In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, businesses of all sizes face increasing cybersecurity threats and challenges in managing their IT infrastructure. 

Microsoft 365 Business Premium offers a comprehensive solution that includes Microsoft Intune, a powerful cloud-based service for mobile device management (MDM) and mobile application management (MAM). This article explores why Intune, as part of the M365 Business Premium package, is crucial for modern business security and productivity.

Understanding Microsoft Intune

Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based service that focuses on mobile device management and mobile application management. It allows organizations to control how their devices are used, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Intune provides the flexibility for employees to work on the devices they choose while ensuring that corporate data remains protected. 

Key Features of Intune

1. Device enrollment and configuration
2. App protection and configuration
3. Device compliance and conditional access
4. Remote actions and wiping
5. Reporting and analytics

These features enable businesses to maintain security standards across all devices accessing company resources, regardless of whether they are company-owned or personal devices used for work (BYOD). 

The Value of M365 Business Premium

Microsoft 365 Business Premium is a comprehensive package designed for small to medium-sized businesses with up to 300 users. It combines the productivity tools of Office 365 with advanced security features, including Microsoft Intune. 

What’s Included in M365 Business Premium

• Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Exchange Online (business email)
• SharePoint and OneDrive (file storage and sharing)
• Microsoft Teams (collaboration platform)
• Microsoft Defender for Business (endpoint security)
• Azure Information Protection (data protection)
• Microsoft Intune (device management)

This all-in-one solution provides businesses with the tools they need to work efficiently while maintaining a strong security posture. 

Intune’s Role in Modern Business Security

In an era where remote work and BYOD policies are becoming the norm, Intune plays a crucial role in maintaining business security. Here’s how:

Device Management

Intune allows IT administrators to enroll and manage devices across various platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. This ensures that all devices accessing company resources meet security standards. 

Application Management

With Intune, businesses can control which apps are installed on devices and how they’re used. This includes the ability to deploy, configure, and update applications remotely. 

Data Protection

Intune enables organizations to implement policies that protect company data on both managed and unmanaged devices. This includes features like app protection policies and selective wipe capabilities. 

Compliance and Conditional Access

Intune works in conjunction with Azure AD to enforce compliance policies. This means that only devices meeting specific security requirements can access company resources. 

Benefits of Intune for Small and Medium Businesses

While enterprise-level security solutions have been available for large corporations, small and medium businesses often struggled to find affordable, comprehensive security solutions. M365 Business Premium with Intune bridges this gap.

Cost-Effective Security

By bundling Intune with other essential business tools, M365 Business Premium offers a cost-effective way for smaller businesses to implement enterprise-grade security measures. 

Simplified IT Management

Intune’s cloud-based nature means that small businesses don’t need extensive IT infrastructure to manage their devices and applications. Everything can be controlled from a central console. 

Scalability

As businesses grow, Intune can easily scale to accommodate more devices and users without significant additional investment in IT infrastructure. 

Support for Remote Work

With the increasing trend towards remote and hybrid work models, Intune provides the tools necessary to secure and manage devices regardless of their location. 

Implementing Intune in Your Business

Adopting Intune as part of your M365 Business Premium subscription involves several key steps:

1. Assessment and Planning

Before implementation, assess your current IT environment and plan how Intune will fit into your existing infrastructure and workflows.

2. Device Enrollment

Decide on your enrollment strategy. Will you use automatic enrollment for company-owned devices? How will you handle BYOD scenarios?

3. Policy Configuration

Set up policies for device compliance, app protection, and conditional access based on your organization’s security requirements.

4. App Deployment

Plan which apps need to be deployed to which groups of users and configure app protection policies accordingly.

5. Training and Adoption

Ensure that your IT staff is trained on managing Intune and that end-users understand how to enroll their devices and comply with security policies.

Challenges and Considerations

While Intune offers significant benefits, there are some challenges to consider:

User Privacy Concerns

When managing personal devices, it’s crucial to balance security needs with user privacy. Clear communication about what data Intune can and cannot access is essential.

Complexity of Policies

Creating effective policies that don’t hinder productivity while maintaining security can be complex. It may require some trial and error to find the right balance.

Integration with Existing Systems

For businesses with existing MDM or MAM solutions, integrating or migrating to Intune may require careful planning and execution.

Get Started Today 

In an age where cyber threats are constantly evolving and work environments are becoming more diverse, robust device and application management is no longer optional—it’s essential. Microsoft Intune, as part of the M365 Business Premium package, offers small and medium-sized businesses a powerful tool to secure their digital assets, manage their devices, and protect their data.

By implementing Intune, businesses can ensure they have the flexibility to support modern work practices while maintaining strong security controls. As we look to the future, the role of comprehensive device management solutions like Intune will only grow in importance.

If you’re considering upgrading your business’s security and device management capabilities, we at Concensus Technologies are here to help. Our team of experts can guide you through the process of implementing M365 Business Premium and Intune, ensuring that your business is equipped to face the cybersecurity challenges of today and tomorrow. Don’t leave your business’s security to chance—contact us today to learn how we can help secure your digital future.