Why Partnering with an MSSP is Crucial for Microsoft Intune Success

INTRODUCTION TO MICROSOFT INTUNE

In the world of modern technology and digitalization, businesses are constantly seeking effective solutions to manage their IT infrastructure, secure their data, and streamline their operations. Microsoft Intune is a pivotal tool in this pursuit. 

So, what is Microsoft Intune? 

Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based endpoint management solution offered by Microsoft that manages mobile devices, applications, and the security of data within an organization's network. It empowers organizations, specifically IT administrators, to strike a delicate balance – enabling employees to use their preferred devices and ensuring the safeguarding of sensitive corporate information.

It also extends its functionality to a diverse range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and even IoT devices. This versatility makes it a flexible solution for organizations looking to embrace the mobility and flexibility demands of the modern workforce, while maintaining robust security measures.

HOW DO ORGANIZATIONS KNOW THEY NEED MICROSOFT INTUNE?

Michael Leggett, Solutions Architect, and  Adam Perfetti, Manager of Architecture and Integration at Avertium, were recently asked common questions that customers have about Microsoft Intune, and here is what they said:

1. Does every company with Microsoft security tools need Intune?

Yes, it is important for you to have onboarded Microsoft Intune – it provides critical integration between multiple tools in the Microsoft security toolset including Defender for Endpoint, Defender for Cloud Apps, Purview, and Entra.

2. Does Microsoft Intune enable any capabilities beyond device management?

Intune is known widely as an endpoint and mobile device management platform; however, the integration that it provides between endpoints and Microsoft cloud services is where the real power of the platform shines above standard Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) tools like ManageEngine, Connectwise, and Kaseya.

3. What do companies need to know about Microsoft Intune that they do not already?

Microsoft Intune offers indispensable capabilities within the broader Microsoft Security suite — making it an essential tool for businesses. However, its implementation can be intricate, and comprehensive guidance is required. 

Many organizations can make significant progress independently. Yet, they may require assistance to navigate the final stages of deployment. Avertium’s approach involves hands-on assistance and knowledge transfer to empower teams for ongoing responsibility.

Microsoft Intune is also an invaluable solution for standardizing endpoint security configurations and streamlining the deployment of endpoints and applications — aligning with a zero-trust model. This eliminates the need to connect to internal networks via VPN and reinforces security in an increasingly remote and distributed work environment.

4. What if organizations already have a tool for device management that is not Microsoft Intune?

Depending on the tool for device management and the Microsoft product, not having Microsoft Intune can make integration complicated, if not impossible. Each organization has to determine which endpoint management functions should be standardized by leveraging the platforms available to them, but other tools do not provide the same integration functionality with the Microsoft stack. 

For example, Microsoft Intune can extend cloud access security broker (CASB) restrictions to the full version of Microsoft Office to prevent users from copying text out of a Microsoft Word document that is labeled as sensitive; however, exceptions can be made to this based on user group and/or device compliance or location.

COMMON CHALLENGES AND MISSTEPS WHEN oNBOARDING MICROSOFT INTUNE

A common misstep when onboarding Microsoft Intune is failing to leverage the platform's integrations and its dynamic nature. Microsoft Intune is not a "set it and forget it" technology; instead, it evolves in tandem with an organization's policies, procedures, and security controls. Regrettably, some organizations treat it as a static deployment— missing out on its full potential.

Other common difficulties encountered when setting up Microsoft Intune include:

• Navigating the Landscape: The availability of comprehensive documentation remains a recurring challenge in the world of Microsoft Intune. Furthermore, Microsoft Intune policies often find themselves in competition with established legacy Group Policy Objects (GPOs). If your organization's identity management is not pristine, harnessing the full power of Microsoft Intune becomes a formidable task.

• Unraveling Documentation Dilemmas: It is crucial to align Microsoft Intune deployment with well-defined company policies, establish robust procedures, and implement role-based access controls.

• The Onboarding Conundrum: Onboarding presents another common challenge, as it frequently necessitates a hands-on approach for each endpoint. This meticulous process can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.

