How Microsoft Intune Uses AI to Make Device Management Easier
624Managing all the devices in a business can be tricky. With so many types of phones, laptops, and tablets, IT teams need a simple way to keep everything secure and running smoothly. That’s where Microsoft Intune comes in. It’s a tool that helps companies manage their devices from one easy-to-use dashboard. Recently, it’s been getting smarter with the help of artificial intelligence (AI), making it even easier to stay secure and provide a good experience for users.
What Exactly Is Microsoft Intune?
Microsoft Intune is a set of tools that helps companies manage their devices and apps. It’s a key part of Microsoft’s larger plan for endpoint management, which means taking care of all the devices used to access company data. The goal is to make device management simpler, cheaper, and more secure. For example, IT teams can use Intune to enforce security rules on phones and computers, wipe lost devices remotely, and set up or change device settings without needing to touch each one.
Intune also helps manage apps on both company-owned and personal devices. It allows businesses to deploy apps, update them, or remove them easily. Plus, it helps keep corporate data safe within apps, so sensitive information doesn’t leak, all without making the user experience worse.
The Evolution of Microsoft Intune
If you’re confused about how Microsoft’s device management tools have changed over the years, you’re not alone. It started in 2010 as Windows Intune, mainly for managing Windows PCs. But as mobile devices became more popular after the iPhone’s release in 2007, Microsoft expanded its focus to include managing smartphones and tablets.
In 2019, Microsoft combined Intune with its traditional management tool called Configuration Manager, creating what’s known as Microsoft Endpoint Manager. This gave users one place to control both cloud-based and local devices. But in 2022, Microsoft decided to bring the name back to just Microsoft Intune and released the Intune Suite in 2023. This new version combines all endpoint management and security features into one package, making it easier for IT teams to protect everyone’s devices.
Why Experts Say Intune Is a Leader
Microsoft’s approach to device management is built around making things easier for IT teams. It focuses on a cloud-first strategy, meaning most management happens over the internet. This helps reduce complexity and costs. Experts from firms like Gartner and IDC agree that Microsoft is a top player in this space.
One big reason is Intune’s ability to handle “unmanaged” devices—those that aren’t fully enrolled in management. This is especially useful as more employees use personal devices for work. Intune’s mobile application management (MAM) features secure company data within apps, even on devices that aren’t fully managed. Its seamless integration with other Microsoft services like Azure Active Directory makes managing access and security even smoother.
Intune supports many device types, including Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, and ChromeOS. That wide compatibility means companies can protect and manage almost any device their employees use.
How Much Does Intune Cost and How to Get It
You can buy Microsoft Intune as a standalone product or as part of a Microsoft 365 plan. The full version isn’t included in the basic Mobility and Security features—they’re free but limited. For full capabilities, businesses need plans like Microsoft 365 Business Premium, Enterprise E3 or E5, or Education A3/A5.
Pricing is usually on a per-user, per-month basis. The basic plan, called Intune Plan 1, costs about $8 a month per user. For more advanced features, there’s Plan 2 for around $4 more per user. The full Intune Suite, which bundles all features, costs about $10 per user per month and includes extra security tools.
Organizations can try Intune free for 30 days with a trial license, giving them time to see if it fits their needs. There are also device-only licenses for shared or kiosk devices, which aren’t assigned to a specific person.
What’s Coming Next for Intune?
Microsoft is always working on new features for Intune. One upcoming addition is a new dashboard that will give IT teams better insights into user activity and device privileges. This feature is expected to be released around 2025 and will help organizations manage permissions and security even more effectively.
As device management continues to evolve, Intune’s AI-powered features will likely become even smarter. This will help organizations stay ahead of security threats, improve user experiences, and keep their devices running smoothly no matter how diverse their device fleet becomes.
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