What Is Microsoft Intune – and Does My Small Business Need It?
If you’ve spoken to an IT provider or browsed Microsoft 365 plans, you might have seen Microsoft Intune mentioned.
But what exactly is it? And more importantly — does your small business actually need it?
Here’s a straightforward guide.
🖥 What is Microsoft Intune?
In simple terms, Intune is Microsoft’s cloud-based tool for managing devices and apps.
It helps businesses control how laptops, mobiles, and tablets are set up, secured, and used — all from a central dashboard.
Think of it as a way to keep work data safe, even when your team is using different devices in different locations.
🔑 Key features
Device management
Enforce settings like password strength, encryption, and auto-lock.App management
Control which apps can access company data (e.g. block saving files to personal Dropbox).Remote wipe
If a laptop or phone is lost or stolen, you can wipe company data remotely.Conditional access
Only allow logins from devices that meet your security standards.
🤔 Do small businesses need Intune?
You might not need Intune if:
Your team is very small (1–2 people)
All devices are in one place and easy to manage
You don’t handle sensitive client data
But Intune is worth considering if:
Staff work remotely or use their own devices
You’re growing and need consistency across multiple devices
You want to meet compliance or client security expectations
💷 Costs and setup
The good news is that Intune is included in many Microsoft 365 Business Premium subscriptions. For SMEs already using Microsoft 365, it’s often just a matter of turning it on and setting policies.
Setup can be straightforward — but it helps to get advice to avoid locking out users or overcomplicating things.
🚀 Local support
Intune can bring “big company” security to small businesses — without the big company price tag.
I work with SMEs across Newry and Mourne to set up simple, sensible Intune policies that keep data safe without frustrating staff.
🟢 Want to know if Intune makes sense for your business?