The 6 Best Features of Microsoft Intune

In the ever-evolving landscape of IT management, the role of endpoint management and remote monitoring and management (RMM) solutions has become increasingly important.  

One such standout in this realm is Microsoft Intune, a comprehensive cloud-based service that empowers businesses to effectively manage and secure their devices and applications. Intune has made a significant impact on device management and continues to roll out new features. In fact, the product has come a long way since its inception, now ranking as the clear leader on the Gartner Magic Quadrant.  

Intune is robust, but like any robust tool, certain features stand out more than others – and are used by admins regularly. Here are the top six features of Intune that admins can expect to use to streamline their device management strategies:  

1. Autopilot: Simplifying Device Deployment 

Autopilot is undoubtedly a cornerstone feature of Intune. The feature transforms device deployment by allowing administrators to provision new devices seamlessly, directly from the cloud, a process referred to as Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP).  

This process not only significantly reduces the time it takes for a device to go from startup to functional,  but also ensures a high level of security. Each device’s hardware ID is tied to the business’s tenant, preventing the device from being used elsewhere, and effectively enhancing security and control. 

2. Windows Update Rings: Simplifying Patch Management 

The effectiveness of Windows Update Rings also makes for a highlight feature of Intune. Windows Update Rings simplify patch management with over-the-air updates.  

Unlike legacy solutions that require an on-premises server for patch distribution, Windows Update Rings leverages Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure to deliver swift updates. This approach streamlines the update process and eliminates the need for users to be on-premises, ensuring updates reach devices connected to the internet. This enhancement in accessibility and efficiency has clear benefits for device management and security. 

3. Integrated App Management: Seamless Application Deployment 

The integration of app management within Intune, particularly through Microsoft Store for Business is another standout aspect of Intune. This integration allows for simple deployment of applications from the Microsoft Store, minimizing the need for complex packaging and distribution.  

With the integration of app management, deploying applications becomes a straightforward process, and updates for these applications are automatically managed, reducing the administrative overhead and ensuring devices remain up to date with the latest software. 

 4. User Data Management and Integration: Smooth Device Transitions

Intune’s capability to integrate with other services, such as OneDrive, streamlines endpoint management strategies from a user data perspective, especially for those using the Microsoft Cloud ecosystem.  

Leveraging the functionality of user data management configuration policies ensures that user data is backed up and synced to the cloud. This enables a seamless transition to new devices without data loss. This illustrates how Intune’s capabilities extend beyond device management to user-centric data management and integration. 

5. Configuration Management and Compliance Policies: Modern Replacement for GPOs 

Configuration management and compliance policies have taken over the role of traditional Group Policy Objects (GPOs). With this feature, administrators can configure various settings on devices, ranging from BitLocker settings to user configurations. This modern approach eliminates the need for on-premises management and provides more flexibility and control over device configurations, streamlining the administrative process. 

6. Endpoint Analytics: Offering Insights to Enable a Greater User Experience 

Endpoint analytics enable administrators to deliver an enhanced user experience while ensuring the security of devices associated with your network. Intune’s endpoint analytics deliver valuable insights to enable proactive monitoring and analysis that lead to better outcomes and increased visibility. 

To a degree, endpoint analytics function as a Remote Monitoring and Management tool, consistently gathering valuable information from enrolled devices while simultaneously identifying anomalies.  

Conclusion 

In conclusion, the power of Microsoft Intune makes for a versatile and comprehensive solution for modern device management. From streamlining device deployment through Autopilot to simplifying patch management with Windows Update Rings, Intune’s capabilities are designed to enhance the complex tasks of IT management. As businesses continue to adapt to a rapidly changing IT, hybrid-first landscape, tools like Intune play a crucial role in ensuring efficiency, security, and seamless device management.