Editor's Note: Have Browser, Will Manage

Windows Intune is desktop management delivered as a service, a simple concept with amazing benefits.

By Mitch Irsfeld

Imagine if you will a simple dashboard console with information about the overall health of your entire PC population, regardless of location, with built-in hardware, software and license-inventory functions. Behind that dashboard an economical, cloud-based subscription service removes the need for the high-overhead server infrastructure typically associated with managing and securing a distributed PC environment.

And let’s throw in the upgrade rights. With an active Windows Intune subscription, you have the rights to upgrade to future versions of Windows, with the same benefits of the Microsoft Software Assurance program for Windows.

Your next thought is likely “OK, where’s the catch?” But with Windows Intune the only catch to making your life much easier is letting someone else host the headache.

In this TechNet feature package, we step you through an introduction to the service, including its capabilities and benefits. We then look at what’s new in the latest release, evaluation resources and guides for deployment and configuration.

To whet your curiosity, check out Stephen Rose’s 5 Reasons Why IT Pros Should Consider Windows Intune. He wrote this before the October 2011 release added many new features, but the key benefits still apply. For more on the features, see the short video Windows Intune Feature Overview.

Another great introduction comes from TechNet Magazine’s Geek of All Trades, Greg Shields. In his PC Management Owned by Someone Else, Shields calls out what he considers “the biggest Intune play:” client protection. With a tailored version of Microsoft Forefront Endpoint Protection for anti-malware and update support, you can create a policy and deploy it across multiple PCs in any location. Even laptops that never return to the office can remain under your control.

Still skeptical? Hey, we understand. Cloud services can be a leap of faith, so evaluate it yourself for free. Download the Windows Intune 30-Day Trialand make sure to use the guides and demos available with the trial. Other detailed guides include the Windows Intune Product Guideand the Windows Intune Configuration Guide.

Finally, the Windows Intune page on TechNet’s newly launched Windows TechCenter offers step-by-step guides, free tools, and expert tips to help you explore, plan, deliver, operate and support Windows Intune to manage the PCs in your organization via the cloud.

Thanks for reading,

Mitch