Microsoft Intune Licensing
- Intune Plan 1: $8/user/month, basic endpoint management.
- Intune Plan 2: $4/user/month, advanced features add-on.
- Intune Suite: $10/user/month, all-inclusive features.
- Bundled Licenses: Included in Microsoft 365 E3/E5, EMS E3/E5, etc.
- Device-Only Licenses: Shared scenarios, no user-based features.
Introduction Microsoft Intune Licensing
Microsoft Intune provides a robust endpoint management solution for organizations looking to streamline device and application security.
Understanding Intune’s licensing options is crucial to making informed decisions that best suit your organization’s needs while optimizing cost efficiency.
This article breaks down Microsoft Intune’s licensing structure, core plans, add-ons, and various deployment options, helping organizations choose the most appropriate solution for their requirements.
Core Licensing Plans
Microsoft Intune offers a range of licensing plans tailored to suit different endpoint management requirements. Here, we discuss the core options—Intune Plan 1, Intune Plan 2, and the Intune Suite—which provide escalating features and services.
Intune Plan 1
Intune Plan 1 is the foundation of Microsoft Intune licensing, offering basic endpoint management and security capabilities.
This plan provides the following key features:
- Cross-Platform Endpoint Management: This feature allows administrators to manage devices running Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android from a single console. It provides a unified management platform.
- Built-In Endpoint Security Features: Security baselines, compliance policies, and threat detection are integrated to help organizations protect their devices.
- Mobile Application Management: Allows administrators to control which applications can be installed on mobile devices, securing corporate data without managing the entire device.
- Endpoint Analytics: Provides insights into the performance and health of your organization’s endpoints.
- Microsoft Configuration Manager Integration: Seamless integration with Microsoft Configuration Manager allows for co-management of devices, supporting hybrid IT environments.
The base price for Intune Plan 1 is $8 per user per month as a standalone license. This plan is ideal for organizations seeking cost-effective, reliable endpoint management without advanced specialty features.
Intune Plan 2
Intune Plan 2 is an add-on to Plan 1, costing an additional $4 per monthly user. It includes several advanced features that extend the core management capabilities, providing enhanced functionality, such as:
- Microsoft Intune Tunnel for Mobile Application Management: A VPN solution that enables secure connectivity for mobile applications, allowing access to corporate resources without connecting the entire device.
- Specialty Device Management: This feature provides advanced management features specifically tailored for specialty devices, such as ATMs, kiosks, and industry-specific hardware.
- Advanced Management Features: Additional capabilities for managing complex environments, including settings beyond traditional management options.
Plan 2 is an ideal upgrade for organizations that require additional functionality. It provides targeted enhancements for mobile security and device control.
Intune Suite
The Intune Suite is an all-in-one package that includes all features available in Intune Plan 2 and additional services, offering a comprehensive endpoint management solution. Priced at $10 per user per month as an add-on to Plan 1, the Intune Suite provides:
- Remote Help: Offers remote support features for assisting users with troubleshooting device issues, enabling quicker resolutions without needing physical access.
- Endpoint Privilege Management facilitates just-in-time administration for end-user devices, allowing the elevation of privileges when needed without granting permanent administrator rights.
- Advanced Analytics: Deeper insights into endpoint health and compliance through enhanced analytical tools, helping to identify potential issues before they escalate.
- Cloud PKI (Upcoming): Integration of Cloud Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to help securely manage device certificates, further enhancing security.
- Enterprise App Management: Allows streamlined deployment and control of applications, ensuring all devices have the required software.
The Intune Suite is particularly suited for enterprises that need comprehensive control, advanced support, and deep analytics across their managed devices.
Bundled Licensing Options
Microsoft Intune Plan 1 is included in several Microsoft licensing bundles, providing enhanced value for organizations already using other Microsoft services.
Key bundles that include Intune Plan 1 are:
- Microsoft 365 E3 and E5 offer extensive productivity and security features, making them suitable for medium —to large-scale enterprises.
- Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS) E3 and E5 provide enhanced endpoint management capabilities and identity and data protection tools.
- Microsoft 365 Business Premium: Designed for small to medium-sized businesses, offering productivity tools and basic security features.
- Microsoft 365 F1 and F3: Aimed at frontline workers who need simplified access and minimal device management.
- Microsoft 365 Government G3 and G5: Tailored for public sector institutions with heightened security needs.
- Microsoft 365 Education A3 and A5: These are available for educational institutions and provide tools for students and educators.
Device-Only Licensing
Microsoft offers device-only subscriptions for certain deployment scenarios, allowing organizations to license devices rather than users. These are well-suited for use cases where user-specific licenses, such as shared devices or specific automated processes, may not be practical.
Examples include:
- Windows Autopilot Self-Deploying Mode: Ideal for devices automatically configured without user interaction.
- Apple Device Enrollment Program Without User Affinity: This program supports Apple devices that are enrolled without being linked to specific users.
- Android Enterprise Dedicated Devices: Supports Android devices in a dedicated mode for specific tasks.
- Device Enrollment Manager Scenarios: This allows for shared device scenarios in which many devices are deployed under a single user account.
Limitations of Device-Only Licenses
Device-only licenses come with certain restrictions that should be considered before selecting this option:
- No Intune App Protection Policies: Device-only subscriptions do not support application protection policies.
- No Conditional Access: Conditional access policies, which ensure users meet specific requirements before accessing corporate resources, are not supported.
