A Practical Look at Device Analytics and Risk Signals with Microsoft Intune
As organizations increasingly rely on laptops, mobile devices, and cloud‑connected applications, visibility into device health, configuration, and security posture is critical. Performance degradation, outdated configurations, and elevated device risk can negatively affect productivity and increase exposure to security threats. Microsoft provides an integrated set of services—Microsoft Intune and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint—that support modern device management, evaluate device risk, and help organizations enforce consistent security controls across their environments. This guide explains how these services work together, the role of Microsoft Configuration Manager, and how built‑in analytics and compliance signals can be used to improve device reliability and security. The Role of Microsoft Configuration Manager Microsoft Configuration Manager (formerly System Center Configuration Manager, or SCCM) is an on‑premises management platform used to deploy applications, manage software updates, enforce configuration baselines, and evaluate compliance—primarily for Windows devices. When Configuration Manager is used together with Microsoft Intune through co‑management, organizations can extend their existing on‑premises management with cloud‑based capabilities. In a co‑managed environment: Configuration Manager continues to manage traditional workloads. Microsoft Intune adds cloud‑based device management and compliance evaluation. Management workloads can be moved gradually from Configuration Manager to Intune. This approach enables organizations to support both legacy infrastructure and modern cloud‑first device management strategies during transitions or hybrid deployments. Learn more: Co-management for Windows devices - Configuration Manager | Microsoft Learn How Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Contributes to Device Security Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is a unified endpoint security platform that delivers preventive protection, post‑breach detection, automated investigation, and response. It continuously evaluates device activity and assigns device risk levels based on observed threats and security signals. Core capabilities include: Threat and vulnerability management, which identifies software vulnerabilities and security misconfigurations Attack surface reduction capabilities to limit common attack vectors Endpoint detection and response (EDR) for alerting, investigation, and forensic analysis Automated investigation and remediation to reduce manual response effort Threat intelligence derived from Microsoft’s global security telemetry When Defender for Endpoint is integrated with Microsoft Intune, device risk levels can be used within compliance policies and Conditional Access to restrict access to organizational resources when risk thresholds are exceeded. Learn more: Integrate Microsoft Defender for Endpoint with Intune for Device Compliance - Microsoft Intune | Microsoft Learn What Microsoft Intune Provides Microsoft Intune is a cloud‑based unified endpoint management (UEM) service that enables organizations to manage devices, protect organizational data, and enforce security requirements across Windows, macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and Android devices. Core Intune capabilities include: Cross‑platform device enrollment and lifecycle management Configuration profiles to apply standardized device settings Compliance policies to evaluate whether devices meet security requirements App protection policies that safeguard organizational data within applications, including on personal (BYOD) devices Integration with Microsoft Entra ID Conditional Access for access decisions based on compliance and risk By integrating Intune with Defender for Endpoint and Conditional Access, organizations can adopt a risk‑based access model that takes real‑time device health and security posture into account. Learn more: What is Microsoft Intune - Microsoft Intune | Microsoft Learn Choosing How to Use Intune and Defender for Endpoint Microsoft positions these services as complementary: Microsoft Intune focuses on device and application management, configuration, and compliance. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint focuses on endpoint threat protection, detection, and response. Many organizations deploy both to combine centralized management with advanced security capabilities. Together, they allow device configuration, security monitoring, and access control to operate as a unified system rather than isolated tools. Microsoft Intune Licensing Overview Microsoft Intune Plan 1 is included with several Microsoft subscription offerings. For nonprofits and small organizations, Microsoft 365 Business Premium includes Intune Plan 1 by default. Other plans that include Intune Plan 1 (as of March 2025) include: Microsoft 365 E3 and E5 Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS) E3 and E5 Microsoft 365 F1 and F3 Microsoft 365 Government G3 and G5 Microsoft Intune for Education Feature availability may vary by license, and organizations should always review the official service descriptions for current inclusions and limitations. Learn more: Licenses available for Microsoft Intune - Microsoft Intune | Microsoft Learn Designing an Effective Device Enrollment Strategy An effective enrollment strategy establishes consistent management and security controls from the start. Microsoft recommends that organizations: Define security and management objectives. Select appropriate enrollment methods such as Windows Autopilot, Microsoft Entra ID join, or manual enrollment. Apply standardized configuration and security policies. Use compliance policies to evaluate device