Microsoft Intune Application Management is a crucial component of Microsoft Intune that allows organizations to deploy, manage, and secure applications on various types of devices, including Windows PCs, macOS computers, iOS/iPadOS devices, and Android devices. In this explanation for IT beginners, we’ll explore the functions, workflows, and usage examples of Microsoft Intune Application Management.
Functions of Microsoft Intune Application Management:
- Application Deployment: Intune enables organizations to deploy and install apps on managed devices. These apps can be both corporate applications and publicly available apps from app stores.
- App Inventory: Intune maintains an inventory of installed applications on managed devices, allowing IT administrators to track app usage, versions, and compliance.
- App Protection Policies: IT can define policies to protect corporate data within apps. This includes data loss prevention (DLP) policies, app-level encryption, and conditional access policies.
- App Updates and Patch Management: Intune can manage app updates and patches, ensuring that apps remain up-to-date with the latest features and security fixes.
- App License Management: IT can control app licenses and ensure compliance by assigning and revoking licenses as needed.
Workflows in Microsoft Intune Application Management:
Step 1: Application Configuration:
- IT administrators configure apps for deployment. This involves selecting apps from the Microsoft Store, uploading custom line-of-business (LOB) apps, or defining web links as apps.
Step 2: App Deployment:
- Apps are deployed to targeted devices or users. IT can define deployment schedules and installation options, such as whether an app is required or optional for users.
Step 3: App Installation:
- Managed devices automatically receive app deployment policies and install the apps according to the defined configurations.
Step 4: App Inventory:
- Intune continuously monitors and maintains an inventory of installed apps on managed devices. This information is available for reporting and compliance purposes.
Step 5: App Updates:
- IT administrators can manage app updates and patches through Intune, ensuring that apps are kept up-to-date with the latest security fixes and features.
Step 6: App Protection Policies:
- Intune enables the creation of app protection policies that secure corporate data within apps. For example, sensitive corporate data can be encrypted within the app, or access to the app can be restricted based on device compliance.
Usage Examples:
- Office 365 Deployment: An organization uses Intune to deploy Microsoft Office 365 apps to Windows PCs and Macs. IT administrators can configure and push these apps to devices, ensuring that users have access to the necessary productivity tools.
- Custom Line-of-Business App: A company develops a custom mobile app for employees to access corporate resources. The app is uploaded to Intune and distributed to Android and iOS devices securely.
- App Compliance: Intune tracks app inventory and compliance. If a device has an outdated or unapproved app installed, IT can take action to enforce app policies or remove the app.
- Remote App Installation: When new employees join the organization, IT can remotely install necessary apps on their devices, ensuring that they have the tools they need from day one.
- App Protection Policies: An organization enforces data protection policies on email and document apps, requiring PIN authentication and encryption for accessing corporate data within those apps.
Microsoft Intune Application Management streamlines app deployment, updates, and security, allowing organizations to maintain control over their application ecosystem across various devices. It enhances productivity, ensures compliance, and protects corporate data in an increasingly mobile and remote work environment.
