Top 10 Reasons You Need To Be Using Windows Intune

Overview

Many times over the last year I have been asked the question, “What is Windows Intune?”  I like to describe Windows Intune as the cloud service that helps you centrally manage and secure your PCs through a simple, web-based console.  Released back in March 2011, Windows Intune has already had a major Update on October 17th, 2011.

Why should any IT Pro consider using Windows Intune?  Well, I came up with these top 10 reasons (there are many more, but let’s start with 10).

Top 10 Reasons to Use Windows Intune

  1. Windows Intune is a web based subscription service with an easy-to-use web-based console that gives you insight into your PCs.  You can view updates, Forefront status, security policies, alerts, and much more.  You do need an Internet connection; install the Intune client on each machine, and off you go managing your PCs.
  2. Windows Intune is in “The Cloud”.  With Windows Intune there is no need to build and maintain a server infrastructure.  All you need is a browser.  No need to buy server hardware, license server OS, install, configure, and keep each server backed up and current.
  3. Windows Intune has “Endpoint Protection”.  Endpoint Protection provides real-time protection against potential threats of managed PC’s.  This ensures keeping malicious software, what is known as malware, from infecting your PC’s, with up-to-date definitions, and automatically running scans.  To make your life easier with centralized computer management, Windows Intune includes a policy template with Endpoint Protection Agent settings so that you can create a policy and deploy it to many computers.  This can be done across PCs from any location, worldwide, in just a few seconds.
  4. Support your users with Microsoft Easy Assist.  Windows Intune comes up with free Remote Assistance software, which will enable you to resolve PC issues regardless of where you or your users are located.  You won’t have to spend money for any 3rd part remote assistance software or worry about a secure VPN connection any longer.
  5. Manage updates centrally.  Manage the deployment of updates from Microsoft and most third-party software publishers, keeping the applications that your workers need current.
  6. Distribute software and deploy software, like Microsoft Office 2010, or many third-party applications, to PC’s located nearly anywhere via the cloud.
  7. Proactively monitor PCs so that you can receive alerts on updates and threats, allowing you to proactively identify and resolved problems with your PCs, anywhere.Microsoft Intune
  8. You can track hardware and software inventory with Windows Intune. Track these assets used in your business to efficiently manage your assets, licenses, and compliance.
  9. The setting of security policies is centralized.  You can now manage update, firewall and endpoint protection policies, even on remote machines outside of your corporate network.
  10. Manage your Licenses.  With Windows Intune you can manage your Windows Volume License Agreements and other license agreements, including retail, OEM licenses and third-party software licenses, to track how many licenses you’ve purchased against what you’ve installed.

Conclusion

Are you ready to try Windows Intune for up to 30 days on 25 PC’s for free? http://aka.ms/freeintune

Also we have free trials of System Center 2012 available at http://aka.ms/syscntr . You can always find more information on my blog at http://blogs.technet.com/jweston.