Microsoft Intune
Cloud-based MDM and MAM for Windows, iOS, Android, macOS
Overview
Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based endpoint management solution that lets IT teams manage devices and apps across your organisation without needing on-premises infrastructure. It integrates tightly with the rest of the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, making it the go-to MDM for businesses already on M365.
Why Use It
If your organisation runs Microsoft 365, Intune is the natural choice. It reduces tool sprawl, integrates with Entra ID for conditional access, and works seamlessly with Defender for Endpoint. For UK SMBs standardised on Windows, it is hard to beat.
Why Not
If you have a large macOS or Linux fleet, or need advanced scripting and automation beyond what Intune offers natively, you may find tools like Jamf or Ansible more suitable. Intune also requires careful licensing management to avoid unexpected costs.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Native Microsoft ecosystem integration (Entra ID, Defender, Teams)
- No on-premises server infrastructure required
- Windows Autopilot enables zero-touch provisioning
- Strong conditional access policy support
- Continuous feature releases from Microsoft
Cons
- Complex conditional access can be difficult to configure correctly
- Limited native Linux device management
- Licensing tiers can be confusing
- Reporting and compliance dashboards feel basic vs. competitors
- macOS support lags behind iOS/Windows
How to Get the Most Out of It
- Use Autopilot profiles to eliminate manual device setup entirely
- Pair with Entra ID Conditional Access policies to enforce compliance before granting access
- Use Endpoint Analytics to identify devices causing helpdesk tickets before users report them
- Set up Windows Update rings to stagger patch deployment and catch issues before they hit all users
- Use the built-in LAPS (Local Administrator Password Solution) integration for secure local admin management