Intune Deployment Guide: Planning and Best Practices
Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based service that focuses on mobile device management (MDM) and mobile application management (MAM). This guide provides comprehensive information and best practices for planning and deploying Intune within your organization.
1. Understanding Intune Components and Features
Intune offers a robust set of features for managing devices and applications. Key components include:
- Device Enrollment: Methods for bringing corporate-owned and BYOD devices under management.
- Configuration Profiles: Define settings for devices, such as Wi-Fi configurations, VPN profiles, and security policies.
- Compliance Policies: Ensure devices meet your organization's security and compliance standards.
- Application Deployment: Distribute and manage applications across managed devices.
- Conditional Access: Integrate with Microsoft Entra ID to enforce access controls based on device compliance and user identity.
- Reporting and Monitoring: Track device status, compliance, and application deployment.
2. Planning Your Intune Deployment
A successful Intune deployment starts with thorough planning. Consider the following:
2.1 Define Your Management Strategy
- Device Ownership: Corporate-owned vs. Bring Your Own Device (BYOD).
- Management Scope: Which device platforms (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android) will you manage?
- User Groups: How will you segment users and devices for targeted policies?
- Application Strategy: How will you deploy, update, and retire applications?
2.2 Licensing Requirements
Ensure you have the appropriate Microsoft 365 or Intune licenses for your users. Common licensing options include:
- Microsoft 365 E3/E5
- Enterprise Mobility + Security E3/E5
- Intune Standalone
Refer to the Microsoft licensing documentation for the most up-to-date information.
2.3 Prerequisites
- An active Azure subscription.
- Global Administrator or Intune Administrator role for initial setup.
- Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) configured.
3. Step-by-Step Deployment Process
Step 1: Access the Microsoft Endpoint Manager Admin Center
Navigate to the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center. This is your central hub for managing Intune.
Step 2: Configure Device Enrollment
Set up enrollment restrictions and enrollment methods:
- Go to Devices > Enrollment.
- Configure Enrollment restrictions to control which users or device types can enroll.
- Choose your enrollment methods (e.g., Windows Autopilot, Apple Business Manager, Android Enterprise).
For Windows devices, consider setting up Windows Autopilot for a seamless deployment experience.
Step 3: Create Configuration and Compliance Policies
Define the settings and security requirements for your devices:
- Navigate to Devices > Configuration profiles to create profiles for Wi-Fi, VPN, email, etc.
- Go to Devices > Compliance policies to define requirements like minimum OS version, encryption, and password complexity.
Step 4: Deploy Applications
Add and assign your required applications:
- Go to Apps > All apps.
- Click Add and select the app type (e.g., Microsoft Store app, line-of-business app, web link).
- Assign apps to user groups or device groups.
Step 5: Integrate with Microsoft Entra ID Conditional Access
Enforce security policies by requiring devices to be compliant before accessing corporate resources:
- In the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center, go to Tenant administration > Connectors and integrations.
- Ensure Intune is connected to Microsoft Entra ID.
- In the Microsoft Entra ID portal, create Conditional Access policies that target Intune compliance status.
Step 6: Monitor and Report
Regularly review your Intune environment:
- Use the Overview section for a high-level status of devices, compliance, and app deployment.
- Explore Reports for detailed insights into specific areas.
- Set up alerts for critical issues.
4. Best Practices for Intune Deployment
- Pilot Deployment: Always start with a small group of pilot users before a full rollout.
- Group Management: Utilize Microsoft Entra ID groups for efficient assignment of policies and apps.
- Naming Conventions: Establish clear naming conventions for policies, profiles, and groups.
- Least Privilege: Grant Intune administrative roles based on the principle of least privilege.
- Regular Audits: Periodically review deployed policies and configurations to ensure they remain relevant and secure.
- Documentation: Keep your deployment plan and configuration details well-documented.
5. Common Deployment Scenarios
- Corporate-Owned Devices: Fully managed devices with enforced security policies and application deployment.
- BYOD Devices: Managing corporate data and applications on personal devices with MAM policies, without full device control.
- Shared Devices: Deploying devices used by multiple users in specific scenarios (e.g., kiosks, shared workstations).
Conclusion
Deploying Microsoft Intune can significantly enhance your organization's ability to manage devices and protect corporate data in today's mobile-first world. By following a structured planning process and adhering to best practices, you can achieve a successful and efficient deployment.