Microsoft updates Windows Intune

Microsoft has rolled out its first update to hosted remote desktop management tool Windows Intune only seven months after the initial launch.

Intune enables administrators to install and update software over the internet to machines located anywhere.

The update means administrators can now run malware scans and force shutdowns remotely, and extends license management and reporting tools.

The user interface has been tweaked to include drag and drop support, colour coded alerts, and the ability to sort user machines by different factors to make it easier to see which ones need attention.

The update also gives administrators the ability to customise alerts, such as to send a notification when users come close to filling up their hard drives.

"By customising such alerts, you can be more proactive in identifying potential issues, evaluating the magnitude of the issue, and subsequently providing support before the issue impacts PC performance and user productivity," Microsoft said.

Microsoft's head of Intune marketing, Eric Main, said the firm has a "big" vision for Intune, and wants it to incorporate the "best of the capabilities delivered through our on-premises solutions", such as its System Center Essentials.

"Eventually, Windows Intune will deliver more management capabilities than the on-premise solutions, but with less cost and have higher productivity," Main said in a blog post.

Main said the quick update cycle showed Microsoft was planning on keeping Intune up-to-date.

"As we continue to evolve Windows Intune to meet the changing needs of today’s businesses, this next release demonstrates our commitment to rapid releases and marks the next step in our wave of innovation," he said.

Current users will be automatically updated in the next few weeks, but Microsoft warned that beta users need to upgrade by the 17 November or risk losing their data.