posture. Plan for scalability and long‑term device lifecycle management. Provide end‑user guidance to support adoption. Enrollment is the foundation for applying policy, evaluating compliance, and maintaining ongoing visibility into managed devices. [learn.microsoft.com] Coordinating Intune and Defender During Device Onboarding Microsoft documents a layered onboarding approach that commonly includes: App protection policies Protect organizational data within supported applications, including on unenrolled BYOD devices. Device enrollment in Intune Enables configuration management, compliance assessment, and reporting. Compliance policies Define security requirements such as OS version, encryption, password policies, and update status. Conditional Access Enforces access decisions based on Intune compliance results and Defender for Endpoint device risk levels. Configuration profiles Apply standardized security and operational settings. This approach helps ensure devices meet baseline security requirements before accessing sensitive organizational resources. Using Endpoint Analytics to Improve Device Experience Endpoint Analytics, available in Microsoft Intune, provides insights into device performance, reliability, and user experience. Microsoft positions Endpoint Analytics as an operational analytics tool, not a real‑time threat detection system With Endpoint Analytics, IT teams can: View dashboards showing startup performance, application reliability, and device health Compare devices against established performance baselines to identify underperforming endpoints Use generated scores and insights to prioritize remediation Investigate issues affecting the end‑user experience, such as slow boot times or outdated configurations These insights help organizations shift from reactive troubleshooting toward proactive device optimization. Learn more: Endpoint analytics overview - Microsoft Intune | Microsoft Learn Summary By combining Microsoft Intune, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, and Endpoint Analytics, organizations can manage devices consistently, evaluate device health and risk, and enforce access controls based on real conditions rather than assumptions. This integrated approach supports modern work by improving visibility, strengthening security posture, and enabling IT teams to make data‑driven decisions that protect users and organizational data.Celebrating Camille Pepper’s volunteer leadership this National Volunteer Month
Behind every act of volunteering is a story of heart, hope, and unseen effort. This National Volunteer Month, we’re proud to spotlight Camille Pepper, volunteer CEO of Everything Suarve (ESuarve) — an organization transforming the lives of young people who have grown up surrounded by instability and trauma. Camille never set out to become a volunteer CEO. She simply showed up for a friend. But what she witnessed inside ESuarve changed her path: young people carrying far more than most adults ever see, and a system too quick to label them without asking what happened to them. “I never planned to be a volunteer CEO, but ESuarve showed me how much young people carry — and how powerful it is when they begin to trust, heal, and believe they’re worth more than their past.” For Camille, sustainability isn’t corporate language — it’s protection. Governance, structure, and financial oversight ensure that ESuarve remains a place where young people feel safe, believed in, and fought for. "Leading with the heart is essential, but a heart without structure cannot last. Sustainability is safeguarding hope.” Impact, for her, is measured not only in employment outcomes or reduced reoffending, but in the quieter shifts: a genuine smile, a softened guard, a young person lifting their head a little higher because they’re beginning to believe they matter. Camille’s story is a reminder that volunteer leadership carries real responsibility — and real possibility. When anchored in purpose, it becomes a powerful act of service. To read Camille’s full story and reflections, visit the original LinkedIn article here.Cracking the Code to Secure Productivity: How to Work Smarter Without Compromising Security
For years, organizations were forced to choose between productivity and security. More protection often meant more friction, while greater flexibility increased risk. Today’s digital environment demands a different model—one where security and productivity reinforce each other rather than compete. This is the idea behind secure productivity: empowering employees to work the way they need to while data, identities, devices, and systems are protected seamlessly in the background. As work becomes more distributed and threats become more advanced, organizations can no longer afford a tradeoff between speed and safety—they need both. A modern secure productivity strategy relies on AI‑powered, intelligent security that adapts to real‑world behavior. By detecting anomalies, stopping threats early, and automating routine protection, AI reduces burden on IT teams while allowing employees to stay focused. Combined with a Zero Trust approach—where every access request is continuously verified—security becomes stronger without slowing people down. Secure productivity ultimately: Reduces organizational risk Improves employee experience and confidence Supports remote, hybrid, and AI‑enabled work Accelerates innovation while protecting what matters most As AI reshapes how work gets done, a strong, intelligent security foundation ensures organizations can move forward confidently instead of cautiously. 👉 For the complete explanation, deeper insights, and supporting context, refer to: https://aka.ms/CrackingtheCodetoSecureProductivityWant to get more out of Microsoft Copilot Chat without adding another tool—or cost—to your stack?
