Microsoft Intune's Timeline - An Overview of Microsoft Intune's Past
Microsoft Intune: From Windows-Centric to Unified Endpoint Management
Microsoft Intune, a key component of the full-scale cloud Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS) suite, has come a long way since its inception in 2010. Originally known as Windows Intune, the service was initially designed to manage Windows devices from the cloud without the need for on-premise infrastructure.
Intune's Evolution
In April 2010, Windows Intune was introduced, targeting Windows devices. However, its scope expanded over time to support iOS, Android, macOS, and other platforms. By 2014, the service was rebranded as Microsoft Intune to reflect its broader platform support.
Microsoft Intune delivers device and application management via a web-based portal and offers subscription-based licensing, positioning it as a cloud-native alternative to traditional on-premises tools like Microsoft Configuration Manager. The service is incorporated into the EMS suite and included in broader Microsoft 365 licensing plans.
Focus Shift
Initially, Microsoft Intune integrated cloud management into Microsoft's System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) service and MDM hooks into Windows devices for management. However, Microsoft found that enterprises were primarily interested in managing internet-facing devices, which were not PCs but mobile devices. As a result, the focus of Intune shifted from PC management to mobile device management.
This shift was facilitated by Exchange ActiveSync (EAS) and inbuilt MDM hooks integrated within iOS. The SCCM client cannot be installed onto mobile devices like Android or iOS, requiring a change in architecture for Intune to manage them over protocols.
Unified Endpoint Management
Intune continued to evolve, becoming a unified endpoint management solution. Administrators can now enroll, configure, secure, and monitor devices across multiple operating systems within a single cloud service. It supports conditional access policies and integrates with Azure Active Directory, enabling secure access and compliance enforcement for corporate and BYOD devices.
In essence, Microsoft Intune's development traces a trajectory from a Windows-centered device management service to a comprehensive cloud-based unified endpoint management platform, firmly embedded within the EMS suite. Its evolution reflects Microsoft's strategic shift to cloud-first, mobile-friendly enterprise security and management solutions that enable secure productivity in modern distributed work environments.
The EMS Suite
The EMS suite, which includes Device and App Management, Identity & Access Management, Information Protection, and Behavior-based threat analytics, further enhances Intune's capabilities. The suite aligns with the broader digital transformation and hybrid workforce trends embraced by Microsoft 365.
The early development of Microsoft Intune was tested through "Intune Waves". The PC management solution in Intune adheres to the mobile device cloud strategy of communication over protocol.
Microsoft Intune's origins date back to 2010, with a focus on managing Windows XP and Windows 7 computers from the cloud without the need for on-premise infrastructure. Today, it stands as a testament to Microsoft's commitment to providing flexible, secure, and efficient solutions for modern enterprises.
Microsoft Intune's transformation from a Windows-centric service to a unified endpoint management solution demonstrates its evolution in the realm of business technology, reflecting Microsoft's strategic approach towards cloud-based, mobile-friendly finance and security solutions. The EMS suite, a part of Microsoft 365, further strengthens Intune's capabilities, aligning with modern digital transformation and hybrid workforce trends.
