System Deployment/Management options

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xpd

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#303148 19-Jan-2023 16:25

Finally been given the go ahead to seriously track down the following for work.... ideally as a package rather than 20 different apps from 8 different suppliers. To cover approx 120 end user laptops, and 80 mobiles.

* OS Deployment - something that allows me to build a master image with our usual apps pre-installed and push this to our laptops (primarily HP Probooks)

* MDM - keep track of laptops and mobiles

* Application management - laptops and mobiles - MDM covers some of this, but the ability for end users to be able to visit an internal site and select the apps they need to be deployed be handy

* Update manager - for Windows updates and apps.

ManageEngine seems to cover a lot of this but their site is confusing as hell as to if this is covered under a single license or reqs multiple licenses from them.

We do have InTune licensing at the moment but this is up in the air due to license changes with Microsoft (still finding out exactly what we're entitled to).

Suggestions ?

XPD / Gavin

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nomiss7

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#3025614 22-Jan-2023 20:47

I would look into Intune especially if you already have licenses, as that should cover most of your requirements.

Windows autopilot deployments are pretty slick once it's all configured.

Ruphus

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#3025617 22-Jan-2023 21:11

I've just flicked you a message as I might be able to help with the Microsoft licensing. As mentioned, if you do have licenses for Intune, then Intune covers your requirements. If you have Microsoft 365 E3 licenses, you can onboard to Windows Autopatch and have Windows/Edge/Office updates managed by Microsoft and Windows Updates for Business.

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#3025620 22-Jan-2023 21:17

+1 for Intune with Windows Autopilot.

Capturing a Master (Gold) image and then maintaining it is very Windows XP/7 era. The 'modern' way even with tools such as MDT & SCCM is to deploy a vanilla windows image and then install apps separately as part of the deployment. That way you can easily swap out your Windows image for a later one without having to recapture it every month when you want to include the latest updates.

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xpd

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#3025728 23-Jan-2023 12:12

Thanks all, looking at Autopilot with Intune for now, will see how we go :)

XPD / Gavin

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gehenna

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#3025735 23-Jan-2023 12:56

It's certainly easier to keep the tools within your current licensing. But that should just be the default comparison position. It doesn't necessarily mean they're the best tools for the job. In saying that, Intune and Autopilot are excellent and simple to manage for the right capabilities. It's one of the areas I'd go with native licensing tools rather than going outside for a market scan of options.

Surprised no-one has suggested ChatGPT 😂

Starlith

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#3025792 23-Jan-2023 15:19

Use Intune to manage devices and mobile policies and use Company Portal to deploy apps.

It will take a while to get the Compliance and Configuration policies up to a good standard but it will certainly do the job.

Company Portal is an internal app store that can be used to install apps from for both Wondows and Android/iOS.

For Windows app deployments you can gather the Windows Store Software codes via winget -search and deploy with Intune via new Microsoft Business Store or you can create Win32 apps with IntuneContentPrep Tool.

Android and iOS apps are much easier to make available in Company Portal as they are sources from their internal stores.

Windows Autopatch controls software updates of internal Microsoft apps adn there is alos update rings for Windows updates.

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smileynz

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#3025861 23-Jan-2023 16:35

xpd:

Finally been given the go ahead to seriously track down the following for work.... ideally as a package rather than 20 different apps from 8 different suppliers. To cover approx 120 end user laptops, and 80 mobiles.

* OS Deployment - something that allows me to build a master image with our usual apps pre-installed and push this to our laptops (primarily HP Probooks)

* MDM - keep track of laptops and mobiles

* Application management - laptops and mobiles - MDM covers some of this, but the ability for end users to be able to visit an internal site and select the apps they need to be deployed be handy

* Update manager - for Windows updates and apps.

ManageEngine seems to cover a lot of this but their site is confusing as hell as to if this is covered under a single license or reqs multiple licenses from them.

We do have InTune licensing at the moment but this is up in the air due to license changes with Microsoft (still finding out exactly what we're entitled to).

Suggestions ?

OS Deployment - I use MDT as its free and once setup very easy. Lots of tutorials and we have multipl models of pc tablets selects correct drivers etc for model.

MDM - Use Endpoint central from manageengine. Very easy to use for mobiles and PC's. We have about 185 mobiles and 200 windows devices.

Application Managment - Use Endpoint central for PC and mobiles. Can deploy direct or they can pick from a list.

Update manager. Still use wsus for pc's but Endpoint central for all our applications. Can set to auto upadte etc if wanted. Monthly reports.

Licensing for endpoint central is done in bundles and per device can be either mobile or PC.