Windows Intune Fit For Enterprises With Mobile Workforce

Microsoft unveiled Windows Intune at the recently concluded tech.ed 2011 summit in Bengaluru. In conversation with Biztech2.com, Sumeet Khanna, Director-Windows Business Group, Microsoft gives an insight into how the newly launched product can help enterprises connect their mobile workforce to the corporate network from anywhere, anytime. With some corporates experimenting with enterprise mobility in varying degrees and many more seriously considering it, Khanna delves into what Windows Intune has in store for CIOs.

Could you tell us what Windows Intune is all about?

It is an end-to-end PC management solution available through cloud based services. It is a simple web console based application that lets employees who are on the move or are working remotely to stay connected to their official corporate network. The mobile workforce can communicate and exchange documents, get updates, patch up security threats and get assistance in real-time, all while traveling. All that is required is an internet connection.

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Being a complete PC management package it includes end-point protection and comes with an option to upgrade to Windows 7 Enterprise or stay with a prior version of Windows, whichever suits the user better.

This also means that with Windows Intune the centralised IT staff can provide periodic updates, notify about all kinds of malware threats, malicious software like spyware, viruses, etc. in real-time and can deliver on-the-spot threat protection. Microsoft Forefront Endpoint protection and Microsoft Security Essentials, which are a part of the Windows Intune package, help in delivering this.

How do you think CIOs and IT managers stand to gain from this offering?

Windows Intune will be the right fit for enterprises with a workforce that travels a lot. For instance, insurance agents and those working in sales and marketing teams are generally away from office for weeks at a stretch. With the help of Windows Intune they can stay connected with their network. And, since the solution is equipped with security credentials, employees can use it to file reports and exchange company data. This application is helpful in maintaining the productivity and efficiency across a mobile workforce.

But, don’t most of the companies who have a mobile workforce usually also have a reporting system in place?

Yes, but what we are offering is a complete suite loaded with a reporting tool, an all-in-one anti-virus and malware protection software, which also provides security alerts and real-time assistance and an in-built mechanism to notify updates. Also, we are offering Windows 7 Enterprise with Windows Intune, which could be used as an application to standardise the desktop environment across all users of a company.

Besides security, CIOs will also be concerned about bandwidth availability and reliability. Are you worried about the availability of internet connectivity across all locations?

No, I don’t think bandwidth will be a major issue. Fortunately for us, we believe, that we have launched Windows Intune just at the right time. Network connectivity has become very competitive these days and most of the service providers today want to ensure that they can provide uninterrupted internet network connection. This is the bare minimum requisite for all service providers. Furthermore, 3G is here now. So, I think, we can look forward to better days of quality network connectivity.

One could also look at it slightly differently. We see PC penetration in roughly around 100 cities across the country. We believe that network connectivity will greatly improve in these cities, and this in turn will also help us in establishing Windows Intune in these areas.

What is the kind of training the user is required to undergo?

The users do not have to undergo any formal training for Windows Intune. This application is easy to get started with and maintain.