Tech Update: Microsoft Intune's Game-Changing Application Management Solution
Hey there, IT folks! I have some exciting news to share with you about Microsoft Intune Enterprise App Management. This addition to the Intune Suite is set to launch in February 2024, and it's going to revolutionize the way we handle third-party applications.
Addressing the Challenge of Application Management
We are all familiar with the challenges of keeping applications up-to-date and secure, a common issue faced by organizations. A recent Microsoft Digital Defense Report revealed that a remarkable 78 percent of devices remain unpatched nine months after a critical vulnerability fix is released. That's a big problem because outdated apps and unpatched systems are like an open invitation to cyberattacks. So, what can we do about it?
Introducing Microsoft Intune Enterprise App Management
Well, that's where Microsoft Intune Enterprise App Management comes in. It's designed to make our lives easier by simplifying the management of both first-party and third-party applications. Think of it as a magical catalog of prepackaged, secure applications that you can easily deploy. No more hours wasted on packaging apps or tracking updates!
Source: Microsoft Tech Community Blog: Introducing Microsoft Intune Enterprise App Management
Now, let's delve into the finer details.
Deep Dive: The Benefits of Enterprise App Management
Streamlining App Management
With Enterprise App Management, we're talking about a vast catalog of Microsoft and third-party apps, including language packs and architectures. You can pick and choose what suits your needs, and the best part is that all the essential details, like install and uninstall commands, are pre-filled.
Keeping Applications Secure and Updated
The platform simplifies the update process, offering a centralized view of all apps requiring updates. This consolidation allows IT professionals to prioritize more critical tasks.
Availability and Pricing
Microsoft Intune Enterprise App Management will be available as an add-on to Microsoft subscriptions that include Intune, priced at USD 2 per user per month. It will be accessible to enterprise customers from February 1, 2024, and to government customers starting March 1, 2024.
Understanding the Broader Impact
This new feature from Microsoft is an important addition, but it doesn't mean that the traditional way of setting up software is going away. There are so many different types of software, and Microsoft can't cover them all. This means businesses can still choose the software that's right for them.
One important thing to note is that Microsoft has neither released nor responded to questions regarding a list of applications that they will support with this new product. So, while it's an exciting addition to our IT toolbox, the specifics on which applications will be covered remain a bit of a mystery. Stay tuned for updates on that front!
If you've been in the IT game for a while, you might have heard of PatchMyPC, a service that has been helping with software setup for a long time.
Now, the burning question on everyone's mind might be, "Is Microsoft Intune Enterprise App Management a PatchMyPC killer?" Well, let me share my two cents on that – it's not. What it is, though, is a worthy competitor, offering us even more options to simplify our lives as IT professionals.
So, let's embrace the competition and make our lives easier, one app at a time!
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Written by
Alex Marin
Application Packaging and SCCM Deployments specialist, solutions finder, Technical Writer at Advanced Installer.