Microsoft Windows Intune to land on 23 March

Microsoft has announced that its long-awaited cloud management software designed to help IT staff manage and secure PCs remotely will be available from 23 March.

Windows Intune will allow customers to centrally manage the deployment of Windows updates and service packs to all PCs, and includes built-in anti-malware capabilities, Microsoft said.

The service is designed to meet essential management needs for all organisations from small and mid-sized businesses to large enterprises, Gavriella Schuster, general manager at Microsoft, said on the Windows for your Business Blog.

"Windows Intune aims to give our customers the best Windows experience possible by providing the tools IT professionals need to ensure that employees can be productive and secure from virtually anywhere," she said.

"Windows Intune also includes upgrade rights to Windows 7 Enterprise, so customers can standardise on a single version of Windows, making management of their PC environment easier and more efficient."

The final build of Windows Intune is set to be unveiled at the Microsoft Management Summit in Las Vegas, and will be rolled out to over 35 countries including the US and the UK.

Microsoft will offer a 30-day free trial, with pricing thereafter to be confirmed. Beta testers can continue using the second beta until 18 April.

"We are very excited to release the final version of Windows Intune and look forward to hearing how it is helping your business simplify PC management and amplify productivity and savings," Schuster added.