What is Microsoft Intune | Microsoft Intune Architecture | What is MDM and MAM

Introduction

This tutorial provides an overview of Microsoft Intune, a cloud-based endpoint management solution. It covers its fundamental concepts, benefits, and key features, including Mobile Device Management (MDM) and Mobile Application Management (MAM). By the end of this guide, you will understand how to effectively manage devices and applications within your organization using Microsoft Intune.

Step 1: Understand Microsoft Intune

• Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based solution for managing devices and applications.
• It supports various operating systems including Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, and Linux.
• Key functionalities include:
  • Enrolling devices
  • Deploying applications
  • Applying security policies
  • Updating compliance settings

Step 2: Enroll Devices in Microsoft Intune

• Enrolling devices allows you to manage and monitor them.
• Types of Enrollment:
  • Company-owned devices: Directly enroll via Intune.
  • Personal devices (BYOD): Register and manage applications without compromising personal data.
• Enrollment Steps:
  1. Register the device with Azure Active Directory (Azure AD).
  2. Use appropriate credentials to join the device based on ownership.
  3. Ensure the device meets security requirements set by your organization.

Step 3: Apply Configuration Policies

• Once devices are enrolled, you can apply various configuration policies.
• Configuration Policy Examples:
  • Control network settings
  • Manage display configurations
  • Set printer preferences
• These policies help enforce compliance with organizational security standards.

Step 4: Implement Compliance Policies

• Compliance policies ensure devices meet specific security requirements.
• Actions to Take:
  • Regularly audit devices to ensure compliance.
  • Automatically push updates to maintain security standards.
  • Use conditional access to restrict access to resources based on compliance status.

Step 5: Manage Applications

• Microsoft Intune allows you to deploy and manage applications across devices.
• Application Management Steps:
  1. Add applications to Intune (from various sources like Microsoft Store, Apple Store, or custom apps).
  2. Deploy applications to enrolled devices.
  3. Monitor deployment success and compliance.
  4. Update applications as new versions are released.
  5. Uninstall applications no longer needed.

Step 6: Protect Organizational Data

• Utilize App Protection Policies to safeguard company data on personal devices.
• Protection Strategies:
  • Prevent copying data between managed and unmanaged apps.
  • Restrict application access based on security compliance.
  • Use multi-factor authentication for added security.

Step 7: Understand Device and App Lifecycle

• Device Lifecycle Phases:
  1. Enroll
  2. Configure
  3. Protect
  4. Retire
• App Lifecycle Phases:
  1. Add
  2. Deploy
  3. Configure
  4. Protect
  5. Retire
• Managing both lifecycles helps ensure that devices and applications are secure and compliant throughout their use.

Step 8: Know Licensing Requirements

• Microsoft Intune is available through various licensing options:
  • Microsoft 365 E3 and E5
  • Enterprise Mobility and Security E3 and E5
  • Microsoft 365 Business Premium
  • Education plans for schools
• Ensure you choose the right licensing that fits your organization’s needs.

Conclusion

Microsoft Intune is a powerful tool for managing devices and applications in a secure and efficient manner. By understanding its architecture, enrolling devices, applying necessary policies, and managing apps, you can ensure organizational data is protected while providing a seamless user experience. For more in-depth exploration, consider the next steps like accessing the Microsoft Endpoint Manager and familiarizing yourself with its features.