Microsoft 365 Intune Application Management is a critical component of the Microsoft Intune service that allows organizations to manage and control applications on a wide range of devices, including Windows PCs, Macs, iOS devices (iPhones and iPads), and Android devices. In this explanation for IT beginners, we’ll break down the functions and workflows of Intune Application Management, along with usage examples.
Functions of Microsoft 365 Intune Application Management:
- Application Deployment:
- Intune allows IT administrators to deploy and distribute applications to managed devices. These applications can include productivity software, line-of-business (LOB) apps, and other corporate apps.
- For example, you can deploy Microsoft Office 365 apps or a custom inventory management app to employee devices.
- App Configuration:
- IT can configure and customize application settings on managed devices.
- For instance, you can pre-configure email settings in the Outlook app or set up specific options in a proprietary business app.
- App Updates:
- Intune enables the management of application updates. Administrators can control when and how updates are applied to ensure devices are running the latest, most secure versions of apps.
- An example is scheduling updates for critical security patches in a timely manner.
- App Removal:
- IT can remotely uninstall apps from devices, helping to enforce compliance and reduce unnecessary software.
- If an employee leaves the organization, you can remotely remove corporate apps from their device.
- App Reporting and Monitoring:
- Intune provides reporting and monitoring capabilities for installed applications.
- Administrators can track app usage, version distribution, and any issues related to app installations.
Workflows in Microsoft 365 Intune Application Management:
- App Enrollment:
- IT administrators upload or link apps to the Intune portal.
- These apps are configured with deployment settings, such as targeted users or groups.
- App Deployment:
- Apps are assigned to users or devices based on organizational needs.
- For instance, you might assign Microsoft Teams to all users and a specialized sales app only to the sales team.
- App Installation:
- Users or devices receive notifications or commands from Intune to install the assigned apps.
- They can initiate the installation process through the Intune Company Portal or automatically, depending on the app deployment settings.
- App Updates:
- Intune regularly checks for available app updates based on the configured schedule.
- When updates are available, Intune can automatically update the apps on managed devices or notify users to update manually.
- App Removal:
- Apps can be uninstalled from devices when they are no longer needed.
- IT can also remotely remove apps from devices if they pose security risks or violate organizational policies.
Usage Examples:
- Microsoft Office Deployment:
- You deploy Microsoft Office 365 apps to all employee devices through Intune.
- This ensures that every device has access to the latest versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Line-of-Business App Deployment:
- Your organization develops a custom inventory management app for field workers.
- You use Intune to deploy this app to specific user groups, making it available on their mobile devices.
- Software Updates:
- Intune automatically updates critical apps, such as web browsers, to protect against security vulnerabilities.
- Remote App Removal:
- An employee leaves the organization. You use Intune to remotely remove corporate apps and data from their device to protect sensitive information.
- App Configuration:
- You configure email settings for the Outlook app on all mobile devices to ensure proper synchronization with the corporate email server.
Microsoft 365 Intune Application Management simplifies the deployment, configuration, and management of applications on various devices within an organization. It helps ensure that employees have access to the right apps while maintaining security and compliance.
