At the Trinity Term ITSS Briefing (10 June) the SDM team (represented by Frances Whitfield and Darren Collins) provided an update on the Shared Device Management (SDM) project, part of the Shared Infrastructure Services Programme.
The briefing aimed to shed light on the need for, the objectives, and benefits of the SDM project for IT Support Staff (ITSS). If you were unable to attend this briefing and would like to be kept informed, please read the summary below. You can also find a link to the slide deck at the bottom of the article.
The SDM project is focused on developing a shared approach to device management using Agile methodology. The vision is to offer staff and students the best working experience, anytime and anywhere. This involves implementing Microsoft Intune on Nexus365, with Oxford University ITSS as the primary service users.
Microsoft Intune offers several key benefits, including true Single Sign-On (SSO) user access with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), enhanced asset management and control, and improved security through cloud-based manufacturer-to-user enrolment. Additionally, it provides functionalities such as setting UI policies, enforcing updates, pushing software, and using the Company Portal for on-demand software.
The presentation addressed concerns such as the interface being clunky, comparisons with other endpoint management tools, and limitations in bare-metal imaging. Despite these concerns, the presentation highlighted the unique selling points of Intune, including Autopilot automatic enrolment, direct manufacturer-to-user enrolment, and seamless SSO integration with various Microsoft 365 apps and services. The consistent experience with SSO logon and true use-anywhere capability were emphasised as significant advantages for end users.
View the briefing slides and recording
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For questions, please email shared.infrastructure@admin.ox.ac.uk
