Device management has become a priority for enterprise businesses as more employees have the ability to work from pretty much anywhere in the world. Many professionals are opting to bring their own device but still require protection and reliability. In fact, according to Dell1, 50% of over 30 tech savvy workers and 61% of Generation Y believe the technology tools they use in their personal lives are more effective and productive than those used in their work life. This kind of device management is now feasible, but technology has come a long way.
In one of the episodes of Mad Men, the AMC drama about an advertising agency in the sixties, the delivery of the IBM computer is at the center of the plot. The episode touches on several thought-provoking themes related to technology. The ad agency needs to demolish their creative lounge area to install a machine the size of an upright piano, causing havoc in the office for days.
In comparison, businesses today can give their employees access to incredibly more innovative computing power for a fraction of the 13 million dollar cost from six decades ago. The logistics and physical space requirements are no longer an issue, but modern device management has a whole new plethora of considerations to address.
Why is device management important and how can Microsoft Intune help?
Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based service that focuses on mobile device management (MDM), mobile application management (MAM) and Windows 10 management. You can control how your organization’s devices are used, including mobile phones, tablets, and laptops. You can also configure specific policies to control applications. For example, you can prevent emails from being sent to people outside your organization. Intune also allows people in your organization to keep using their personal devices for school or work by helping to make sure your organization data stays protected while also isolating it from any personal data on the device.
It is also important to note that companies favouring the “Bring Your Own Device” model (BYOD) make an annual saving of $350 per year, per employee1.
With Intune, you can:
- Choose to be 100% cloud with Intune or be co-managed with Configuration Manager and Intune.
- Set rules and configure settings on personal and organization-owned devices to access data and networks.
- Deploy and authenticate apps on devices — on-premises and mobile.
- Protect your company information by controlling the way users’ access and share information.
- Be sure devices and apps are compliant with your security requirements.
“Companies favouring the “Bring Your Own Device” model (BYOD) make an annual saving of $350 per year, per employee”
CISCO
What can Microsoft Intune do for your business?
Today, Microsoft Intune’s integration with the Microsoft suite of products can connect all or your devices, from Windows 10 devices, to iOS and Android, and turn them into one seamless ecosystem. This cloud-based platform is the logical step towards the future of device management.
Enjoy better control over the security and applications in your business
As an Intune admin in your business, you have a great deal of control across all users and devices. This means you can expect more security and update management. Administrators can use Microsoft Intune management to control computers running any version of Windows. They can also configure anti-malware, firewall policies, and update virus definitions. The best part is that Intune can also manage Office mobile apps, meaning admins can restrict actions such as copy and paste, even if a user is trying to paste something into a personal app that IT has no jurisdiction over. This is vital as 60% of all employees use a smartphone for work purposes while 31% desire one3.
Intune is also a fantastic choice if you have devices that are shared between employees, such as limited-use shared tablets (often used in retail businesses). With Intune, you can easily configure your device to be used in limited-use mode in order to bulk provision, secure, and centrally manage shared iOS and Android devices. Likewise, you’ll be given peace of mind that your company data is safe if an employee tries to sign in on a public device, such as a public computer at a trade show or in a library. Intune lets you limit email access to devices that are managed by your organization, meaning no company email accounts can be accidentally left open in public areas.
Give Employees access to business apps
Have you created your own internal apps for business functionality? Awesome! The good news is that Intune will work with you to give your employees access. Admins can deploy your internal line of business apps to all employees across any devices they may use for work purposes.
Not every employee may need access to every business app. You should determine the apps and capabilities your workforce needs and who needs them. An Intune admin can then manage these permissions and determine which apps a group can use, as well as the capabilities needed for each group and subgroup. After you add a new app, you simply assign a group of users who can access and use this app.
Save time as you don’t need to individually set up each device
Save your IT guys time and headaches. Intune means there’s no need to deal with each individual device when it’s time for updates and software rollouts. Intune enables you to deploy software across all enrolled devices. Easily control updates so every user is running up-to-date apps and software. Licensing can be tracked, and you’re able to collect information about hardware configurations and software installations on managed computers. Both feature updates (major, semi-annual updates) and quality updates (monthly updates that reduce patching issues) can be set up through Intune. You can also set up a variety of other Windows updates to suit the kind of business you’re running, offering a world on benefits and easy-to-use solutions for your employees. Using portable devices for work tasks saves employees 58 minutes per day while increasing productivity by 34%3.
Easily deploy software and updates to your business devices
We’re excited to tell you that, although Intune is a Microsoft product, you aren’t just restricted to Windows. Unlike MDM for Office 365, you can use Intune’s cloud-based management on all operating systems. This includes Mac OS X, Android, and iOS. This makes it well worth the small per-user subscription fee, especially if you have an office that uses Apple (or just personally really love doing work from your iPhone, iPad, or MacBook).
With Intune, your employees will easily be able to switch between their desktop and mobile device/s without company security being jeopardised. This is useful in any office environment — especially during meetings when the team leave their PCs at their desks. It’s also useful for employees who work on site, from home, or travel frequently; this is extremely relevant in today’s WFH climate.
With businesses relying on mobile devices more and more, as well as a more popular BYO device approach, you really need a tool that provides a fuller service without draining your time and resources. Remote configuration, device updating, and security control are all a breeze with Intune. Not only can employees enjoy a simplified user experience, Intune makes the most sensible choice for managing your mobile business needs. Businesses need to be cyber security resilient. Even if you think you’re on top of your cybersecurity strategy, there may be gaps. It’s time to refresh your security with Intune!
About OnPoint ONE
OnPoint ONE provides deep expertise and nimble solutions for your complex technology problems. Our team of seasoned IT professionals use a pragmatic approach to meet your business needs.
Organizations such as BC Liquor Distribution, Bombardier, Indigo, City of Kelowna and Langara College trust OnPoint to deliver sustainable IT professional services, consulting advice and managed services.
Contact OnPoint ONE today and we’ll walk you through everything we can do for your business when we get you on board with Microsoft Intune. Or if you already use Intune, please let us know if you have any questions regarding how you’re using it.
