Microsoft Intune

Intune will allow to conduct centralized operation by updates on security, to configure security policies, to perform condition monitoring of the computers connected to service and also to give remote support to end users.

Work with Intune requires installation of the corresponding client PC on each PC. Now the next versions of Microsoft OS are supported: Windows 7 (Enterprise, Ultimate, Professional), Windows Vista (Enterprise, Ultimate, Business) Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 2 or 3.

The cost of a subscription of Intune will include the right of updating of OS to Windows 7 Enterprise that will allow to standardize the software within the company.

At the initial stage the Intune service will be available in 35 countries of the world – availability in Russia is not known so far. In terms of use of service fundamental restriction – no more than 20,000 managed PCs on one company is put, and upon purchase of a large number of licenses wholesale discounts are provided. Despite so high limit of number of the PC, Intune service it is focused on much smaller companies which often have no own resources for technical support and support the minimum infrastructure. Actually, this solution of initial level for those who have no tools for control of client computers yet.

Now Microsoft is faced by a difficult task of belief of clients in the value of Intune service. By calculations of IDC analytical company, the small company can save up to 700 US dollars a year on each PC, using Intune service instead of compensation of regular specialists for service of computers. For the companies without the selected technical support services economy will be less obvious so in IDC expect slow growth in sales of Intune – there should pass about 6 - 12 months until customers estimate new service and will begin to purchase subscriptions in a mass order.

It is interesting that at release of the first beta of Intune in April, 2010 developers set restriction in 1,000 users in each 24 hours. The second beta which appeared in September, 2010 allowed service to 10,000 users. Also It should be noted that, despite the upgradeability included in a subscription to Windows 7 Enterprise, the Intune service supports service and some older versions of Windows, including Windows XP and Windows Vista. At the same time, the Intune service cannot be used for service of versions of Windows XP and also for service of Mac computers is more senior.

Except centralized operation and updating of programs, including antiviruses, the Intune service provides remote support of remote workers from the central office. Also the complete inventory of the equipment and programs within all company – all PCs which are switched on in a subscription is supported.

Developers from Microsoft implemented the special console which allows such consultants to switch easily between networks of different customers in Intune service.

Windows Intune 2.0

The Microsoft company released in October, 2011 the new version of the solution Windows Intune for management of the corporate IT-systems using cloud computing. Windows Intune offers an optimal method of transition of desktop PCs in the organizations from the Windows XP operating system on Windows 7.

Other important difference of the updated service consists in support of third-party products – now using Windows Intune administrators can update not only operating systems and Microsoft applications, but also products of other producers.

The main appointment of Windows Intune service consists in helping corporate customers with control of desktop PCs and ensuring their security. Besides, the Windows Intune service grants to users the rights to installation of the current and future versions, as upon purchase of a subscription of Software Assurance.

Technically Windows Intune consists of two components: local management tools and online service. The Windows Intune technology represents development of the project earlier known as SCODM (System Center Online Desktop Manager).

Among important differences of the new version of Windows Intune function of installation of updates and corrections for third-party applications, remote execution of tasks of IT-management, new means of preparation of reports and an opportunity to open access to the administrative console only for reading is selected.

Official users of the first version of Windows Intune will be transferred to version 2.0 automatically – transition will happen gradually within several weeks from the date of start. No actions from users at the same time will be required. At the same time in the administrative Windows Intune console the special notification in which date of the actual transition to the new version of Intune will be specified will be displayed.