M365 Intune Migration Project
Watheq Zboun
IT Specialist
Cloud Security Engineer
Systems Engineer
Microsoft Intune
Microsoft Office 365
Walden Security
Migrating to Microsoft Intune involves transitioning an organization's device management infrastructure to a modern, cloud-based solution for managing devices, applications, and security policies. Below is a detailed breakdown of what my project looked like,
Project Overview:
The goal of the Intune migration project is to:
Enable unified endpoint management (UEM) for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices.
Enhance security with Conditional Access and Zero Trust principles.
Replace legacy solutions (e.g., SCCM, on-premises GPOs) with Intune’s cloud-native features.
Standardize device management policies for better compliance and scalability.
Reduce Overhead by setting up and configuring devices with AutoPilot
Key Phases of the Project
1. Planning and Discovery
Requirements Gathering:
Identify the organization's needs, such as device types, operating systems, applications, and security policies.
Define compliance requirements (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA).
Assess existing tools like SCCM, GPOs, or third-party MDM solutions.
Environment Assessment:
Audit the current device inventory (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android).
Assess network readiness and connectivity to Microsoft 365 cloud services.
Review Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) setup, including hybrid or cloud-only configurations.
Stakeholder Engagement:
Collaborate with IT teams, end-users, and management to ensure alignment.
Define roles and responsibilities for project implementation.
Project Scope:
Decide whether to use a phased rollout (e.g., pilot, department-based) or a big-bang migration.
2. Prerequisites and Setup
Licensing:
Ensure appropriate licenses (Microsoft 365 E3/E5, EMS E3/E5, or Intune standalone) are in place.
Azure AD Integration:
Confirm Azure AD Premium is configured for Conditional Access, Autopilot, and other advanced features.
If in a hybrid environment, ensure Azure AD Connect is properly set up for synchronization.
Domain Preparation:
Configure DNS records to support Intune endpoints and enrollment.
Intune Configuration:
Enable Intune in the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center.
Configure Enrollment Restrictions (e.g., block personal devices or limit supported OS versions).
Network Configuration:
Whitelist Intune endpoints and URLs in firewalls and proxies to ensure seamless communication.
Configure VPN settings for remote devices, if applicable.
3. Device Enrollment Strategy
Enrollment Methods:
For Windows Devices:
Use Windows Autopilot for a seamless out-of-box experience for new devices.
Deploy Intune configuration profiles for existing devices.
Enable co-management with SCCM for a gradual transition.
For Mobile Devices (iOS/Android):
Use Apple’s Device Enrollment Program (DEP) or Google’s Zero-touch Enrollment for corporate-owned devices.
Configure BYOD policies using enrollment profiles in Intune.
For macOS Devices:
Use Apple Business Manager (ABM) to integrate devices into Intune.
End-User Communication:
Develop clear documentation and training for end-users on enrolling devices.
Create a migration support plan, including a helpdesk for common issues.
Device Pre-Checks:
Verify device compliance with organizational policies (e.g., OS versions, hardware requirements).
4. Configuration and Policy Deployment
Compliance Policies:
Define compliance rules for device health, encryption (e.g., BitLocker), password requirements, and OS patch levels.
Configuration Profiles:
Deploy profiles for Wi-Fi, VPN, email, and certificates.
Migrate existing GPO settings to Intune configuration profiles, where applicable.
Application Management:
Publish applications to the Intune Company Portal.
Configure Mobile Application Management (MAM) policies for app protection.
Security Policies:
Enable Conditional Access policies to enforce secure access to company resources.
Configure Microsoft Defender for Endpoint for enhanced security.
5. Pilot Testing
Small-Scale Deployment:
Begin with a pilot group of users/devices to validate enrollment processes and policies.
Monitor feedback and troubleshoot issues before full-scale deployment.
Key Metrics:
Enrollment success rates.
Policy application effectiveness.
User experience and satisfaction.
6. Full-Scale Rollout
Phased Rollout:
Gradually enroll devices by department, location, or device type.
Monitor progress and address issues proactively.
Co-Management Transition:
If SCCM co-management is enabled, gradually shift workloads (e.g., compliance, app deployment) to Intune.
Automation:
Use PowerShell and Microsoft Graph API for bulk enrollment and management tasks.
7. Post-Migration Optimization
Monitoring:
Leverage Intune dashboards to track device compliance, enrollment statuses, and policy application.
Issue Resolution:
Address any lingering issues with enrollment, policy conflicts, or app deployment.
Reporting:
Generate compliance and usage reports for stakeholders.
Training and Handoff:
Train internal IT staff on Intune management and troubleshooting.
Create a comprehensive runbook for ongoing operations.
8. Security Enhancements
Zero Trust Implementation:
Strengthen Conditional Access with additional MFA requirements.
Enable risk-based policies in Azure AD Identity Protection.
Defender Integration:
Integrate Microsoft Defender for Endpoint with Intune for advanced threat detection.
Endpoint Analytics:
Use Endpoint Analytics to monitor device performance and user productivity.
Key Deliverables
Migration Plan: Detailed project timeline, scope, and phases.
Documentation: Enrollment guides, policy configurations, and runbooks.
Secure Environment: Devices compliant with company and regulatory policies.
Cost Optimization: Efficient use of Microsoft 365 licenses and reduced reliance on legacy tools.
Challenges and Mitigation
User Resistance:
Provide clear communication on the benefits of Intune and ensure minimal disruption.
Legacy System Dependencies:
Use co-management to transition gradually from SCCM or third-party MDMs.
Policy Conflicts:
Test and refine configurations in the pilot phase.
