Microsoft updates Intune PC management service

Microsoft today launched an update to the Windows Intune cloud-based PC management suite at its Worldwide Partners Conference in Los Angeles.

The company the beta of Windows Intune 2.0 reflected partner feedback that had identified the three main areas where the Intune 1.0 web console needed to be enhanced: software distribution, the ability to do remote tasks on customer PCs, and the option of read-only access to customer PCs.

"The biggest update is software distribution. This is for Microsoft applications and also third-party applications," explained Microsoft UK Intune product manager James Lockyer.

Remote task management lets partners run remote malware scans on user PCs, and update Microsoft and third-party applications remotely.

"There's better hardware reporting capabilities, better software licence reporting, and the ability to customise reports rather than just using the four templates available in the current version of Intune," added Lockyer.

Using Intune theoretically lets SMEs dispense with IT admin staff and Windows server-based hardware and management software, and instead pay a "per month per PC" subscription to Microsoft or Microsoft partners who manage the PC infrastructure on their behalf.

Nazz Ahammad, director of Microsoft partner Nimbulus, said that the one-off subscription was the major reason Nimbulus had got 14 clients ranging from one-man companies to firms with about 50 users.

"We're transitioning from a traditional IT service/support company to a cloud computing consultancy. We've moved a lot of our client base across from Microsoft Small Business Server through to Office 365/Business Productivity Online Services (BPOS), and Intune complements these services," said Ahammad.

A beta of the next version of Intune is available now, and Lockyer said the final version will be released before the end of the year.

Lockyer said Intune will still cost £7.25 + VAT per user per month, with an extra £0.60 if users deploy Microsoft Desktop Optimisations Pack (MDOP), normally only an option for firms who have software assurance.