- Limited User-Based Capabilities: Device-only licenses do not allow management features tied to individual users.
Educational Licensing
Microsoft provides specialized Intune licensing for educational institutions through Microsoft 365 Education A3 and A5 plans and Intune for Education.
These packages offer simplified management tools to help schools and universities manage the devices used by students, faculty, and administrators.
- Microsoft 365 Education A3: Includes Intune for Education, providing basic device management and security for educational settings.
- Microsoft 365 Education A5: Offers more advanced features, including analytics, advanced threat protection, and broader device management capabilities.
- Intune for Education: A streamlined version of Intune tailored to educational environments, making it easier for IT administrators to manage large numbers of student devices.
Cost Optimization Considerations
Strategic Planning
Organizations should take a strategic approach to selecting Intune licenses to ensure they maximize value while controlling costs.
Best practices include:
- Evaluating Specific Feature Requirements: Determine which features are essential for your organization to avoid paying for unnecessary services.
- Assessing the Cost-Effectiveness of Add-Ons Versus Full Suite: Organizations should assess whether adding Plan 2 or Intune Suite features individually is more cost-effective than subscribing to a full package.
- Understanding Minimum License Requirements: Ensure your licensing aligns with Microsoft’s minimum requirements for device management.
- Reviewing Volume Licensing Opportunities: Leverage volume licensing for many users or devices to achieve cost savings.
License Management Best Practices
Effective license management is key to optimizing costs and maintaining compliance with Microsoft Intune licensing:
- Regular Usage Assessment: Periodically assess license usage to ensure that licenses align with actual needs and to avoid over- or under-licensing.
- Proper License Type Selection: Determine whether user-based or device-based licensing is more appropriate for different parts of the organization.
- Strategic Deployment Planning: To manage costs across departments, deploy licenses strategically, focusing on areas where enhanced features are needed.
- Compliance Monitoring: Regularly review compliance with Microsoft’s licensing terms to prevent unexpected costs from audit penalties.
Implementation Requirements
Successful deployment of Microsoft Intune requires meeting specific system prerequisites and ensuring appropriate configurations:
System Prerequisites
Organizations must verify the following before implementing Microsoft Intune:
- Windows 10 Pro Licenses: Managed devices should have a valid Windows 10 Pro license, which is necessary for enrolling in Intune.
- Proper Authorization Profiles: Ensure that users and administrators have the proper roles and permissions configured to manage devices.
- Admin Access: Proper administrative access is needed to configure devices and apply policies through Intune.
- Compatible Device Configurations: Devices must meet Microsoft’s minimum requirements for compatibility, which may vary depending on the plan or feature being implemented.
Microsoft Intune Licensing FAQ
What is Microsoft Intune Licensing? Microsoft Intune licensing allows organizations to manage endpoints. It provides flexibility through multiple licensing plans, including standalone and bundled options.
What are the core Microsoft Intune plans? Intune offers three core plans: Intune Plan 1 ($8/user/month), Intune Plan 2 ($4/user/month add-on), and Intune Suite ($10/user/month add-on).
What features are included in Intune Plan 1? It includes cross-platform endpoint management, mobile application management, endpoint analytics, and Microsoft Configuration Manager integration.
How does Intune Plan 2 differ from Plan 1? Intune Plan 2 adds features like Microsoft Intune Tunnel for Mobile Application Management, specialty device management capabilities, and advanced management features.
What is the Intune Suite, and who should consider it? The Intune Suite is a comprehensive add-on that includes all Plan 2 features plus Remote Help, Endpoint Privilege Management, advanced analytics, and more. It’s suitable for enterprises needing full control and advanced security features.
Is Microsoft Intune available in other Microsoft bundles? Intune Plan 1 includes bundles such as Microsoft 365 E3/E5, EMS E3/E5, Microsoft 365 Business Premium, and more.
What are device-only Intune licenses? These licenses are suitable for shared scenarios like kiosks or dedicated devices. They do not support app protection policies, conditional access, or user-specific management.
What are the limitations of device-only licenses? Device-only licenses do not support Intune app protection policies, conditional access features, or user-based capabilities. These are intended for simpler device scenarios.
Can educational institutions use Intune licenses? Educational licensing options like Microsoft 365 Education A3 and A5 provide Intune for Education, a simplified version of Intune for managing student and faculty devices.
How much does Intune licensing cost? Intune Plan 1 costs $8 per user per month, Plan 2 costs $4 per user per month as an add-on, and Intune Suite costs $10 per user per month as an add-on to Plan 1.
What is Intune for Education’s core features? Intune for Education simplifies device management for schools, allowing easy setup of student devices, configuration of classroom settings, and enforcement of security policies.
How does Microsoft Configuration Manager integrate with Intune? Microsoft Configuration Manager integrates with Intune for co-management, allowing organizations to leverage both on-premises and cloud-based management tools for endpoint management.
What is Endpoint Privilege Management in the Intune Suite? It allows organizations to grant temporary administrative permissions to end-users without making them permanent administrators, improving security.
What is the cost-effectiveness of Intune bundles? Purchasing Intune as part of a bundle (e.g., Microsoft 365 E3/E5) can often be more cost-effective than standalone licensing, especially for organizations already using multiple Microsoft services.
What are the best practices for managing Intune licenses? Best practices include regular assessment of license usage, choosing between user-based and device-based licensing based on need, and strategic planning to minimize cost and maintain compliance.
