Observing our clients’ operational models and working behaviours, it’s evident that SMEs increasingly rely on remote teams to stay agile and competitive. However, with dispersed workforces comes the need for secure device management and data protection. For us, this is where Microsoft Intune comes in—a cloud-based service that provides centralised mobile device management (MDM) to secure data, manage devices, and ensure compliance. Here’s how SMEs can harness the power of Intune:
Observed Challenges for SMEs
Managing a remote workforce comes with unique challenges, especially for SMEs with limited in-house IT resources. Common pain points include:
- Ensuring data security across various devices and locations.
- Complying with industry regulations and security standards.
- Keeping IT infrastructure agile enough to support business growth without overwhelming resources.
For SMEs, addressing these issues in a cost-effective way can make a significant difference in their ability to remain competitive while ensuring business continuity.
The Solution
Microsoft Intune offers a streamlined solution for managing remote devices while maintaining the highest levels of security. By providing SMEs with tools to manage both company owned and employee owned devices, Intune allows businesses to securely support Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies while ensuring data protection and compliance with regulations.
Here’s the Top Benefits of Intune for SMEs:
- Centralised Device Management – With Intune, SMEs can manage desktops, laptops, and mobile devices from a single platform. Whether it’s deploying software, enforcing security policies, or monitoring usage, everything is done remotely and seamlessly.
- Enhanced Data Security – Intune allows businesses to implement Conditional Access policies, ensuring only compliant devices can access sensitive company data. If a device is lost or compromised, Intune enables remote wiping of corporate data, ensuring security at all times.
- Scalability and Flexibility – As businesses grow, so does the complexity of managing devices and IT infrastructure. Intune scales with the business, allowing SMEs to onboard new employees and devices quickly and securely.
- Seamless Compliance – Compliance is critical, especially for businesses in regulated industries such as finance and healthcare. Intune ensures that devices meet regulatory requirements through real-time monitoring, compliance enforcement, and reporting tools.
- Cost-Efficient IT Management – For SMEs that may not have the luxury of a dedicated IT team, Intune offers an efficient way to manage devices and secure data without the need for complex in-house infrastructure. This allows businesses to reduce costs while still maintaining high-level security and control.
Greystone’s Intune Implementation Success Story
A real-world example of Intune’s impact can be seen in our recent work with a SME in the insurance sector. With a dispersed workforce across the globe, the company needed secure device management to maintain compliance and streamline its operations.
Greystone implemented Microsoft Intune to manage 270 desktops and 100 mobile devices. This centralised approach allowed the client to:
- Securely manage remote devices and data access.
- Futureproof their IT systems with a scalable device onboarding process.
- Improve data protection and compliance, reducing overall technical debt.
The result was a secure, agile, and fully managed remote workforce that can continue to grow with minimal IT stress.
Why SMEs Should Consider Microsoft Intune
For any SME, managing a remote workforce comes with a mix of opportunities and challenges. Microsoft Intune provides the tools and structure needed to keep data secure, operations running smoothly, and employees productive—all while offering scalability for future growth. By implementing Intune, SMEs can improve their cybersecurity, reduce IT costs, and ensure compliance with regulations, no matter where their employees are located.
Ready to streamline your remote workforce management? At Greystone Technology, we specialise in helping SMEs implement Microsoft Intune for secure, efficient IT operations. Contact us today on info@greystone.co.uk or 0161 726 5020 to learn how we can help your business grow and stay secure in a remote world.
