entirely from the cloud, offering scalability, flexibility, and simplicity. This allows organizations to avoid the complexity of managing local servers or infrastructure.

Device Enrollment Process

1. Create Enrollment Profiles: Tailor enrollment for different types of devices, users, or teams.
2. Assign Policies: Use templates or custom configurations to define security, compliance, and access settings.
3. Enroll Devices: Use the Company Portal app to enroll devices, whether they’re running iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, or Linux.
4. Compliance Verification: Devices are checked for device compliance against security standards and organizational policies.
5. Access Granted: Once devices meet criteria, users gain secure access to apps, services, and email.

Application Deployment and Control

• Deploy Microsoft 365 apps or third-party business apps.
• Monitor app usage, apply updates, and manage licenses.
• Use limited-use mode and authentication requirements to restrict access if needed.

Policy Enforcement Administrators enforce policies via the Endpoint Manager console. This includes:

• Enforcing encryption, VPNs (via Tunnel), certificates, and firewall settings.
• Configuring hardware settings, password complexity, and control over mobile device features.

Conditional Access & Zero Trust Implement a Zero Trust model using conditional access based on location, device risk, and user identity. This reduces the attack surface and protects your environment from harm by untrusted parties.

Intune in Action — Use Cases

• Device Management in Corporate Environments: Streamline deployment, configuration, and lifecycle management of company devices.
• BYOD and Mobile Application Management: Protect corporate data on personal mobile devices without intruding on personal usage.
• Support for Educational and Healthcare Sectors: Ideal for students, teachers, and hospital personnel managing multiple shared devices and apps.
• Remote Work Enablement: Ensure secure access to files, email, and services for employees working outside the office.
• Regulatory Compliance: Meet industry regulations with audit-ready reporting and policy enforcement, whether you’re in finance, law, healthcare, or retail.

Section 5: Benefits of Microsoft Intune

• Security First: Protect users and company resources with layered authentication and security policies.
• Cloud Flexibility: Easily manage users and endpoints from anywhere.
• Cost Savings: Reduce hardware and infrastructure costs by supporting BYOD and cloud-only deployment models.
• Simplified Admin: Empower IT administrators to oversee all devices, apps, and endpoints via a single pane.
• Scalable Plans: Supports plans for small to enterprise-sized organizations, including Business Premium, EMS E3 & E5, and Intune Suite.

Plans and Licensing

Feature	Intune Plan 1	Intune Suite
Cross-platform Device Management	✓	✓
Mobile Application Management	✓	✓
App Protection Policies	✓	✓
Endpoint Analytics		✓
Remote Help / Tunnel		✓
Microsoft Security Integration		✓

Licenses are available standalone or bundled with Microsoft 365 Business Premium, EMS E3 & E5, and selected Microsoft 365 F1/F3 plans. Pricing is typically per user per month, depending on your organization’s scale and requirements.

Section 7: Integration and Extensibility

• ✅Integrates with Microsoft Entra ID, Microsoft Security, and Azure Information Protection.
• Connect with third-party tools for reporting, security, and app delivery.
• Use Intune APIs to automate device provisioning, app delivery, and compliance reporting.

Getting Started with Intune

Pre-requisites

• Microsoft 365 or EMS license
• Admin rights and role-based access control (RBAC) setup

Setup Guide

1. Sign in to Microsoft Endpoint Manager web-based admin center.
2. Configure device and application policies.
3. Enroll devices (iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, AOSP).
4. Deploy apps (Microsoft and third-party).
5. Track compliance, generate reports, and adjust settings as needed.

Best Practices

• Use pilot groups for early testing.
• Leverage policy templates to ensure consistent deployment.
• Communicate clearly with personnel during rollout.

FAQs

1. What devices can be managed with Intune? Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and AOSP devices—including Samsung Knox and iPhones.
2. Can Intune work for small businesses? Yes. It scales across Business Premium plans to large enterprise environments.
3. Does Intune protect corporate data? Yes. Through app protection, encryption, compliance checks, and conditional access rules.
4. Can I manage only apps? Yes. Mobile Application Management works without managing the whole device.
5. How do employees enroll? Through the Company Portal app or automated provisioning (for corporate equipment).

Conclusion

Microsoft Intune is the ideal solution for modern endpoint management. Whether you’re managing a hybrid workforce, enforcing zero-trust security measures, or protecting your organization against cyberthreats, Intune gives you the tools to succeed. Its flexibility, comprehensive feature set, and integration with Microsoft 365 and Azure make it a go-to solution for organizations across Australia and beyond.

Call to Action

At Enabla Technology, we help Australian businesses simplify endpoint management, reduce complexity, and secure their IT environment with Microsoft Intune. Let’s tailor a plan for your company’s unique needs.

✅ Book a free strategy session or contact us today to explore how Intune can transform your security, productivity, and user experience.

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