WHY MIGHT YOU NEED AN MSSP TO HELP onboarding MICROSOFT INTUNE?

Onboarding Microsoft Intune is not just a one-time setup; it involves a complex process that requires careful planning, expertise, and ongoing management. Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) bring a wealth of expertise and experience to the table when it comes to onboarding and managing Microsoft Intune.

Here is why partnering with an MSSP is essential for a successful Microsoft Intune onboard:

1. Gain expert cybersecurity knowledge and IT management. Partnering with an MSSP gives you access to their specialized expertise in deploying and managing complex tools like Microsoft Intune. By offering essential training and support, your IT team is empowered to effectively use Microsoft Intune and promptly address any issues, enhancing your organization's capabilities. This not only ensures a smoother onboarding process. It also fortifies your organization with proven security best practices — safeguarding it against a wide array of threats and vulnerabilities.

2. Tailor Microsoft Intune to meet your unique business needs. MSSPs customize Microsoft Intune to align with your organization's specific needs — creating tailored policies, optimizing performance, and seamlessly integrating it with other security tools.

3. Increase your team’s efficiency and peace of mind. Partnering with an MSSP not only allows your organization to save time and resources by entrusting them with time-consuming tasks. It also ensures hassle-free, ongoing Microsoft Intune management. MSSPs adapt to your evolving needs through vigilant monitoring, timely updates, and necessary adjustments — providing you with the peace of mind needed to focus on core operations and enjoy cost savings.

4. Enhance security and compliance effortlessly. With a comprehensive solution, MSSPs ensure your organization stays compliant. This is achieved by configuring Microsoft Intune to meet stringent compliance requirements, simplifying the process, and generating essential audit reports – an approach that helps reduce your compliance burden and streamline reporting. MSSPs also provide swift security response capabilities, offering immediate assistance in security incidents. This enables you to rapidly contain and mitigate threats — minimizing potential damage and operational disruptions.

5. Maximize your IT potential and investment. MSSPs offer organizations a dual advantage. First, they seamlessly scale your Microsoft Intune deployment as your organization grows. This ensures it effortlessly accommodates shifts in your IT landscape — promoting flexibility and scalability. Second, you can optimize cost-efficiency by leveraging an MSSP for your cybersecurity management. This strategy is typically more economical than the alternative of building and training an internal team, especially for smaller organizations looking to make the most of their budgetary resources.

HOW AVERTIUM HELPS ORGANIZATIONS WITH MICROSOFT INTUNE

In the ever-changing world of digital infrastructure management and security, the significance of Microsoft Intune cannot be overstated. By collaborating with an MSSP like Avertium, organizations can achieve successful onboarding and effective management of Microsoft Intune.

• Avertium's Microsoft Intune implementation service offers a comprehensive suite of solutions tailored to your organization's unique needs. Whether you require a swift and seamless deployment, ongoing maintenance and support, or periodic check-ins to ensure optimal performance, Avertium has you covered.

• Avertium understands that every customer embarks on their Microsoft Intune journey from a different starting point. Avertium specializes in assisting clients at various stages of their Microsoft Intune deployment, whether it involves building from the ground up, enhancing and optimizing existing configurations, or providing continuous support throughout the lifecycle.

• No matter where you are in your Microsoft Intune journey, Avertium is here to help you achieve your goals efficiently and effectively. Avertium’s expertise spans the spectrum of Microsoft Intune services — encompassing onboarding and deployment, the maturation of your Microsoft Intune environment, and offering ongoing support that is often in the form of partial or micro-staff augmentation. 

Do not hesitate to reach out to explore how Avertium can empower your Microsoft Intune deployment for unequivocal success. Your future in the digital landscape awaits, and Avertium is here to guide you towards it.

To schedule a consultation with Avertium, contact us today – or learn more about Avertium’s Solutions for Microsoft Security here.

Check out our Blog on, "What Does the Microsoft e5 License Mean for Your Cybersecurity?"