Microsoft has released a free Copilot Chat learning pathway that helps users quickly build practical, everyday skills using Copilot Chat already built into Microsoft 365 apps. Even better, Copilot Chat is now available to users without a paid Microsoft 365 license, making this learning opportunity widely accessible. In under an hour, you’ll learn how to: Write clearer, more effective prompts Refine Copilot responses for better results Use Copilot Chat for real work—summarizing, drafting, brainstorming, and planning It’s a quick, hands‑on way to boost productivity and help teams feel confident using AI in the tools they already know. 👉 Check out the learning pathway and the original LinkedIn post here.Microsoft Global Agent-a-thon
Turn AI Potential into Real Impact—in One Day (and Beyond) 🌐 Online | Multiple session times 📅 May 6, 2026 🔗 Register: aka.ms/AgentathonMay2026 AI isn’t something to experiment with someday—it’s a capability organizations across nonprofits, public sector, education, and business need now to reduce workload, improve services, and focus on what matters most. The Microsoft Global Agent‑a‑thon is a global, hands‑on experience where you don’t just learn about AI—you build real AI agents, receive guidance and support throughout your journey, and have the chance to showcase your solution on a global stage. This is more than a one‑day event. It’s a guided, supported learning experience. Choose the level that fits your role—and your ambition: 🌱 Level 1 – Explorer For leaders, professionals, nonprofit staff, and first‑time builders Build your first AI agent using Agent Builder—no coding required Learn how agents can answer questions, summarize information, and support teams Leave with a working agent you can apply immediately ⚙️ Level 2 – Commander For Copilot Studio users, IT teams, operations leaders, and developers Build no‑code agents that automate workflows and connect systems Reduce time spent on repetitive tasks like intake, reporting, and internal support Designed for both mission‑driven and commercial environments 🚀 Level 3 – Master For architects, advanced builders, and technical decision‑makers Build secure, enterprise‑grade AI agents using Microsoft Foundry Explore orchestration, multi‑agent patterns, governance, and scale Ideal for complex organizations and distributed teams 🏆 Go further than building: Submit your AI agent for a chance to win a grand prize Benefit from continuous learning, resources, and expert support—before, during, and after the Agent‑a‑thon Learn alongside a global community solving real‑world problems Build solutions designed for real impact, not shelfware Why this matters to nonprofits Nonprofits are under constant pressure to maximize impact with limited staff, time, and funding. Administrative burden, reporting requirements, fundraising demands, and growing community needs often compete with mission‑critical work. AI agents can help change that. Through the Agent‑a‑thon, nonprofits can: ✅ Automate repetitive tasks like donor follow‑ups, grant reporting, intake forms, and internal help desks ✅ Support staff and volunteers with faster access to information and insights ✅ Scale services without scaling overhead ✅ Experiment safely with AI—guided by tools, training, and community support ✅ Build solutions aligned to their mission, not generic tech use cases Most importantly, nonprofits don’t have to do this alone. The Agent‑a‑thon provides structure, guidance, and ongoing support, helping organizations move confidently from exploration to real‑world application. Whether your goal is amplifying mission impact, improving service delivery, or increasing efficiency, the Microsoft Global Agent‑a‑thon helps you move from AI curiosity to real, lasting capability. One day to build. Ongoing support to grow. A chance to shine globally.Carrying World Stray Animal Day Forward Through Technology‑Driven Action
World Stray Animal Day shined a light on the countless animals living without safety, care, or a place to call home. Across Europe, animal welfare organizations work tirelessly to change that reality — offering rescue, medical treatment, behavioral support, and the chance at a new beginning. Two organizations, Dierenopvang Amsterdam (DOA) in the Netherlands and Dyrenes Beskyttelse in Denmark, demonstrate how technology can strengthen this mission and help teams reach more animals in need. Dierenopvang Amsterdam: More Time for Care DOA supports thousands of dogs and cats each year, many arriving with complex medical or emotional needs. By streamlining administrative work and improving coordination across teams, DOA is giving staff and volunteers more time to focus on what matters most: Providing hands-on care Supporting thoughtful, successful adoptions Helping animals rebuild trust in people Technology is helping DOA turn compassion into capacity. Dyrenes Beskyttelse: A Nationwide Safety Net In Denmark, Dyrenes Beskyttelse operates a broad network of shelters, wildlife centers, and emergency response teams. With modern digital tools improving response times, case tracking, and care management, the organization is strengthening its ability to reach more stray and abandoned animals — and guide each one toward a safer future. Innovation That Amplifies Impact For animal welfare organizations, technology can: Improve rescue coordination Track medical and behavioral histories Support volunteer and staff workflows Strengthen adoption pathways Reduce administrative strain World Stray Animal Day reminds us to celebrate the organizations using innovation to protect animals — and the people whose dedication makes every rescue possible. To read the full story and explore the original insights, visit Microsoft for Nonprofit LinkedIn.Nonprofits Are Shaping What Comes Next
