Windows Intune Cloud Service: A Simple FAQ
Here is a breakdown of everything you need to know about Microsoft's new cloud-based PC management and security platform aimed at midmarket companies.
CIO — Microsoft yesterday announced Windows Intune, a cloud-based PC management and security service designed for the midmarket.
Through a Web-based console that can be accessed anywhere an Internet connection is available, IT administrators can manage the deployment of Microsoft updates and service packs to all PCs, keep track of hardware and software inventory, fix PC issues remotely, manage protection from malware threats and set security policies.
Microsoft is aiming the cloud-based Windows Intune squarely at companies with 25 to 500 PCs, as businesses of this size typically don't have the resources to manage and configure servers in an on-premise desktop management environment.
Here are answers to some common questions about Windows Intune and what midmarket IT managers can expect.
What exactly can I do with the Windows Intune cloud service?
From Windows Intune's Web-based console, IT admins can:
Manage updates — Centrally manage the deployment of Microsoft updates and service packs to all PCs from the Windows Intune console — freeing up IT staff from routine management tasks.
Protect PCs from malware — Help defend PCs from malware threats with centralized protection built on the Microsoft Malware Protection Engine using the same technologies as Microsoft Forefront Endpoint Protection and Microsoft Security Essentials.
Proactively monitor PCs — Receive alerts on updates and threats so that IT can find and resolve PC issues before they harm end users.
Provide remote assistance — Help resolve PC issues, no matter where IT staff or business users are located, using remote assistance through a program called Microsoft Easy Assist.
Track hardware and software inventory — Track hardware and software assets to efficiently manage inventory, licenses and compliance.
Set security policies — Centrally manage update, firewall, and malware protection settings across all PCs, even on remote machines outside the corporate network.
How do you set up Windows Intune?
Because Windows Intune is a cloud service, there is no on-site infrastructure to deploy. This means you can start managing a PC right away.
[ For complete coverage on Microsoft's new Windows 7 operating system -- including hands-on reviews, video tutorials and advice on enterprise rollouts -- see CIO.com's Windows 7 Bible. ]
To get the beta, sign up for a trial here. Sign in to the Windows Intune administration console Web page, and then download the management client and install it on any PC you want to manage.
What is unique about Windows Intune?
In addition to being a cloud-based PC management and security service, Windows Intune also provides access to Windows 7 Enterprise upgrades as part of the subscription. On top of that you can download troubleshooting, security policy configuration, and virtualization tools and run them in the Windows Intune environment.
