What is our primary use case?
My use case for Microsoft Intune includes managing a fleet of about close to 800 laptops and another 500 mobile phone devices like iPhones. We migrated to Microsoft Intune to control and reduce the MSP cost, as our provider was very old-fashioned. As the solution architect, I create plans to ensure cost reduction and process efficiency, particularly regarding Windows patching.
There wasn't any visibility regarding our devices. Most of the time, we couldn't tell which devices were turned on and which weren't. This lack of clarity resulted in delays with patches, as some devices were not powered on. Overall, it was a mess. To address this issue, we centralized everything into Intune, and we've been handling the patching process since last year. Additionally, we removed Bitdefender and whatever version we were using, and we implemented BitLocker.
From Microsoft Intune, everything is automated. If you need to get the keys, it's super easy for users to obtain them, and someone from IT should also be able to access them. We use Intune because it supports a hybrid environment, allowing us to manage both on-premises devices and our cloud-based services. This means we can still utilize our Active Directory organizational units (OUs) through Microsoft Intune's policies.
Eventually, we plan to migrate everything to Microsoft Intune. However, if we acquire another company that is behind in technology, we might still leverage the traditional Active Directory approach. This would involve integrating their domain into ours, while at the same time continuing to use Microsoft Intune.
We work in the agricultural supply chain, but we prioritize technology. We have the world's fastest terminal for grain loading and unloading, located in Vancouver, Canada. We operate our own trains and are responsible for nearly 20% of Canadian grain exports.
What is most valuable?
I find Microsoft Intune most valuable for its user-friendly automation and ease of use compared to other tools. We also started using Azure Windows Update Manager for our servers. Microsoft Intune is automated, where you don't need to be an Active Directory guru to manage OUs. This ease has significantly improved our patching process, allowing users to have options on whether they want to receive updates immediately or delay them, which enhances user experience compared to when we used other tools that forced reboots during meetings. With these improvements, I estimate we've reduced our patching costs by over $100,000 a month, as the MSP previously had to troubleshoot various issues manually.
What needs improvement?
To improve Microsoft Intune, I suggest enhancing reporting capabilities, including better visualization and more export options for deeper analysis. Integrating Power BI reports would be beneficial, as it currently requires manual API interaction rather than having straightforward pre-built reports.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Microsoft Intune for about two years now.
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How are customer service and support?
I have an issue with my MSP who is providing Azure service and other things. I used to work at ExxonMobil, where when you called or sent an email, you would receive a response within an hour. However, with Microsoft, it takes a lot longer, and I’m not getting quick resolutions. Sometimes, I find myself bouncing around between different support groups. I believe that for smaller clients, there should be a special support system in place.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We were previously using McAfee for security. At that time, we didn’t have Microsoft Intune. After we transitioned to Microsoft Intune, we used it to encrypt our devices. As a result, we removed Bitdefender, which was the McAfee equivalent, and started using the Microsoft version instead.
How was the initial setup?
I was involved in the initial setup and deployment of Microsoft Intune. It depends significantly on how the initial Active Directory was configured, and we faced considerable challenges during the registration of a hybrid setup, as hybrid configurations are complex. While cloud setups are easier, hybrid is more cumbersome. It requires knowledgeable consultants or an adept IT team familiar with all features and registrations. Through three months of trial and error, we reached a setup that works for us.
What about the implementation team?
We have a cloud engineer. We also have some analysts, so about four or five people were involved.
What was our ROI?
With these improvements, I estimate we've reduced our patching costs by over $100,000 a month, as the MSP previously had to troubleshoot various issues manually.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I've heard that they might take it away from the E3 license and charge us separately. I'm not sure if it's true or not. My E3 license covers Microsoft Intune, so I think we're good.
What other advice do I have?
Microsoft Intune does not yet bring all endpoint and security management tools into one place as we are still integrating everything. We haven't yet started using Microsoft Endpoint Protection and are still relying on other tools such as Tenable.
The user experience with Microsoft Intune has improved significantly over time. When I started, there was a learning curve, but I find Microsoft to be consistently better than other vendors. I might be biased as I'm essentially a Microsoft shop being a Microsoft certified solution architect with six different certifications from Microsoft.
Using Microsoft Intune alongside Microsoft Office and integrating tools via Graph API allows for seamless extension within the Microsoft ecosystem, while integrating third-party tools can complicate management. My experience with Enterprise Application Management in Microsoft Intune includes managing some applications, although we haven't yet started with dashboards to show downloadable applications.
We use Microsoft Intune to manage Windows 11 upgrades, which proceed smoothly. With Microsoft Intune, I am managing devices, including mobile devices such as iPhones, but I plan to incorporate security endpoints soon, possibly next year. We conducted Windows 11 upgrades recently since the deadline for Windows 10 licensing is approaching. This project initiated last year with the focus on drive encryption, followed by transitioning rules from OU to Intune, and we are now proceeding with Windows upgrades.
We use the cloud interface of Microsoft Intune only, without utilizing any SDKs yet.
I would advise adopting Microsoft Intune as soon as possible. It's crucial to manage a multitude of devices since efficient patching is essential for security. Outdated devices pose vulnerabilities for hackers. Microsoft Intune is a leading tool in this regard, as it passively pushes updates with minimal user intervention.
We currently have only our managers utilizing Co-pilot in Microsoft Intune by activating it specifically for them. I am familiar with Co-pilot, and I am also a manager. I have heard that the licensing for Microsoft Intune may be separated from the E3 license. Currently, I believe that my E3 license covers Microsoft Intune, enabling us to operate without concerns.
I would rate Microsoft Intune a nine out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.