At Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC10), Microsoft unveiled Windows Intune Beta 2, the latest test release of the company’s remote management platform. With Beta 2, MSPs can now more easily jump from one managed customer account to the next, Microsoft says, But will Microsoft make an aggressive managed services push with Windows Intune? Here are some perspectives.
During a demo, Microsoft pointed out that Windows Intune gives MSPs and VARs “insight into customers’ PCs and computing environments.” Windows Intune takes inventory of customers’ desktop and mobile systems, identifying which Windows releases and applications the systems are running. “You can really manage PCs anywhere,” a Microsoft representative asserted.
Still, will Microsoft really spend heavy time promoting Windows Intune to MSPs? And will Windows Intune compete with rival remote monitoring and management (RMM) platforms? Here’s a reality check: During today’s WPC10 keynotes, the Windows Intune demonstration occupied a scant 5 minutes of a three-hour Microsoft presentation. Most of the discussion focused on Steve Ballmer’s cloud vision.
There are plenty of Windows Intune banners here at the conference. And it sounds like Microsoft continues to build out the Windows Intune feature set. But I’m curious to know when it will arrive as a fully-baked SaaS service for channel partners.
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Posted In: Remote Monitoring & Management Software | Software as a Service and Hardware as a Service
Tags: Managed Services Software | Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference | Remote monitoring and management | RMM Software | Windows Intune | WPC10
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Am I missing something here? $11 /desktop per month for the features they’re advertising – I just don’t see it happening unless you’re already planning to upgrade to Enterprise. We wouldn’t go in at more than $5 /month… maybe… and only if they released a server compatible agent. And how about offering a cheaper version with the Enterprise upgrade rights? Wow, what a disappointment!
oops, meant to say a cheaper version WITHOUT the upgrade rights.
Hi Paul: Thanks for the perspectives. I suspect MSFT will be listening closely to MSPs on the pricing issues. Remember, Microsoft has aggressively cut BPOS, Exchange Online and SharePoint Online pricing in recent months. I wonder if the same trend will occur with Windows Intune… though I admit the dynamics are different. With BPOS, Microsoft needs to remain price competitive vs Google Apps. I’m not sure if Microsoft sees a giant rival with Windows Intune…
-jp