Microsoft Intune for Real Life
As you all know, I was one of the very few who had access to Windows Intune’s Beta program. Since Microsoft Management Summit 2011 (Las Vegas), I have proudly presented how Intune can benefit you.
TechEd was attended by the IT PRO’s. The feedback was incredible. All feedback regarding improvements will now be passed on to the product group. This will hopefully reflect in the upcoming versions (Windows Intune 2.0).
Windows Intune is Microsoft’s Web-based PC management platform and security platform. Microsoft is betting big that Intune will be the cloud service that IT can use to remotely manage their evolving jobs.
These changes will be made, as we discussed in the session.
Windows Intune costs $11 per computer per month (Software Assurance customers pay less than $11 –US Price. Please verify the price for your country by speaking to your Microsoft Intune representatives. This price includes an integrated antimalware product and Windows 7 Enterprise upgrade rights. This could save small businesses a lot of money.
Microsoft is integrating parts of its high-end on-premise enterprise products like SCCM (System Center Configuration Manger), Forefront Endpoint Protection and MDOP (Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack), into Windows Intune. Windows Intune customers have access to the MDOP suite of products for an additional dollar per PC ($12). This includes desktop virtualization tools and application virtualization tools.
Microsoft Intune: Demonstrating Intune on Apple iPad devicesMicrosoft also plans integration of Windows Intune and Office 365, so IT pros can use Intune for Office deployments in the cloud. This integration is not yet available for Windows Intune 2.0.
Windows Intune does not support tablets and smartphones, but it does support Windows PCs. Main claims that Microsoft will expand the support for mobile devices in future versions.
Windows Intune 2.0 offers a host of new features. These are four important enhancements that Windows Intune 2.0 may be a worthwhile service to IT managers.
Software Distribution
Windows Intune 2.0 makes it easier to distribute both Microsoft and non-Microsoft updates and software to all computers that are managed through Windows Intune.
To help guide them through the publishing process, an IT administrator completes a wizard in Windows Intune. These software updates or software can be.EXE or.MSI files.
Once the information is entered, the wizard encrypts, compresses, and uploads the package into Windows Azure storage space until it is ready for deployment. To store updates and apps, you will receive 2GB of Windows Azure cloud storage free with a trial subscription. Paid subscriptions offer a pre-determined amount storage space (greater that 2GB). Customers have the option of purchasing additional space if they need it.
Once the software is live, it will appear in the Managed Software workspace. Administrators have the option to deploy the software on a select number of PCs. Software installation will begin the next time these PCs go online.
Remote Tasks
Remote Tasks gives IT administrators more control over software updates, security scans, and other tasks on managed PCs.
IT administrators can right-click on managed PCs to open a context menu that includes actions such as Add to Group, Retire, and Remote Tasks. If the admin clicks on “Remote Tasks”, he can perform tasks from a Windows Intune managed computer. There are options such as:
License Management for Other Licences
Windows Intune 2.0 expands software license management beyond Microsoft enterprise software licenses to include Microsoft retail software licenses, OEM licenses, and other third-party licences.
IT administrators can use this feature for tracking purchased licenses against actual installations.
