Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based service that focuses on mobile device management (MDM) and mobile application management (MAM). It allows businesses to manage mobile devices and apps, protecting company information by controlling how it gets accessed and shared. This blog post will guide you through the key steps to prepare for a successful Microsoft Intune deployment.

Understanding Your Requirements

Before you begin, it’s crucial to understand your organisation’s specific needs. Find the types of devices and operating systems in use, the applications that need to be managed, and the security requirements of your organization. Intune supports the core operating systems you would normally see in a corporate environment.

Planning Your Approach

Once you’ve identified your needs, plan your approach. Decide whether you’ll use Intune standalone or integrate it with System Centre Configuration Manager (SCCM). Also, consider whether you’ll use a phased rollout or deploy all at once. In most cases, it’s recommended to use a standalone deployment. SCCM should only be configured with an existing SCCM environment. Make sure to check out Microsoft’s guidelines for deploying Intune.

Setting Up Intune

To set up Intune, you’ll need an Azure Active Directory (AD) and an Intune subscription. Each member of staff in your organisation will need an Intune license to enable the feature. If you’re using SCCM, configure the Intune connector. Intune also supports Hybrid AD environments via the Intune Active Directory Connector. Remember to configure the Intune Mobile Device Management (MDM) authority, which decides how you manage your devices.

Preparing Your Network

Ensure your network is ready for Intune. Check that you have the necessary bandwidth and that your security system allows communication with Intune’s endpoints. If you are bulk-enrolling, the mass-provisioning of devices is likely to take up a good portion of network usage. A key step is informing all organisational staff of the change, and to adequately prepare for any performance degradation.

Configuring Intune Policies

Intune uses policies to enforce compliance and security. You can create policies for different device and OS types. These policies can control password requirements, device encryption, automatic application deployments, conditional access and much more. Microsoft Intune includes settings and features you can enable or disable on different devices within your organisation. These settings and features are added to configuration profiles. When you configure device features using configuration profile, you can help your end users be productive on their devices faster.

Deploying Apps through Intune

Managing applications on devices in your organisation is a central part to a secure and productive enterprise ecosystem. You can use Microsoft Intune to manage the apps that your company’s workforce uses. With Intune, you can deploy apps to devices. You can use it to deploy Microsoft Store apps, web apps, Google Play and iOS App Store applications. You can also deploy your own line-of-business (LOB) apps. The sky’s the limit with Intune app deployments, as at an advanced level, you can create and deploy your own app packages.

Enrolling Intune Devices

Device enrolment is a critical step in managing your mobile environment with Microsoft Intune. By understanding the different enrolment methods and preparing for enrolment, you can ensure a smooth and successful deployment. You can manually enrol devices or automate the process for large-scale deployments. Intune supports a variety of enrolment methods, including bulk enrolment for Windows devices, Apple MDM Push Certificates and Managed Google Play integration.

Monitoring and Reporting

Monitoring and reporting are crucial aspects of managing your Microsoft Intune deployment. They allow you to keep track of your devices, ensure compliance, and make informed decisions about your mobile environment. It is essential for keeping a healthy and secure mobile environment. By effectively using Intune’s monitoring and reporting features, you can gain valuable insights into your mobile environment, ensure compliance, and make informed decisions.

Preparing for a Microsoft Intune deployment involves careful planning and consideration. By understanding your requirements, setting up Intune correctly, and checking your deployment, you can help ensure a successful implementation. A handy checklist is outlined below for

1. Understand Your Requirements 

  • Find the types of devices and operating systems in use.
  • Decide the applications that need to be managed.
  • Understand the security requirements of your organisation.

2. Plan Your Approach

  • Decide whether to use Intune standalone or integrate it with SCCM.
  • Consider whether to use a phased rollout or deploy all at once.

3. Set Up Intune 

  • Obtain an Azure Active Directory (AD) and an Intune subscription.
  • If using SCCM, configure the Intune connector.
  • Configure the Mobile Device Management (MDM) authority.

4. Configure Policies 

  • Create policies for different device and OS types.
  • Ensure policies control password requirements, device encryption, etc.

5. Prepare Your Network

  • Check that you have the necessary bandwidth.
  • Ensure your security system allows communication with Intune’s endpoints.

6. Enroll Devices 

  • Decide whether to manually enroll devices or automate the process for large-scale deployments.
  • Understand the different enrolment methods supported by Intune.

7. Deploy Apps 

  • Learn how to deploy Microsoft Store apps, web apps, and more.
  • Understand how to deploy your own line-of-business (LOB) apps.

8. Monitor and Report 

  • Use Intune’s monitoring and reporting features to keep track of your devices.
  • Regularly check to ensure compliance.

Remember, each of these steps requires careful planning and execution. It’s also important to continuously monitor your Intune environment and make adjustments as needed.

Ready to streamline your mobile device management with Microsoft Intune? Start your deployment journey today with Vissensa and ensure your organisation’s devices and data are secure and well-managed. For more detailed guidance and support, contact us here. Don’t wait—take control of your mobile environment now!

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