What Is Microsoft Intune and How Does It Help Businesses Manage Devices?
- Alex Hughes
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
Modern businesses no longer operate from a single office using a handful of desktop PCs. Employees now work across laptops, smartphones, tablets, and remote environments, often accessing business systems from multiple locations every day.
While this flexibility improves productivity, it also creates new security and management challenges.
Businesses need a way to control devices, protect company data, and support users without relying entirely on traditional office networks. This is where Microsoft Intune plays a key role.
What is Microsoft Intune?
Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based endpoint management platform that helps businesses manage and secure devices, applications, and user access.
It allows organisations to control company-owned and personal devices used for work, all from a centralised platform.
Microsoft Intune is part of the wider Microsoft ecosystem and integrates closely with:
Microsoft Entra ID
Windows devices
Mobile devices such as iPhones and Android phones
Its primary goal is to help businesses maintain security and compliance while supporting flexible working.
What does Microsoft Intune do?
Microsoft Intune helps businesses manage devices throughout their lifecycle.
This includes:
Enrolling and configuring devices
Applying security policies
Managing software and updates
Controlling access to business data
Monitoring compliance and risk
Instead of manually configuring each device individually, businesses can apply policies centrally across all users and endpoints.
Why businesses are using Microsoft Intune
Remote and hybrid working
Traditional office-based management methods are no longer practical for many businesses.
Employees may work from home, travel regularly, or use multiple devices. Intune allows IT teams to manage devices securely regardless of location.
Improved security
Devices are one of the biggest cybersecurity risks businesses face.
Intune helps reduce risk by enforcing:
Password policies
Device encryption
Multi-factor authentication integration
Compliance requirements
Application protection policies
This creates a more consistent and secure environment.
Simplified device management
Managing devices manually becomes difficult as businesses grow.
Intune centralises administration, making it easier to deploy settings, applications, and updates at scale.
Better control over business data
Businesses can separate personal and work data on mobile devices and restrict how company information is accessed or shared.
This is especially important in bring-your-own-device (BYOD) environments.
Key features of Microsoft Intune
Mobile device management (MDM)
Intune allows businesses to manage smartphones, tablets, and laptops from a single platform.
This includes:
Device setup and configuration
Security policy enforcement
Remote device actions such as wipe or lock
Mobile application management (MAM)
Businesses can manage and secure applications without necessarily controlling the entire device.
This is useful when employees use personal devices for work purposes.
Endpoint security policies
Intune helps enforce security settings across endpoints, including:
Antivirus requirements
Firewall settings
Encryption policies
Operating system updates
Conditional access integration
When integrated with Microsoft Entra ID, Intune can control access based on:
Device compliance
User identity
Location
Risk level
For example, a non-compliant or unsecured device can be blocked from accessing Microsoft 365.
Automated deployment and updates
Devices can be configured automatically with the required settings, applications, and policies when users first sign in.
This reduces setup time and improves consistency.
Microsoft Intune and cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is one of the main reasons businesses adopt Intune.
Endpoints are often targeted because they provide direct access to business systems and data.
Intune strengthens security by helping businesses:
Keep devices updated
Enforce security standards
Restrict unauthorised access
Respond quickly to lost or compromised devices
Combined with multi-factor authentication and Microsoft 365 security tools, Intune becomes part of a layered defence strategy.
Common business use cases
Managing remote employees
Businesses can configure and support devices without requiring users to visit the office.
Securing personal devices
Intune allows organisations to protect company data on personal smartphones and laptops without accessing private user information.
Standardising device setups
New employees can receive preconfigured devices with applications and policies already in place.
Supporting compliance requirements
Businesses can enforce security controls and maintain audit visibility more easily.
Microsoft Intune vs Traditional Device Management
Traditional management often depended on:
On-premise servers
Local domain networks
Manual configuration processes
VPN access for remote users
Intune moves device management into the cloud.
This provides:
Greater flexibility
Simplified administration
Improved support for remote work
Faster deployment and scaling
For many SMEs, cloud-based management is more practical and cost-effective.
Signs your business could benefit from Microsoft Intune
Microsoft Intune is particularly valuable if:
Employees work remotely or use mobile devices
You want stronger control over company data
Device setup and management take too much time
You need better visibility into endpoint security
Your business uses Microsoft 365 extensively
If your organisation is growing or becoming more flexible in how it works, endpoint management becomes increasingly important.
How Microsoft Intune fits into your wider IT strategy
Microsoft Intune works best as part of a connected IT and security strategy.
It integrates naturally with:
Microsoft 365 productivity tools
Multi-factor authentication
Cybersecurity monitoring and compliance controls
Together, these technologies help businesses create secure, scalable, and modern IT environments.
Final thought
Managing devices is no longer just about installing software and troubleshooting laptops. Modern businesses need visibility, control, and security across every endpoint used to access company systems.
Microsoft Intune helps businesses achieve this without relying on outdated infrastructure or manual processes.
For organisations embracing remote work, cloud platforms, and stronger cybersecurity standards, Intune has become an increasingly important part of modern IT management.
If your business is struggling to manage devices securely across remote, office, and hybrid environments, IT Desk can help. We design and support Microsoft Intune solutions that improve security, simplify device management, and give your team the flexibility to work confidently from anywhere.
People Also Ask
What is Microsoft Intune used for?
Microsoft Intune is used to manage and secure business devices, applications, and user access through a cloud-based platform.
Is Microsoft Intune part of Microsoft 365?
Yes, many Microsoft 365 business plans include Microsoft Intune or offer it as an add-on service.
Can Microsoft Intune manage personal devices?
Yes, Intune can manage and secure work data on personal devices without controlling private personal information.
What is the difference between MDM and MAM?
MDM manages the entire device, while MAM focuses specifically on securing and managing business applications and data.
Is Microsoft Intune good for small businesses?
Yes, it helps small businesses improve security, simplify device management, and support remote working without large on-premise infrastructure.
