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Understanding Microsoft Intune: Compliance Policies and Active Directory GPOs

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When discussing corporate device management, system administrators often refer to Group Policy Objects (GPOs) and Windows Server. However, Microsoft Intune operates on a different framework. While traditional systems like Windows Server and Active Directory(AD) utilize GPOs for configuration and management, Microsoft Intune relies on Compliance Policies. This article aims to provide a clear and comprehensive overview of how to work with Compliance Policies in Intune without relying on GPOs.

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Why Use Microsoft Intune?

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Microsoft Intune is a comprehensive platform for managing and protecting devices and apps, including both Windows and non-Windows devices. Unlike traditional systems, Intune leverages cloud-based solutions to offer a more flexible and scalable approach to device management. This makes it ideal for organizations that have a diverse range of devices, including those running on different operating systems such as iOS, Android, and macOS.

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Understanding GPOs and AD

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Group Policy Objects (GPOs) are used in Active Directory to control the management of operating system settings and software installations for locally connected or remote user accounts and systems. GPOs are deployed to domain controllers, and from there, they are pushed down to other systems in the domain. This method is well-suited for traditional corporate environments that have an on-premises Active Directory setup.

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Microsoft Intune and Compliance Policies

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Microsoft Intune's approach to device and configuration management is centered around Compliance Policies. These policies are used to enforce specific configurations on devices and to ensure that they meet certain security standards. Unlike GPOs, which are tied to the local environment and Active Directory, Compliance Policies are managed and enforced through the Microsoft Cloud.

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Advantages of Compliance Policies in Intune

" "" "Scalability and Flexibility: Since Compliance Policies are managed in the cloud, organizations can manage devices from anywhere, regardless of their geographic location." "Cloud-Native: This approach is suitable for modern, hybrid, and multi-cloud environments, providing a more consistent and integrated management experience." "Seamless Integration with Microsoft 365: Intune integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft 365 services, offering a unified approach to device management and identity management." "Security and Compliance: Compliance Policies can be used to enforce strict security measures, such as device encryption and app protection, ensuring that devices meet the organization's security standards." "" "

Steps to Create a Compliance Policy in Microsoft Intune

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Creating a Compliance Policy in Microsoft Intune involves a few straightforward steps. Here's a brief overview:

" "" "Sign in to the Microsoft Intune Admin Center: Log in to the Intune portal using your admin credentials." "Select 'Compliance Policies': Navigate to the 'Compliance Policies' section to start creating a new policy." "Choose the Policy Type: There are various types of compliance policies, such as 'Device', 'App', and 'Compliance'. Select the appropriate type based on your needs." "Define the Policy Preferences: Configure the policy to include the necessary settings, such as file restrictions, application settings, or other device configurations." "Assign the Policy: Assign the policy to specific devices or groups of devices based on your organizational structure." "" "

Intune provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies the process of creating and managing Compliance Policies. The platform's intuitive dashboard ensures that even those new to Intune can create effective policies with minimal effort.

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Best Practices for Managing Compliance Policies in Intune

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To ensure that your Compliance Policies are effective and reliable, follow these best practices:

" "" "Granular Control: Customize policies to meet the specific needs of your devices and users. This will ensure that the policies are tailored and relevant to your organization." "Regular Updates: Regularly update your policies to reflect changes in your environment or organizational standards. This will help maintain the security and compliance of your devices." "Monitoring and Reporting: Utilize the monitoring and reporting features in Intune to track the effectiveness of your policies. This will help you identify any issues and make necessary adjustments." "Security Reviews: Conduct regular security reviews to ensure that your policies are up-to-date and that they effectively protect your organization against potential threats." "" "

By following these best practices, you can ensure that your Compliance Policies are not only effective but also continuously aligned with your organization's evolving needs.

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Conclusion

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While Group Policy Objects (GPOs) have long been the standard for managing device configurations in traditional environments, the rise of cloud-based solutions like Microsoft Intune has introduced a new approach to device and configuration management. Microsoft Intune's Compliance Policies provide a more scalable, flexible, and integrated way to manage and secure devices across a variety of operating systems. By leveraging these policies, organizations can ensure that their devices meet strict security and compliance standards, while also enjoying the benefits of a modern, cloud-based management system.