How to Manage Application Lifecycle with Microsoft Endpoint Manager?

Modern enterprises have to equip their workforces with apps and capabilities so that they have access to company resources while working remotely. Companies can use Intune for managing apps or devices or both. Microsoft Intune provides a wide range of tools and functions to configure, assign, protect, and monitor apps. However, to use Intune to protect and manage apps, businesses need to determine app requirements that are needed by the users, such as the platforms and capabilities that their workforce needs, and configure the solution accordingly. In this article, we will explore how businesses can manage the application lifecycle with Microsoft Endpoint Manager.

What Is Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) with Microsoft Endpoint Manager?

The application lifecycle in Microsoft Intune begins with the addition of an app and progresses through various phases until the app is removed. Here is an overview of the application lifecycle management in Microsoft Intune.

• Adding Applications

  Adding an application to Intune is the first stage of the application lifecycle management using Microsoft Endpoint Manager. There are different options for adding and managing applications to Intune depending upon the type of platform, such as iOS, Android, Windows, or macOS, or the usage scenario, such as managed device or bring your own device (BYOD). Additionally, different types of apps such as in-house (line-of-business), apps from the store, built-in apps, and web apps can be supported in Intune. Apps can be added to Intune from the Microsoft Endpoint Manager from Apps > App categories.

• Deploying Applications

  After adding the applications to Intune, they have to be deployed to users and devices that have to be managed. There are different methods for deploying applications depending upon the type of apps that are being delivered.
   
  iOS/iPadOS, Windows apps, and other store apps can be distributed from private stores and business/volume stores using Endpoint Manager. Packages have to be uploaded to Managed Google Play if line of business (LOB) apps or web apps have to be deployed on Android devices and with Android Enterprise.
   
  Endpoint Manager can be used to deploy users’ own applications to Intune. The applications are stored in Azure in the same location in which the Azure AD tenant was created.
   
  Complex application installation is supported using Microsoft Endpoint Manager for macOS and Windows using packaging tools and additional functions.

• Configuring Applications

  Custom configuration settings can be set up for iOS/iPadOS apps, Android apps, and Microsoft Edge browser using Intune app configuration policies. App configuration policies can be deployed either for managed devices or managed apps. While store apps, built-in apps, and web apps can be automatically updated from the app store, in-house or custom LOB apps can be updated using the Endpoint Manager.

• Protecting Applications

  Applications can be protected by enforcing app protection policies (APP) in Intune. In addition to apps, it can also protect corporate data on operating systems, including Windows and macOS. Additional security features can be enabled using the Microsoft Intune App SDK.

• Retiring Applications

  The application lifecycle ends when the application has to be installed. The earlier assignments for the targeted members or groups have to be removed. Applications can be uninstalled from Intune managed devices if they were deployed using an “Available for enrolled devices” or “Required” assignment.

Apps4rent Can Help with Microsoft Intune Configuration

Microsoft Endpoint Manager, which combines the services of Microsoft Intune, Configuration Manager, Desktop Analytics, co-management, and Windows Autopilot, is an important component of the Microsoft 365 stack. Intune provides businesses with multiple methods to deploy and manage various types of apps across diverse platforms. However, IT admins need deep expertise on the specifics of app platforms, deployment, configuration, protection, and retirement to manage the application lifecycle. As a Microsoft Gold Partner in specializations such as Cloud Platform and Cloud Productivity, Apps4Rent provides managed Azure services along with Microsoft 365 licensing to help businesses migrate and secure their cloud workloads. Contact our Microsoft-certified cloud advisors, available 24/7 via phone, chat, and email for assistance.