Infrastructure
Should Your Business Upgrade to the New Microsoft Intune Suite?
Microsoft changed Intune Suite licensing in July 2026, building advanced capabilities into Microsoft 365 E3 and E5. Here is what the Intune Suite offers and what the change means for small businesses on Microsoft 365 Business Premium.
Endpoint management has changed a lot over the last two decades. There was a time when companies housed all endpoints in the same place, which made managing them simpler but held offices back from being mobile and flexible.
Today's office can include endpoints around the globe. Remote teams can work from anywhere, and people often prefer doing things from their mobile devices, such as checking email or managing tasks. With company data spread across laptops, phones, and tablets, an endpoint device management solution has become a necessity.
One that might be on your radar is the Microsoft Intune Suite. It bundles several advanced areas of endpoint management into Intune. Microsoft changed how it is licensed in July 2026, so the answer to whether you should upgrade depends on which Microsoft 365 plan you have. Here is a breakdown of what it offers and what changed.
What Is Microsoft Intune Suite?
Microsoft Intune is a software tool that helps you manage your company's devices and apps all in one place. Whether your employees use PCs, Macs, smartphones, or tablets, Intune has you covered.
Microsoft has been improving Intune, and the latest version brings some exciting new features. The core capabilities of Microsoft Intune include cross-platform endpoint management, built-in endpoint security, mobile application management, and endpoint analytics. Microsoft Configuration Manager is a separate, on-premises product that can work alongside Intune through co-management, not a feature of Intune itself.
Here is how the Intune plans fit together. Microsoft Intune Plan 1 is the base service, and it is included in Microsoft 365 Business Premium as well as Microsoft 365 E3 and E5. Microsoft Intune Plan 2 adds advanced endpoint management, such as Microsoft Tunnel for Mobile Application Management, management of specialty devices, and firmware updates for supported mobile devices. Microsoft Intune Suite includes Plan 2 plus Remote Help, Advanced Analytics, Endpoint Privilege Management, Microsoft Cloud PKI, and Enterprise Application Management.
What Changed in July 2026.
Starting in July 2026, Microsoft began building Intune Suite capabilities into its enterprise plans instead of selling them only as an add-on. Microsoft 365 E3 now includes Intune Plan 2, Remote Help, and Advanced Analytics. Microsoft 365 E5 includes all of that plus Endpoint Privilege Management, Microsoft Cloud PKI, and Enterprise Application Management. Microsoft is rolling the change out gradually, and eligible tenants are provisioned automatically.
What It Means for Business Premium Customers.
Most small businesses use Microsoft 365 Business Premium, which is designed for organizations with up to 300 users. Business Premium was not part of the July 2026 change. It still includes Intune Plan 1, along with Microsoft Entra ID P1 and Microsoft Defender for Business, and the Suite capabilities remain a separate paid add-on. So the real question for a Business Premium customer is whether a specific capability, such as Remote Help for the help desk or Endpoint Privilege Management for removing local admin rights, is worth its added cost. Moving to Microsoft 365 E3 or E5 only to get these features rarely makes sense for a small business, but it is worth comparing if you are already near the 300-user limit or need other E3 or E5 features.
Advantages of Subscribing.
Streamlined Device Management. With the Intune Suite, you get a centralized dashboard that gives you full control over your devices. You can set up policies, enforce security measures, and even wipe data remotely if needed. It supports Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, so you can manage most business devices from one place, though some features vary by platform.
Secure Helpdesk Support. Intune Suite includes Microsoft Intune Remote Help, which allows you to deliver simple and secure assistance to your team anywhere, anytime. The platform reinforces a Zero Trust security model and enables fast response to issues. You can address employee device problems no matter where your team is working.
Enhanced Security and Compliance. Intune can enforce encryption and device compliance rules, and with Microsoft Entra Conditional Access it can block devices that are out of compliance from reaching company data. For businesses that deal with sensitive information or have compliance requirements, Intune provides auditing and reporting capabilities to help meet those standards.
App Management Made Easy. With Intune's app management features, you can easily deploy, update, and retire applications across all devices. Whether your team is using Microsoft 365 apps or third-party software, Intune keeps everyone organized and on the same page.
BYOD-Friendly. Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies have become popular in the corporate world. Intune enables you to separate personal and corporate data on employee devices, helping ensure that sensitive company information remains secure. Intune Plan 2 and the Intune Suite include Microsoft Tunnel for Mobile Application Management, which extends the Microsoft Tunnel VPN to personal iOS and Android devices without requiring device enrollment.
Scalability and Cost-Effectiveness. As your business grows, Intune scales effortlessly to accommodate new devices and users. It operates on a subscription-based model, allowing you to pay for only what you need. No large upfront costs, just a predictable monthly fee.
What Do You Need to Consider?
Learning Curve. If your team uses a different management solution, they may need some time to get accustomed to Intune. The team at Cyber One Solutions can help with training and support to ensure a smooth transition.
Legacy Systems. If your business relies on legacy systems or runs a large number of on-premises servers, integrating Intune into your existing setup may require extra effort. It is essential to assess your current infrastructure and compatibility requirements before making the switch.
Improve Security and Operations by Properly Managing Endpoints.
The Microsoft Intune Suite can add real value, but after the July 2026 change, the right choice depends on your Microsoft 365 plan and which capabilities you actually need. The team at Cyber One Solutions can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your unique business goals. Contact us today to schedule a chat.