Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based unified endpoint management (UEM) solution that has become one of the most widely adopted device management platforms in enterprise environments.
It enables organizations to manage, secure, and monitor devices, applications, and data across diverse platforms including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux.
IT teams, operations managers, and security professionals rely on Intune not just for device control—but for orchestrating complete security workflows and maintaining compliance across distributed workforces.
What Is Microsoft Intune?
Microsoft Intune is a comprehensive endpoint management platform designed to centralize device control, application deployment, and security enforcement across any device type or ownership model.
Users can manage corporate-owned and personal (BYOD) devices through unified policies, conditional access controls, and automated compliance monitoring. Originally built to replace traditional on-premises management systems, Intune now supports advanced AI-driven automation, zero-trust security models, and real-time decision-making capabilities.
Its user base ranges from solo IT managers at growing companies to enterprise teams managing thousands of endpoints globally, with strong adoption among organizations requiring strict compliance and security controls.
What is Microsoft Intune used for?
Microsoft Intune serves as the backbone for modern endpoint management across diverse organizational needs:
- Device Fleet Management - Centralized enrollment, configuration, and monitoring of Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices from a single web-based console
- Application Lifecycle Management - Automated deployment, updating, and removal of business applications including Microsoft 365, custom line-of-business apps, and mobile applications
- Security Policy Enforcement - Zero-trust conditional access policies that verify device compliance, user identity, and risk factors before granting resource access
- BYOD Program Support - Mobile Application Management (MAM) capabilities that protect corporate data on personal devices without requiring full device enrollment
- Compliance Automation - Continuous monitoring and automated remediation of devices that drift from security baselines or regulatory requirements
- Remote Workforce Enablement - Secure provisioning and management of distributed employees through Windows Autopilot and cloud-native workflows
- Cross-Platform Integration - Native connections with Microsoft 365, Azure Active Directory, and third-party identity systems for streamlined authentication and data protection
Key Features of Microsoft Intune
Microsoft Intune's comprehensive feature set addresses modern endpoint management challenges:
- Unified Endpoint Management provides centralized control over diverse device types and operating systems, enabling consistent policy enforcement regardless of platform or ownership model.
- Windows Autopilot enables zero-touch device provisioning where new hardware automatically configures itself according to organizational policies without manual IT intervention.
- Conditional Access Integration works with Microsoft Entra ID to create dynamic security policies that adapt based on user identity, device health, location, and risk assessment.
- Mobile Application Management protects organizational data at the application level, allowing secure access to corporate resources even on unmanaged personal devices.
- AI-Powered Automation includes intelligent policy suggestions, automated compliance remediation, and predictive analytics that reduce manual administrative overhead.
- Cross-Platform Security delivers consistent threat protection and data loss prevention across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android environments.
- Advanced Analytics provides real-time insights into device health, user experience metrics, and security posture through comprehensive reporting dashboards.
- Remote Help Capabilities enable secure IT assistance and troubleshooting without requiring physical device access or complex VPN configurations.
Microsoft Intune Pros & Cons
Microsoft Intune offers significant advantages while presenting some implementation challenges that organizations should consider.
Microsoft Intune Pros
- Deep Microsoft Ecosystem Integration - Seamless connectivity with Microsoft 365, Azure AD, and Defender creates unified security and productivity workflows
- Comprehensive Cross-Platform Support - Manages Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux devices from a single administrative interface
- Advanced Security Capabilities - Zero-trust architecture, conditional access, and threat protection provide enterprise-grade endpoint security
- Scalable Cloud Architecture - Eliminates on-premises infrastructure requirements while supporting organizations from startups to global enterprises
- Cost-Effective Licensing - Often included in Microsoft 365 bundles, reducing total cost of ownership compared to standalone solutions
Microsoft Intune Cons
- Complex Initial Setup - Requires significant planning and expertise, particularly for organizations new to cloud-based device management
- Steep Learning Curve - Advanced features and policy configuration can be overwhelming for IT teams without Microsoft-specific experience
- Platform Feature Variations - Some management capabilities are more robust on Windows compared to macOS or mobile platforms
- Internet Dependency - Cloud-native architecture requires consistent connectivity for policy enforcement and device management
- Limited Non-Microsoft Integration - Works best within Microsoft environments; third-party integrations may require additional configuration
Microsoft Intune Pricing
Microsoft Intune's pricing structure offers flexibility for organizations of different sizes and needs.
Intune uses a tiered subscription model with per-user monthly pricing based on feature requirements:
Additional standalone add-ons include Remote Help ($3.50), Enterprise App Management ($2.00), and Cloud PKI ($2.00). Many organizations access Intune through Microsoft 365 bundles (E3, E5, Business Premium), which can provide significant cost savings when combined with other Microsoft services.
How Siit Integrates With Microsoft Intune
Microsoft Intune becomes even more powerful when combined with Siit—an AI-powered business process coordination platform that automates cross-departmental workflows directly within Slack and Microsoft Teams. This integration transforms device management from reactive ticket handling to proactive business process orchestration.
Here's how Siit + Intune streamlines IT and internal operations:
- Smart Device Request Processing - Employees can request device access, software installation, or hardware replacement directly in Slack. Siit automatically coordinates between IT (for technical provisioning), Finance (for budget approval), and HR (for employee verification) while triggering appropriate Intune policies.
- Automated Compliance Workflows - When Intune detects non-compliant devices, Siit orchestrates the complete remediation process—notifying employees, scheduling updates, coordinating with security teams, and updating compliance tracking systems without manual handoffs.
- Intelligent Onboarding Automation - New employee device setup becomes seamless as Siit coordinates between HR systems for employee data, Intune for device provisioning, and identity systems for account creation—all while keeping stakeholders informed through automated status updates.
- Cross-System Integration - Siit connects Intune device data with HRIS systems, ticketing platforms, and approval workflows, ensuring device management decisions have full business context and proper approvals.
- Unified Support Experience - While IT teams manage devices through Intune's admin console, employees interact with device support through familiar Slack channels, with Siit handling the coordination between user requests and technical implementation.
Try It With Siit
Intune + Siit eliminates the coordination overhead that consumes 40% of IT capacity, transforming device management into automated business processes. Sign up to explore how this integration can streamline your operations or book a demo to see cross-departmental automation in action.
Microsoft Intune Alternatives
Organizations seeking alternatives to Microsoft Intune have several options, though integration capabilities vary significantly across platforms.
All tools listed below can integrate with Siit for streamlined cross-departmental coordination:
- VMware Workspace ONE provides comprehensive multi-platform device management with strong zero-trust security features, though it requires more complex setup than Intune's cloud-native approach.
- Jamf Pro specializes in Apple device management with deep macOS and iOS integration, making it ideal for organizations with predominantly Apple environments but limited cross-platform capabilities.
- Citrix Endpoint Management offers robust security and compliance features with strong network analytics, particularly suited for organizations with existing Citrix infrastructure investments.
- Ivanti Unified Endpoint Manager combines endpoint management with automation and patch management capabilities, providing lifecycle management features that complement device control.
- TrioMDM focuses on simplicity and cost-effectiveness for small-to-medium businesses, offering intuitive management without enterprise complexity but with limited advanced features.
- Scalefusion provides modern UEM capabilities with competitive pricing and unified management across multiple platforms, positioning itself as a flexible alternative to both legacy and enterprise solutions.
