Microsoft Intune

You’ve probably seen bits hear and there about a new Microsoft cloud light version of Configuration Manager.  Details of the newly launched Windows Intune service just appeared.

It gives some auditing, policy management and malware/update management.  You can what this is like below.

Here is what it does:

• Manage PCs through web-based console: Windows Intune provides a web-based console for IT to administrate their PCs. Administrators can manage PCs from anywhere.
• Manage updates: Administrators can centrally manage the deployment of Microsoft updates and service packs to all PCs.
• Protection from malware: Windows Intune helps protect PCs from the latest threats with malware protection built on the Microsoft Malware Protection Engine that you can manage through the Web-based console.
• Proactively monitor PCs: Receive alerts on updates and threats so that you can proactively identify and resolve problems with your PCs—before it impacts end users and your business.
• Provide remote assistance: Resolve PC issues, regardless of where you or your users are located, with remote assistance.
• Track hardware and software inventory: Track hardware and software assets used in your business to efficiently manage your assets, licenses, and compliance.
• Set security policies: Centrally manage update, firewall, and malware protection policies, even on remote machines outside the corporate network

The service is being released to 1,000 customers and MS partners today in the USA, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.  Customers of this Intune service will be elligible to upgrade to Windows 7 (and future versions) Enterprise (useful for the last above bullet point if you can manage BitLocker and BitLocker-to-go).

The target customers are “businesses that need a cost-effective, simple way to manage and secure their PCs. For businesses with a highly mobile and distributed workforce, the Windows Intune cloud service can help you manage and secure PCs in the office or on the road—so end users can remain productive and better protected”.