Simplifying Enterprise Application Deployment with Intune and SCCM

MSI, IntuneWin, AppV, MSIX....Which one and when?!

Effective application deployment is critical for maintaining productivity and security within an enterprise. Tools like Intune and System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) streamline this process, offering various packaging formats to suit different needs. This blog explores the types of application packaging outputs, their applicability, and the importance of centralised deployment.

Types of Application Packaging Outputs


MSI (Microsoft Installer)

  • Description: A widely-used format for installing software on Windows.
  • Applicability: Ideal for traditional desktop applications that require complex installation processes.
  • Merits: Supports silent installations, custom actions, and rollback features.


IntuneWin

  • Description: A format used by Microsoft Intune for packaging and deploying Win32 applications.
  • Applicability: Suitable for modern application deployment via Intune, especially for apps requiring complex installation scripts.
  • Merits: Facilitates deployment through Intune, supports requirement rules, and enhances installation tracking.


App-V (Application Virtualisation)

  • Description: Virtualises applications, allowing them to run in isolated environments without installation on the OS.
  • Applicability: Best for applications that may cause conflicts with other software or require specific configurations.
  • Merits: Reduces application conflicts, supports streaming of applications, and simplifies application management.


MSIX

  • Description: A modern packaging format that combines the best features of MSI and AppX with added benefits.
  • Applicability: Ideal for modern Windows applications, supporting both desktop and UWP apps.
  • Merits: Simplifies deployment, enhances security with containerisation, and supports seamless updates and rollbacks.


Why Simplified Deployment is Important


  • Efficiency: Centralised deployment through tools like Intune and SCCM reduces the time and effort required to install and update applications across multiple devices. Automated deployment ensures consistency and reduces human error.
  • Security: Centralised deployment maintains control over the software environment, preventing unauthorised or malicious software installations. This approach also ensures that security patches and updates are applied uniformly, minimising vulnerabilities.
  • Scalability: Automated deployment allows IT teams to manage applications across large numbers of devices with ease. This scalability is crucial for growing organisations or those with remote workforces.
  • Standardisation: Centralised deployment ensures that all users have the same version of applications, reducing compatibility issues and support calls. Standardisation also helps in maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements.


Merits of Testing and Uninstalling Applications


  • Testing: Before deployment, thorough testing ensures that applications work correctly in the target environment. This process identifies potential conflicts and performance issues, ensuring a smooth user experience.
  • Uninstall and Supersede: Centralised deployment tools provide features to uninstall or supersede applications, ensuring old or vulnerable software is removed and replaced efficiently. This functionality helps in maintaining an up-to-date and secure software inventory.
  • Dependencies: Ensuring that all necessary dependencies are present before installation prevents runtime errors and application crashes. Centralised tools can automatically check and install dependencies, simplifying the deployment process.


Advantages of Centralised Deployment Over Manual Installation


  • Control and Compliance: Centralised deployment enforces IT policies and compliance standards. By controlling which applications are installed, IT can ensure adherence to organisational and regulatory requirements.
  • Reduced Risk: Allowing users to install applications with admin privileges increases the risk of malware and unauthorised software. Centralised deployment mitigates this risk by restricting installation permissions.
  • Streamlined Updates: Centralised tools facilitate the efficient rollout of updates and patches, ensuring all devices remain secure and up-to-date. Manual updates are prone to inconsistencies and delays.
  • Support and Troubleshooting: Centralised deployment simplifies support and troubleshooting by providing IT with detailed logs and status reports. This visibility allows for quicker resolution of issues.
  • Consistency: Ensuring all users have the same software versions and configurations reduces compatibility issues and enhances collaboration.


Conclusion


Using Intune and SCCM for centralised application deployment offers numerous benefits, including enhanced security, efficiency, and control. By leveraging packaging formats like MSI, IntuneWin, App-V, and MSIX, organizations can tailor their deployment strategies to meet specific needs, ensuring a smooth and secure software environment.


For more information on how INTEGY can help your organisation streamline application deployment, please visit our website or contact us at:


Call us today on 01392 796525 or Email us at ask@integy.co.uk

December 16, 2024
At INTEGY, we’re passionate about enabling organisations to embrace the future of work, especially when innovation and agility are at the heart of their mission. Recently, we had the privilege of supporting a client whose business serves as a launchpad for startups, providing the technology and equipment needed to kickstart their journey.  The Challenge: Outdated IT for a Growing Organisation Our client’s IT infrastructure was a traditional setup, with user accounts and devices tightly bound to Active Directory. This configuration required devices to maintain network connectivity to on-premises servers, creating operational limitations. With the facility expanding to three separate locations, this approach no longer supported their need for flexibility, scalability, and efficiency. Startups thrive on speed and adaptability, and their IT systems needed to reflect those principles. The reliance on traditional IT was slowing them down, creating unnecessary overhead, and limiting their ability to provide the seamless experience their customers expected. The Solution: A Cloud-Native Transformation We transformed their IT environment into a modern, cloud-native setup: Entra ID for Identity Management Every device is now joined to Entra ID (formerly Azure AD), shifting identity management to the cloud. This eliminates the need for on-premises servers, offering secure access from anywhere. Intune for Device Management Devices are now managed through Microsoft Intune, enabling streamlined policy enforcement, application deployment, and security updates, all delivered from the cloud. Enhanced Security with Zero Trust Principles We implemented a Zero Trust security model, ensuring that devices and users are authenticated and compliant before accessing resources. Defender for Endpoint provides enhanced threat protection and visibility across their environment. Simplified User Experience By decoupling devices from on-premises dependencies, we empowered their users to work from any location with a secure, seamless experience. Scalability and Agility With their new cloud-native IT framework, our client is no longer constrained by physical infrastructure. They can now scale operations effortlessly as they open new locations and onboard new startups. The Results: Flexibility, Efficiency, and Growth The move to a cloud-native configuration has been a game-changer for our client. They’ve gained: Operational Efficiency : IT management is simpler and faster, reducing administrative overhead. Improved User Experience : Users now enjoy consistent and reliable access to systems, regardless of location. Scalability : Expansion to new sites no longer requires complex IT overhauls. Security : Advanced cloud security tools ensure their data and devices remain protected. By embracing modern IT, our client is better positioned to serve their customers and focus on what matters most: empowering innovation for startups. Helping You Move Forward If your organisation is grappling with the limitations of traditional IT and looking to make the leap to a cloud-native future, we’re here to help. Let’s transform your IT and unlock your potential.
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