Windows 8 RT is a new member of the Windows family, and one that’s caused/causing some confusion when it comes to management. It transpired a while ago that Windows RT pcs/tablets will not be able to join Active Directory domains and since then, people have been wondering exactly how they’d manage these devices. Well the answer is here – Windows Intune & System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) SP1.
“Windows Phone 8 and Windows RT devices will be managed by the next release of Windows Intune. IT Pros will have the flexibility of using either the Windows Intune or Configuration Manager 2012 SP1 console to set mobile security policies, distribute mobile apps and view reports. We’ll share more details as we get closer to the next release of Windows Intune.”
As Windows Intune is becoming more of a star, it’s getting some licensing changes too – always a favourite thing of mine 
- We are shifting from a per-device to a per-user licensing model. Each user license for Windows Intune covers up to 5 managed devices.
- There will be a Windows Intune user license that includes the rights to System Center 2012 Configuration Manager, enabling organizations to manage those devices through either Windows Intune or Configuration Manager, or both
- Organizations that already own System Center 2012 Configuration Manager licenses, such as through the Core CAL, will have access to Windows Intune at a reduced price
- We will also make a version of Windows Intune available without rights to Windows Enterprise, thereby lowering the cost for organizations that are not ready to move to the latest operating system.
That final point is something I’ve been hoping to see since the first release of Intune. I’ve always felt that having the desktop OS and a systems management product intertwined muddy the waters and made it a more difficult proposition in many cases; so this is a positive move that will enable Intune to shine in its own light.
It’s also interesting to note that SP1 of SCCM will be able to manage other types of devices including:
- Windows Embedded Thin Clients
- Point of Sale (PoS) terminals
- Digital Signage
- Kiosks
as well as:
Distribution point for Windows Azure to help reduce infrastructure costs
Automation of administrative tasks through PowerShell support
Management of Mac OS X clients and Linux and UNIX servers
I’m pleased to see this move to bring Windows RT into the management fold, making it easier for partners AND customers to tell, understand and take part in the Windows 8 story.
See the whole post over at:
http://blogs.technet.com/b/server-cloud/archive/2012/09/10/system-center-2012-configuration-manager-sp1-beta-and-windows-intune-update.aspx
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