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Reference Architecture for Modern Endpoints (Corp, BYOPC, Frontline)


In today’s hybrid and remote-first workplace, endpoint management has evolved from a convenience to a strategic necessity. Whether you're managing corporate-owned devices, enabling Bring Your Own PC (BYOPC), or supporting frontline workers, a modern reference architecture ensures security, scalability, and productivity across diverse user scenarios.

This guide outlines a comprehensive design framework built on Microsoft Intune Plan 1, enhanced by Intune Suite add-ons, integrated with Microsoft Entra ID, and tailored to user personas through Windows 365 Cloud PCs. We’ll also cover baseline security policies, app distribution strategies, and provide a downloadable Intune Transition Checklist to support your journey.


Modern Endpoint Personas: Corp, BYOPC, Frontline

  • Corporate Devices: Fully managed, company-owned devices governed by strict compliance and security policies.

  • BYOPC (Bring Your Own PC): Employee-owned devices accessing corporate resources securely via app protection and conditional access.

  • Frontline Workers: Shift-based employees using shared or personal devices, often mobile-first, requiring lightweight, secure access.

Microsoft’s ecosystem supports these personas through Windows 365 Cloud PCs:

  • Knowledge Workers: Persistent Cloud PCs with full desktop experience, apps, and settings.

  • Frontline Workers: Shared Cloud PCs with automatic sign-out and reset between shifts, managed via Windows 365 Frontline.

  • Contractors: Temporary access to secure environments using BYOPC and app protection policies.


Core Design Foundation: Microsoft Intune P1 + Intune Suite + Microsoft 365 Licensing

At the heart of this architecture is Microsoft Intune Plan 1, which provides unified endpoint management across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Core capabilities include:

  • Mobile Device Management (MDM)

  • Mobile Application Management (MAM)

  • Compliance and Conditional Access policies

  • Integration with Microsoft 365 services


Microsoft 365 E3 and E5 Licensing

Intune Plan 1 is included with both Microsoft 365 E3 and Microsoft 365 E5 licenses:

  • Microsoft 365 E3: Includes Intune P1, Microsoft Defender Antivirus, BitLocker, and basic compliance tools.

  • Microsoft 365 E5: Adds advanced security features like Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Microsoft Purview (Information Protection), and enhanced Conditional Access capabilities.

These licenses provide a strong foundation for endpoint management, identity protection, and productivity.


Intune Suite: A Separate Add-On License

The Intune Suite is not included in Microsoft 365 E3 or E5. It is a separate, premium add-on license that unlocks advanced capabilities beyond Intune Plan 1:

  • Endpoint Privilege Management: Enforce least privilege while allowing approved elevation.

  • Remote Help: Secure remote assistance for end users.

  • Advanced Analytics: Insights into device health and user experience.

  • Cloud PKI: Automated certificate lifecycle management.

  • Enterprise App Management: Preconfigured Win32 app catalog.

  • Specialized Device Management: Support for firmware-over-the-air updates, AR/VR devices, and smart screens.

This layered licensing model allows organizations to scale endpoint capabilities based on their needs and budget.


Identity Integration with Microsoft Entra ID

Security and access control are anchored in Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD). When integrated with Intune, Entra ID enables:

  • Conditional Access: Enforce access policies based on device compliance, location, and risk level.

  • Single Sign-On (SSO): Seamless access to apps and resources.

  • Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Granular permissions for IT admins.

  • Zero Trust Architecture: Verify explicitly, use least privilege, and assume breach.


Baseline Policies: Security & Compliance

Intune provides preconfigured security baselines aligned with Microsoft’s best practices:

  • BitLocker encryption

  • Password policies

  • Microsoft Defender configurations

  • App control and firewall settings

Admins can customize these baselines to meet organizational needs and assign them to device groups. Keeping baselines updated ensures alignment with evolving security standards.


App Distribution Strategy

Effective app distribution is critical for productivity. Intune supports:

  • Microsoft 365 apps: Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook

  • Win32 apps: Via Enterprise App Catalog

  • LOB apps: Custom or third-party applications

  • Store apps: Microsoft Store integration

Apps can be deployed based on user roles, device types, and compliance status. For BYOPC scenarios, app protection policies ensure corporate data remains secure even on personal devices.


Windows 365 Personas in Action

Windows 365 enables Cloud PCs tailored to user roles:

  • Knowledge Workers: Persistent Cloud PCs with full desktop experience.

  • Frontline Workers: Shared Cloud PCs with session-based access and automatic reset.

  • Contractors: Temporary Cloud PCs with secure access and automatic deprovisioning.

These personas help IT teams design endpoint strategies that balance cost, performance, and security.


Download: Microsoft Intune planning guide

To support your transition, download the Microsoft Intune planning guide from Microsoft’s official resources. This guide includes:

  • Deployment goals and objectives

  • Use case scenarios and rollout plans

  • Configuration templates for policies, profiles, and apps

  • Validation steps for IT and end-user testing

This guide ensures a smooth migration and helps avoid common pitfalls.


Start Your Intune Journey Today

Modern endpoint management isn’t just about technology—it’s about empowering people. With Intune, Entra ID, and Windows 365, you can:

  • Secure every device

  • Simplify IT operations

  • Support hybrid and frontline workforces

  • Scale with confidence


Ready to modernize your endpoint strategy?


Author:

Patrick Whittington

Senior Consultant Migrate Technologies

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