The Short Answer
Choose SCCM if you have a large on-premises Windows estate (500+ devices), need deep granular control over device configuration, and have the infrastructure to support it. Choose Intune if your team works remotely, you want to avoid on-premises servers, you need to manage iOS and Android devices, or you have fewer than 500 devices. For most UK SMEs in 2026, Intune is the better choice — it is included in Microsoft 365 Business Premium, requires no servers, and supports remote work out of the box. Businesses transitioning from SCCM can use co-management to bridge the gap.
SCCM vs Intune at a Glance
| Feature | SCCM | Intune | |---------|------|--------| | Deployment model | On-premises servers | Cloud-based | | Best for | Large on-premises estates | Remote & mobile workforces | | Windows management | Deep, granular | Good, improving | | Mobile (iOS/Android) | Limited | Excellent | | OS deployment | Network-based imaging | Windows Autopilot | | Patch management | Full control | Basic (improving) | | Infrastructure needed | Servers, SQL, network | None (cloud) | | Setup time | 2–3 months | 1–2 weeks | | Cost | £50–£100/device/year | Included in M365 Business Premium | | Remote device support | Requires VPN | Works anywhere |
What Is SCCM Best At?
SCCM (System Centre Configuration Manager) excels at deep, on-premises Windows management. Its strengths include:
- Operating system deployment — Push full Windows images to devices over the network using PXE boot. Ideal for provisioning hundreds of devices quickly in a corporate environment.
- Granular patch control — Define exactly which patches deploy, when, and to which device groups. Create deployment rings, maintenance windows, and rollback procedures.
- Software distribution at scale — Deploy applications to thousands of devices simultaneously with bandwidth-aware distribution points at remote sites.
- Hardware and software inventory — Track every device's specifications, installed software, and licence usage with detailed reporting.
- Remote control — Take over a device for support without third-party tools, with full session logging.
What Is Intune Best At?
Intune excels at cloud-based, location-independent device management. Its strengths include:
- Anywhere management — Manage devices over any internet connection. No VPN, no network access needed. Perfect for remote and hybrid work.
- Multi-platform support — Manage Windows, iOS, Android, and macOS from a single console. SCCM is Windows-only for practical purposes.
- Windows Autopilot — Send a new device from the manufacturer directly to the user. They open the box, sign in, and it configures itself automatically — no IT touch required.
- Conditional access — Require devices to meet security standards (encrypted, patched, compliant) before they can access company email or data. Block non-compliant devices automatically.
- App protection policies — Separate work data from personal data on BYOD devices. Prevent copy/paste, screen capture, and data sharing between work and personal apps. Wipe only work data if the employee leaves.
- Zero infrastructure — No servers to buy, patch, or maintain. Intune runs entirely in the Microsoft cloud.
Cost Comparison
SCCM total cost:
- System Centre licensing: £50–£100 per device per year
- On-premises server infrastructure: £5,000–£15,000 upfront
- SQL Server licensing: £3,000–£8,000
- Ongoing maintenance: £2,000–£5,000/year
- Total for 100 devices over 3 years: £25,000–£45,000
Intune total cost:
- Included in Microsoft 365 Business Premium: £16.60/user/month (£199/user/year)
- No additional infrastructure needed
- Total for 100 users over 3 years: £59,700 (but includes Office 365 apps, Exchange Online, Azure AD, and advanced security)
For most SMEs, Intune is effectively free because they already pay for Microsoft 365. SCCM is an additional cost on top of Microsoft 365 licensing.
When to Choose Co-Management
Co-management (SCCM + Intune together) makes sense when:
- You already have SCCM and want to add cloud management gradually
- You have on-premises devices needing deep control plus remote devices needing cloud management
- You are migrating from SCCM to Intune and want a phased transition
With co-management, you can shift workloads between SCCM and Intune — for example, using Intune for compliance policies and SCCM for software deployment — and gradually move more to Intune over time.
The Verdict
For most UK SMEs, Intune is the clear winner. It is included in Microsoft 365 Business Premium, requires no infrastructure, supports remote work, and manages all device types. SCCM remains the better choice only for large organisations with complex on-premises requirements that Intune cannot yet match.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Intune replace SCCM entirely?
For most SMEs, yes. Intune handles device enrolment, app deployment, compliance policies, and remote wipe. The main gap is OS deployment — Intune uses Autopilot (cloud-based) instead of network imaging. If you need network-based imaging, use co-management.
Is Intune really free with Microsoft 365?
Intune is included in Microsoft 365 Business Premium and E3/E5 plans. If you already have one of these plans, Intune is available at no additional cost — you just need to configure and deploy it. Standalone Intune costs around £7 per user per month.
How long does it take to migrate from SCCM to Intune?
A phased migration using co-management typically takes 3–6 months. You enrol devices into Intune while keeping SCCM for tasks Intune cannot handle, then gradually shift workloads. A direct cutover is possible for smaller environments but riskier.
Does Intune work without internet?
No. Intune requires internet connectivity to manage devices. If a device is offline, it cannot receive policy updates or app deployments until it reconnects. SCCM can manage devices on the local network without internet, which is why some organisations use co-management.
Which is more secure, SCCM or Intune?
Both are secure when configured correctly. Intune has an advantage for remote work because it enforces conditional access — devices must be compliant before accessing company data. SCCM has an advantage for on-premises control because it can enforce policies even without internet connectivity.
