Bytes Blog: The necessity of Endpoint Management in todays Hybrid Workforce

Tuesday 10th September 2024

Matt Threadgill

M365 Pre-Sales Lead

Author

Stephen Pearce

Modern Workplace Specialist

Author

Introduction

In today's fast-paced work environment, managing endpoints has become a bit like herding sheep! With the rise of hybrid working, where employees effortlessly toggle between office and remote work, securing endpoints and identities isn't just a good idea—it's absolutely essential.

What are the challenges of Managing Endpoints in a Hybrid Workforce?

The transition to a hybrid work model has introduced several complexities in endpoint management. Employees now access corporate resources from a myriad of devices and locations, which significantly increases the attack surface for potential security breaches. This dispersion of endpoints necessitates robust security measures to protect sensitive data, ensure compliance with regulatory standards, and safeguard against cyber threats.

To address the myriad challenges associated with endpoint management in a hybrid work environment, it is essential to identify and understand the specific issues that organisations face.

Below is a detailed table outlining some of the key problems and their respective descriptions, highlighting the critical areas that require attention and strategic planning:

Issue	Description
Expensive Maintenance	Legacy solutions were expensive to maintain, both from infrastructure and personnel perspectives.
Redundant Solutions	Patchwork sets of solutions and applications increased costs and complexity, reducing standardisation.
Shadow IT	Departments purchased solutions without informing IT, exposing organisations to security risks and increasing costs.
Suboptimal Productivity	End users hit productivity limits with existing toolsets, demanding better tools to enhance collaboration and productivity.
Aging Infrastructure	Organisations nearing end of life with on-premises infrastructure took the opportunity to standardise tools and migrate to cloud solutions.

64%	82%	24%
of UK Organisations have experienced a Cyberattack	said technical issues or behaviour linked to remote working was the cause.	of organisations said they have complete visibility of IT assets

-Surveys from Microsoft and State of the Phish 2023 report.

Why do organisations need Endpoint Management?

Endpoint management is crucial for maintaining the integrity and security of an organisation's IT infrastructure. It allows companies to:

Streamline the management of multiple devices and operating systems.
Ensure all endpoints comply with security policies and regulations.
Provide seamless access to corporate resources for remote and on-site employees.
Detect and respond to threats in real-time.
Maintain the productivity and efficiency of the workforce.

5 ways Microsoft Intune helps companies:

Microsoft Intune is a comprehensive endpoint management solution that empowers organisations to overcome the challenges of a hybrid workforce. Here are five key reasons why Microsoft Intune is indispensable:

Feature	Description
Unified Endpoint Management	Intune provides a single platform to manage and secure all endpoints, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones, ensuring consistent policy enforcement across devices.
Enhanced Security	With built-in security features such as conditional access, encryption, and multi-factor authentication, Intune helps protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorised access.
Compliance and Reporting	Intune offers robust compliance policies and reporting tools that help organisations meet regulatory requirements and maintain transparency in their operations.
Seamless Integration	Intune integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft services, such as Azure Active Directory and Office 365, providing a cohesive and efficient management experience.
Scalability and Flexibility	Intune's cloud-based infrastructure allows organisations to scale their endpoint management capabilities as needed, adapting to the dynamic needs of a hybrid workforce.

With Microsoft 365 E3, 97% of survey respondents reported efficiency gains for IT personnel specific to deploying endpoint updates!

Decrease in average resolution time and elimination of help desk tickets with self-service options and automated fixes.

Reduction in time spent deploying and managing new software through Intune

Decrease in endpoint configuration times through Windows Autopilot

Source: Forrester Consulting, The Total Economic Impact™ of Microsoft 365 E3, commissioned by Microsoft, October 2022. Survey results based on 79 IT representatives of organizations that have users who leverage Microsoft 365 E3. Outcomes based on a composite organization made up of 15 organizations as stated in the linked study. https://aka.ms/Microsoft365/E3/TEI.

What does Windows 10 EOS mean for devices?

Put simply, this is the date when Microsoft will no longer provide support, security updates, or fix any bugs on any Windows 10 device.

Most devices can be updated automatically through the Windows Update service, but this only works if PCs have been kept up to date. Microsoft releases two major updates a year, which are automatically installed via Windows Update. But some IT departments choose to update manually or use what Microsoft calls the Long-Term Servicing Channel, which enables them to keep running a consistent operating system software environment for longer.

