Microsoft Intune


Microsoft Intune is a Microsoft cloud-based management solution that provides for mobile device and operating system management. It aims to provide Unified Endpoint Management of both corporate and BYOD devices in a way that protects corporate data. It extends some of the "on-premises" functionality of Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager to the Windows Azure cloud.

Distribution

No on premises infrastructure is required for clients to use Intune, and management is accomplished using a web based portal. Distribution is through a subscription system in which a fixed monthly cost is incurred per user. It is included in Microsoft Enterprise Mobility + Security suite and Microsoft Office 365 Enterprise E5, which were both succeeded by Microsoft 365 in July 2017.

Function

Intune supports Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 3, Windows Vista or Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise or Ultimate editions, and Windows 8 Professional or Windows 8 Enterprise. Administration is done via a web browser. The administration console based on Microsoft Silverlight v3.0 allows Intune to invoke remote tasks such as malware scans. A Silverlight 3.0-compatible web browser is required. In addition, the administrator must have a Windows Live ID. Since version 2.0, installation of software packages in .exe, .msi and .msp format are supported. Installations are encrypted and compressed on Microsoft Azure Storage. Software installation can begin upon login. It can record and administer volume, retail and OEM licenses, and licenses which are administered by third parties. Upgrades to newer versions of the Intune software are also controlled.
Information about inventory is recorded automatically. Managed computers can be grouped together when problems occur. Intune notifies support staff as well as notifying an external dealer via e-mail.
Beta version 2.0 requires an additional 2 GB of memory.

Reception

Der Standard praised the application, saying "the cloud service Intune promises to be a simple PC Management tool via Web console. The interface provides a quick overview of the system of state enterprise." German PC World positively evaluated "usability" saying that it: "kept the interface simple." Business Computing World criticized the program, saying "Although Windows Intune worked well in our tests and did everything expected of it, we didn't find it all that easy to get to grips with", blaming the unintuitive "deceptively simple" management interface. ITespresso rated it "good", adding some criticisms.

Timeline