Intune Standalone (Cloud-Native MDM)
Intune Standalone means managing all your devices directly and exclusively through the cloud-based Microsoft Intune service. It's a modern, simplified approach.
Key Benefits of Intune Standalone:
Simplified Infrastructure: No need for on-premises servers, complex networking, or ongoing maintenance of Configuration Manager infrastructure. This significantly reduces costs, complexity, and IT overhead.
Cloud-Native Agility and Scalability: Intune is designed for the cloud, offering automatic updates and seamless scalability to accommodate a growing number of devices and users without additional infrastructure investment. This is particularly beneficial for global or rapidly expanding organizations.
Unified Endpoint Management (UEM): Intune provides a single console for managing a diverse range of devices, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and even IoT devices. This streamlines administration and provides better visibility across your entire device ecosystem.
Deep Microsoft 365 Integration: Intune offers seamless integration with other Microsoft 365 services like Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory) for identity and access management, Conditional Access for enhanced security, and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint for advanced threat protection. This creates a cohesive and secure ecosystem.
Enhanced Remote Work Support: Because it's cloud-based, Intune can manage devices anywhere they have internet access, making it ideal for remote or hybrid workforces.
Modern Provisioning (Windows Autopilot): Intune facilitates zero-touch deployment of new Windows devices directly from the OEM to the end-user, ready with all necessary applications and configurations. This drastically simplifies onboarding.
Focus on Modern Management: Intune is built for modern devices and provides granular control over corporate data within applications (Mobile Application Management - MAM) even on personally owned devices (BYOD scenarios), without fully taking over the entire device.
Faster Innovation Cycle: Cloud services like Intune receive frequent updates and new features, ensuring your organization has access to the latest security capabilities and management tools.
Co-management with Configuration Manager (Hybrid Approach)
Co-management allows you to simultaneously manage Windows devices using both your existing on-premises Configuration Manager and cloud-based Microsoft Intune. It acts as a bridge, enabling a gradual transition to cloud management.
Key Benefits of Co-management:
Leverage Existing Investment: If you have a significant existing investment in Configuration Manager (SCCM), co-management allows you to continue using it for workloads where it excels (e.g., complex OS imaging, legacy application packaging, detailed hardware inventory) while gradually adopting Intune's cloud capabilities.
Gradual Migration to the Cloud: You can transition workloads (like compliance policies, Windows Update policies, or specific app deployments) from Configuration Manager to Intune one at a time, at your own pace. This minimizes risk and disruption during a cloud migration.
Best of Both Worlds: Co-management lets you combine the strengths of both platforms. You can maintain the granular control and on-premises capabilities of Configuration Manager where needed, while gaining the cloud-native benefits of Intune like Conditional Access and internet-based management for remote devices.
Enhanced Remote Device Capabilities for Existing Devices: Even devices primarily managed by Configuration Manager can immediately benefit from Intune features like Conditional Access for Entra ID, Intune-based remote actions (restart, factory reset), and centralized visibility of device health, without a full "forklift" migration.
Pilot Workloads: You can pilot Intune functionalities with a subset of devices before switching larger groups, allowing for thorough testing and validation.
Unified Visibility (with Tenant Attach): Features like Tenant Attach allow you to view Configuration Manager data directly within the Intune portal, moving towards a more unified administrative experience.
Maximize Licensing: Many Microsoft 365 E3/E5 subscriptions include rights for both Configuration Manager and Intune, allowing organizations to maximize their existing licensing investment.
How to Determine the Best MDM Authority for Your Organization:
To choose the right MDM authority, consider the following:
Current Infrastructure and Investment:
Heavy Configuration Manager investment: Co-management is likely your best starting point. It allows you to protect your existing infrastructure while gradually adopting Intune.
Minimal or no existing Configuration Manager: Intune Standalone is generally the preferred choice for new deployments as it offers a simpler, cloud-native experience from the start.
Device Landscape:
Primarily modern devices (smartphones, tablets, cloud-managed Windows devices): Intune Standalone is highly effective.
Mix of modern and traditional devices (older Windows machines requiring deep OS imaging or complex legacy app deployments): Co-management might be necessary to leverage Configuration Manager's strengths while introducing Intune.
Management Requirements and IT Skillset:
Desire for simplified, cloud-based management and modern security: Intune Standalone aligns well.
Need for highly granular control over certain aspects (e.g., complex software deployment, detailed inventory, specific task sequences) and existing Configuration Manager expertise: Co-management provides this flexibility.
IT team's familiarity with cloud technologies versus on-premises systems: Consider the learning curve for your team. Intune is a different paradigm than Configuration Manager.
Remote Work Strategy:
Significant remote workforce: Intune Standalone offers seamless management regardless of location. Co-management can also support remote devices, especially when combined with a Cloud Management Gateway (CMG) for Configuration Manager.
Migration Strategy and Pace:
Desire for a gradual, controlled transition to cloud management: Co-management provides the necessary bridge.
Starting fresh or aiming for a rapid shift to full cloud management: Intune Standalone allows you to hit the ground running in the cloud.
Future Vision:
Long-term goal of entirely cloud-managed endpoints: Co-management can be a stepping stone, but ultimately, you'd aim to shift all workloads to Intune. If you're starting fresh, Intune Standalone gets you there immediately.