Organisations running older hardware or incompatible software may not be able to upgrade to Windows 11 at all. Businesses are completing the move to Windows 11 now with the assistance and collaboration of Bytes and Microsoft. We can assist from start to finish in a seamless transition to your users.

How can Endpoint Management help with a Windows 11 transformation?

Firstly, you need to understand if your current device estate can support Windows 11. As usual with each Windows release Microsoft release a set of requirements that devices must meet to install and run Windows. Windows 11 has a new requirement for a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip to be installed in the laptop. A Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip is a hardware component designed to secure hardware through integrated cryptographic keys, enhancing the security of Windows 11 by providing tamper-resistant protection for sensitive data and verification of system integrity. Thankfully we can identify this by using Microsoft Endpoint Analytics that will show which devices are compatible with Windows 11. We can then deploy the upgrade of Windows 11 and review across the estate which ones have completed.

For devices that are flagged as “Not Capable” this means they don’t meet the requirements for Windows 11 and if it's decided that a new device is best, Microsoft Intune can work directly with your favourite device manufacturer allowing for a device ID to be captured and uploaded to your tenant. This means you can ship directly to your end user and as soon its connected to the internet the device will register with your Microsoft Intune tenant and pull down its policies and applications so the user can start working. Microsoft Intune and Autopilot allow for devices to be managed, upgraded and deployed all from the Microsoft cloud service saving your IT teams time and money in managing Windows images and applications, this also means you can deploy devices around the world with no infrastructure or large engineering teams.

How can Bytes Help?

Welcome to Bytes, your one-stop shop for all things IT! Whether you're wrestling with device management or grappling with security challenges, we've got you covered with our top-notch professional services.

Let's be honest, dealing with IT can sometimes feel like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube blindfolded. But don't worry, that's where our expert team comes in. We take the complexity out of IT management, turning it into a smooth and straightforward experience.

So, sit back, relax, and let us do the heavy lifting. From managing your devices with our Bytes Managed Workspace to keeping you informed and ahead of the curve with our insightful webinars, we're here to make your IT journey as stress-free as possible so you can focus on your business.

1. Professional Services

Leverage a team of expert Consultants and Architects who will collaborate with your organisation to thoroughly understand your business requirements. These professionals will tailor the perfect endpoint management solution that not only meets but exceeds your security and user experience needs. By engaging in detailed discussions and assessments, Bytes ensures that the solution is both robust and user-friendly, providing comprehensive protection and seamless functionality for your entire device estate.

Bytes also have a Threat Protection Workshop to uncover security challenges and how these can be resolved. Bytes have recently celebrated 25 years of security so we have a great team that can help you no matter the scale or the challenge.

2. Bytes Managed Workspace (BMW)

Bytes assist IT teams with the pre configuration of devices before they leave the warehouse. Our aim is to reduce the resources required by IT Teams so they may focus on other areas of the business.

Utilising Microsoft Intune and Autopilot allows us to offer a full White glove service with devices delivered direct to end users home address safely and securely. New users to the business are met with a seamless introduction with the latest equipment and any additional welcoming messaging or gifts.

The service includes:

Collections of older or damaged equipment is made easier too with secure collection, data wipe and restore.
Full secure warehouse Storage for devices is offered as an option to reduce clutter in IT rooms.
Full Opex and Capex options are available with multiple terms to suit every business need.
The latest Windows 11 Copilot and Copilot+ PC Devices are included in our offerings. For further information we have specialists on hand to run through all options needed for your business.

Watch our video to find out more about BMW.

Watch our video case study with Sommerset County Council who utilised our offerings to meet their sustainability focus.

3. Register our upcoming webinar and event

Bytes invites you to join our webinar on the 29th of October to learn more about Microsoft Intune and Autopilot. Register now!

We're also hosting an event on the 28th November in London - register to secure your place now!

Conclusion

As the work environment continues to evolve, the importance of robust endpoint management cannot be overstated. By leveraging solutions like Microsoft Intune, organisations can effectively secure their endpoints and identities, ensuring the productivity and safety of their hybrid workforce.

For more information on any of the topics discussed in this blog, please email [email protected] or speak to your Bytes Account Manager today!

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