At the Global Nonprofit Leaders Summit, nonprofit leaders and technologists came together to learn from one another during a time of rapid change. As shared in the original Microsoft for Nonprofits post, the strongest takeaway wasn’t that anyone has all the answers—it was that progress now depends on trust, partnership, and continuous learning as AI reshapes how work gets done across missions and communities. Across sessions, leaders focused on practical learning: asking better questions, testing responsibly, and bringing teams along without losing sight of the people they serve. One theme stood out clearly—learning is no longer a one‑time transition, but an ongoing leadership capability. As AI accelerates timelines and expectations, leaders are intentionally creating space for curiosity, experimentation, and strategic thinking to adapt responsibly and lead with intention rather than urgency. Equally central were conversations about inclusion, trust, and data stewardship, especially for organizations handling sensitive or personal data. Governance, ethics, and security surfaced not as barriers to innovation, but as essential enablers—recognizing that meaningful impact only scales when communities trust the systems and institutions behind them. Partnerships also emerged as critical to durable impact. Leaders emphasized that collaboration across nonprofits, philanthropy, and technology partners is what turns pilots into repeatable, real‑world outcomes through shared learning and collective problem‑solving. These themes came to life through stories from organizations like Children International, Goodwill NYNJ, and Answer ALS, illustrating how technology—used thoughtfully—can strengthen operations, accelerate outcomes, and deepen mission impact. Looking ahead, one message was clear: nonprofits aren’t waiting for the future to arrive—they are actively shaping it. Through purposeful leadership, trusted partnerships, and responsible technology adoption, nonprofits are defining what comes next for their missions and the communities they serve. To learn more, please visit: Microsoft for Nonprofits LinkedInHow Goodwill Opens More Doors for Job Seekers with Barriers to Employment Using AI
Goodwill NYNJ’s mission has always been clear: help people with disabilities and other barriers to employment find meaningful work. But with resumes arriving in every format imaginable—and staff manually reformatting each one—the process often slowed down opportunities for qualified candidates. That changed when Goodwill partnered with Microsoft at Hack4Good. Together with GoodTemps, Microsoft, Redapt, and student technologists, they built Resume Builder, an AI‑powered tool that quickly turns scattered resume information into a clean, professional format while keeping humans in full control of final approvals. The impact has been immediate. Goodwill has processed hundreds of resumes, saved nearly 200 staff hours, and helped job seekers get to interviews 25% faster—freeing staff to focus on coaching candidates and engaging employers rather than fixing formatting issues. Why it matters for nonprofits Goodwill’s experience shows how mission‑driven organizations can use AI responsibly to scale impact, reduce staff burden, and move faster without sacrificing the human connection at the heart of their work. When nonprofits co‑create technology with the communities they serve, innovation becomes not just efficient—but equitable. To learn more, visit: Microsoft for Nonprofits LinkedInShared Data and Collective Resolve Are Advancing ALS Research
Answer ALS shows what becomes possible when people come together to share data in service of something bigger than themselves—and why that mindset matters far beyond ALS research. That spirit is reflected in the journey of former New Orleans Saints player Steve Gleason, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2011 just months before he and his wife were expecting their first child. Rather than allowing the diagnosis to define his future, Gleason founded Team Gleason to support people living with ALS through assistive technology, equipment, and care services. In 2013, he challenged the scientific community to push beyond conventional thinking, declaring, “The status quo is not acceptable.” That call helped spark the founding of Answer ALS, a nonprofit organization dedicated to understanding ALS at unprecedented depth. Today, that collaboration continues through Neuromine, the world’s largest ALS research hub, built in collaboration with Microsoft and powered by Microsoft Azure. Neuromine brings together anonymized biological and clinical data from more than 2,500 individuals who have chosen to share their information to accelerate progress. Why this matters for nonprofits: when organizations prioritize collaboration, trust, and responsible data sharing, they unlock insights that no single institution could achieve alone. This story is a powerful reminder that technology—used thoughtfully—can help nonprofits move faster, work smarter, and drive impact at scale. Learn more on Microsoft for Nonprofits LinkedInPreparing the Nonprofit Sector for the Next Era of Impact
As thousands of nonprofit leaders gather for Microsoft’s Global Nonprofit Leaders Summit, one theme is rising to the surface: nonprofits are ready to lead the next wave of AI transformation. They’re already the organizations communities turn to during moments of change, and AI is opening new possibilities to deepen that impact. To support this momentum, Microsoft is launching Elevate for Changemakers a new initiative designed to help nonprofit professionals build the skills, confidence, and strategic capacity needed to guide responsible AI adoption. What Elevate for Changemakers Offers AI for Nonprofits Professional Certificate — a sector‑specific learning path created with LinkedIn and NetHope. Live and on‑demand AI training — practical, nonprofit‑focused sessions covering Copilot, responsible AI, change management, and more. The Changemaker Fellowship — a global cohort for nonprofit professionals already driving AI adoption inside their organizations and ready to turn early efforts into long‑term transformation. Across the sector, nonprofits are already using AI to reclaim staff time, scale programs, strengthen donor engagement, and modernize operations. These advances are being led by people inside organizations who are stepping into new roles—often without formal titles—because they see what’s possible. Microsoft’s commitment is long‑term: investing in the tools, training, and partnerships that ensure AI’s benefits reach the communities nonprofits serve. Read the full story for deeper insights and examples, please visit the Microsoft for Nonprofits LinkedIn
