You’ve Got the Tools – But Are You Using Them?

Most businesses using Microsoft 365 are only scratching the surface. The licences are there. The features are available. But day-to-day IT? Still stuck in 2012.

If you’re still manually imaging laptops, clinging to on-prem AD, or relying on VPNs for remote access, you’re missing out on what Microsoft Modern Management was built for: simplifying IT, improving security, and enhancing the user experience.

Here are five things you probably didn’t know about Microsoft Modern Management – and what it means for your business.

1. You No Longer Need Traditional Domain Join

It’s true: Microsoft Modern Management lets you manage devices without relying on traditional domain joins or on-prem Active Directory. With Azure AD and Microsoft Intune, devices can be shipped directly to users and configured remotely. No cables. No desk – side visits. No waiting.

Instead, you benefit from zero-touch provisioning, Native Azure AD join with Intune auto-enrolment, and simplified hybrid and remote deployments. Lovely stuff.

2. Autopilot Works On Existing Devices Too

Microsoft Autopilot isn’t just for new devices. You can register existing devices and redeploy them remotely using standard configurations. With Autopilot, you enjoy faster onboarding and offboarding, cleaner reassignments of hardware, and consistency across your device estate.

This means less time spent imaging machines, and more time delivering real value.

3. Conditional Access Beats Traditional VPNs

Still relying on VPNs for security? There’s a better way. Conditional Access lets you control access to Microsoft 365 services based on real-time signals – like user location, device compliance, and risk levels. It also enforces security policies dynamically, blocks non-compliant or unmanaged devices, and reduces dependency on legacy network infrastructure.

It’s modern perimeter security without the perimeter.

4. Updates and Compliance Can Be Hands-Off (and Still Rock-Solid)

Keeping devices updated and compliant no longer requires endless patch cycles or chasing down users. With Microsoft Modern Management, you can automate updates, enforce policies, and apply security baselines – regardless of where your users are working.

This means you can deploy Windows updates and feature upgrades with minimal disruption, enforce compliance policies across your entire device fleet through Intune, and gain real-time visibility into update status and device health.

The result? A secure, audit-ready environment – without the manual effort.

Modern Management transforms patching and compliance from a burden into a background process, giving your IT team time back and reducing risk across the business.

5. You’re Probably Already Paying for It

Here’s the part many businesses overlook: if you’re using Microsoft 365 Business Premium, E3, or E5, you already have access to most Modern Management tools. This includes:

• Microsoft Intune
• Azure Active Directory Premium
• Windows Autopilot
• Conditional Access
• Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (in some plans)

If you’re paying for Microsoft 365 but not using these features, you’re leaving money (and value) on the table.

What You’re Missing Without Modern Management

Businesses that aren’t using Microsoft Modern Management effectively often struggle with longer device setup times, a higher volume of support tickets, and inconsistent enforcement of security policies.

These gaps can lead to underutilised Microsoft 365 investments and, ultimately, a poorer experience for both users and IT teams—impacting productivity across the board.

It’s Not Just About IT – It’s About Experience

Modern Management isn’t just a tech upgrade. It’s a shift in how businesses approach security, productivity, and user experience.

It’s about onboarding users in minutes, not hours.
It’s about devices that work straight out of the box.
It’s about doing more with what you already have.

The Skills You Need

Implementing Microsoft Modern Management takes more than just turning on the features — it requires the right strategy, configuration, and ongoing support. That’s where an MSP like the 848 Group adds real value.

Our experts specialise in deploying and managing the full Microsoft ecosystem, from Intune and Endpoint Manager to Conditional Access and Autopilot. We help you:

• Accelerate deployment while avoiding costly missteps
• Improve security and compliance through best-practice configurations
• Optimise the Microsoft 365 tools you’re already paying for
• Provide a consistent, seamless experience for users, whether they’re in the office or remote

Whether you’re just exploring Modern Management or looking to optimise your current setup, we’re here to help. Drop us a message today to start getting more out of your Microsoft environment.