Mobile devices are now such an integral part of everyday workspaces that it’s hard to imagine an enterprise functioning without them. But as more employees work remotely and use personal devices for work, the challenge of keeping those devices secure, compliant, and productive grows exponentially. This is where Mobile Device Management (MDM) comes in—your organization’s secret weapon against data breaches, compliance failures, and productivity headaches.
And for businesses using Microsoft’s suite of tools, there’s no better solution than Microsoft Intune. This article dives into what Intune is, and—most importantly—how to make the most of Intune for seamless mobile device management.
What Is Microsoft Intune?
Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based Mobile Device Management (MDM) service and mobile application management (MAM) solution. It allows you to control how your employees’ devices—whether company-owned or personal—access company data.
Intune is part of Microsoft Endpoint Manager and integrates seamlessly with tools like Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) and Microsoft 365, making it the go-to option if your organization uses the Microsoft ecosystem.
Key Features of Intune
To understand why Intune is such a game-changer, here are its primary features and what it brings to the table for businesses:
- Device Enrollment and Management: With Intune, organizations can enroll and configure devices for secure work access. Whether your team uses iOS, Android, Windows, or macOS, Intune supports it all, making it your one-stop solution to manage diverse device fleets.
- App Deployment and Management: Intune lets IT teams deploy and manage apps for company use. Using the Intune Company Portal, employees can access a catalog of required and optional apps, making onboarding new hires or rolling out software updates a breeze.
- Integration with Azure AD and Microsoft 365: Since Intune integrates with Azure Active Directory and Microsoft 365, you get built-in access controls that allow or restrict access to sensitive apps or files based on compliance, device security, or location.
These features simplify what would otherwise be an overwhelming and risky process of managing mobile devices across your organization.
Best Practices for Mastering Intune for MDM
Now that we know why MDM matters, let’s look at five best practices to master Intune and get your mobile device management running like a well-oiled machine.
1. Develop a Clear MDM Policy
Before doing anything in Intune, create a clear Mobile Device Management policy aligned with your organization’s goals. Define what’s allowed, what’s restricted, and how you’ll enforce these policies. Include essential elements, such as BYOD (bring your own device) policies and acceptable use guidelines.
2. Streamline Device Enrollment
Device enrollment can feel like herding cats, but Intune simplifies it by offering auto-enrollment through Azure Active Directory. With just a couple of steps, an employee can enroll their device, and Intune can apply any pre-configured policies and settings automatically.
3. Enforce Security and Compliance
Take full advantage of Intune’s MDM compliance policies to ensure all enrolled devices meet your organization’s security standards. For example, you can configure rules for password strength, require encryption, and even block non-compliant devices from accessing sensitive data.
4. Optimize App Management
Intune makes app deployment seamless. Use the Intune Company Portal to provide employees with access to work-essential apps while restricting access to unapproved or risky ones. You can even manage specific app settings remotely to ensure everything works as intended.
5. Regularly Monitor and Update Policies
Finally, stay proactive by using Intune’s dashboards and reports to monitor compliance, identify weak spots, and regularly update your policies as your organization evolves. Your MDM strategy should never be “set it and forget it.”
Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Intune MDM Management
Even the best MDM tools won’t save you if some critical issues are ignored. Watch out for these common pitfalls when implementing Intune MDM:
- Overcomplicating Device Enrollment: Complex enrollment processes can frustrate employees and lead to non-compliance. Keep it simple to encourage adoption.
- Ignoring User Training: Intune MDM is a fantastic tool, but your employees need to understand how to use it. Offer clear communication and training about policies to avoid frustration.
- Failing to Update Compliance Rules: Regularly review your compliance policies and update them to reflect changing regulations or emerging threat vectors.
- Overlooking App Protection for Personal Devices: If your team uses personal devices, don’t skip adding application protection policies (APP) in Intune. It’s a simple way to protect company data even on non-enrolled devices.
Supercharge Your MDM Strategy with Intune
Mobile device management isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore—it’s an essential aspect of keeping your business secure, compliant, and running efficiently. When executed properly with tools like Microsoft Intune, MDM becomes a competitive advantage rather than just an IT checklist item.
Don’t wait until the next compliance audit—or worse, a data breach—forces your hand. Implement MDM best practices today and unlock the full potential of Intune.
Need help getting started? Onboard IT is here to help with expert MDM training. Contact us today and get your mobile device management strategy on track with Intune.