CloudServus - Microsoft Consulting Blog

Microsoft’s Intune Suite Updates March 2023

Written by cloudservuscom | Mar 22, 2023 6:59:27 PM

Let’s face it. The workplace is a lot different than it used to be.

There are a growing number of devices alongside an evolution of hybrid-remote work environments. Workplaces are becoming more diverse and distributed.

As a result, security is becoming more sophisticated and challenging to control and manage.

According to IDC, "the introduction of new endpoint devices and device types into enterprise use cases and workflows requires centralized, or unified, management, monitoring, and configuration functions to ensure that endpoints are functionally optimized, properly configured, secured, and compliant from operating system (OS), as well as app and data standpoint."

Organizations have to reduce the complexity of managing security for an evolving work landscape by automating IT and security operations in a simplified and intuitive way.

 

Enter Microsoft Intune Suite

 

At Microsoft Ignite in 2022, Microsoft announced their development plans to launch Intune Suite in March 2023, containing new advanced solutions.

Microsoft Intune is an industry-leading, unified endpoint management solution. Organizations require advanced endpoint management to protect and manage endpoints in a single place.

Also, organizations require a robust zero-trust security architecture. Microsoft Intune Suite helps manage and protect cloud-connected endpoints across Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, and Linux operating systems. In addition, Microsoft Intune provides a set of security policies and controls that help to protect corporate data and resources that are critical to securing a zero-trust architecture.

 

Endpoint Management

 

To keep everyone on track…

Endpoint management tools manage and secures computing devices, also known as endpoints, that are connected to a network. Endpoints can include desktops, laptops, smartphones, tablets, servers, and other devices that access an organization's network.

Endpoint management involves various tasks, such as configuring devices, deploying software and updates, monitoring device performance, and enforcing security policies. Endpoint management aims to ensure that all endpoints are secure, compliant, and functioning optimally.

Ultimately, endpoint management helps organizations to reduce risk, simplify device management, and maintain compliance with regulations.

 

Microsoft Intune Updates: New Available add-ons

 

Microsoft Intune is a management solution that’s included with subscriptions to Microsoft 365 E3, E5, F1, F3, Enterprise Mobility + Security E3 and E5, and Business Premium plans.

Intune Suite has a number of new features and pricing models to compare.

Look for add-ons to Intune in the Microsoft Intune admin center.

Microsoft’s Intune Suite is a new add-on capability as part of this pricing model.

You can now choose the plan you want depending on your needed functionality.

Let’s break it down to make it easier:

Microsoft Intune Plan 1 - $8

  • Cross-platform endpoint management
  • Built-in endpoint security
  • Mobile applications management
  • Endpoint analytics
  • Microsoft Configuration Manager

Microsoft Intune Plan 2 - $4

*This is an add-on to Microsoft Intune Plan 1

  • Microsoft Intune Tunnel for Mobile Application Management
  • Microsoft Intune management of specialty devices (purpose-built devices like augmented reality and virtual reality headsets, large smart-screen devices, and conference room meeting devices.)

Microsoft Intune Suite $10

*This is an add-on to Microsoft Intune Plan 1

  • Microsoft Intune Tunnel for Mobile Application Management
  • Microsoft Intune management of specialty devices
  • New: Microsoft Intune Remote Help
  • New: Microsoft Intune Endpoint Privilege Management - A feature that allows standard users to perform elevations approved by their organization.
  • New: Microsoft Intune advanced endpoint analytics - Analytics-driven capabilities that help IT admins understand, anticipate, and improve end-user experiences. Features include customer device scopes, anomaly detection, and device timelines for troubleshooting.

The Intune Suite enhances the control of specialized devices, enabling workers to select the appropriate device for their tasks without compromising security.

With the suite's launch on March 1, 2023, it also features advanced app management capabilities, like an enterprise app catalog, and controls for seamless app identification, deployment, and automatic updates to prevent risks associated with outdated apps.

 

Free Trials

 

Global and billing administrators can start free trials for Intune add-ons for 90 days with up to 250 users per tenant.

Just sign in to the Microsoft Intune admin center as a Global or Billing administrator and navigate to Tenant administration, followed by Intune add-ons.

 

Stay Tuned…

More advanced capabilities are on the way:

In the near future, watch for two upcoming additions to the Intune Suite: advanced app management, set to launch in May 2023, and cloud certification management capabilities, expected in the latter half of the year.

As part of this, Microsoft will introduce a cloud certificate management system to issue and oversee VPN and Wi-Fi certificates from Intune to devices without an on-premises infrastructure.

 As always, don’t hesitate to contact us at CloudServus for information about Microsoft Endpoint Management.