Microsoft adds new features to Intune

Redmond's cloud-based PC management package has been updated to incorporate user suggestions

Microsoft has announced a new version of its cloud-based PC management tool, Intune. The new service will be available from today to purchase.

The upgrade will see the accounts of current users upgraded to the new service before the end of the calendar year, but firms will be given a two week warning before the upgrade process begins.

Announced as a beta release in July, this version benefits from features requested most often by customer feedback following this release.

The features include software distribution, the ability to run tasks such as anti-malware scans remotely, as well as licence management for Microsoft operating systems and applications, in addition to third-party application licence management.

Software distribution will allow automatic provisioning of users with specific applications, while remote tasking will allow PC administrators to manage user PCs.

Intune is aimed at SMEs that use Windows, and it should help them reduce IT admin staff and server-based Windows PC management software, and server hardware.

The original product was launched in March this year.

Intune is charged on a pay ‘per month per PC’ subscription which can be managed by a firm's IT staff or through Microsoft's partner network.

The Intune beta release service will cease on November the 17th.

Pricing for Intune will remain at £7.25 + VAT per user PC per month, with an extra £0.60 tacked on for firms deploying the Microsoft Desktop Optimisation Pack (MDOP); only an option for firms with software assurance.