The Short Answer
SCCM (System Centre Configuration Manager) and Microsoft Intune are both Microsoft device management tools, but they serve different needs. SCCM is best for businesses with on-premises infrastructure that need deep control over Windows devices, software deployment, and patch management. Intune is best for businesses embracing cloud and remote work that need to manage Windows, iOS, and Android devices from anywhere. For most UK SMEs in 2026, Intune (or a hybrid SCCM + Intune co-management setup) is the better choice because it supports remote work, requires no on-premises servers, and is included in Microsoft 365 Business Premium. SCCM remains the better choice for large organisations with complex on-premises deployment requirements.
Managing devices — laptops, desktops, tablets, and phones — is one of the most important IT tasks for any business. Without proper device management, you cannot deploy software efficiently, enforce security policies, or protect company data when devices are lost or stolen. Microsoft offers two primary tools for this: SCCM and Intune. Understanding the difference is critical to choosing the right one for your business.
What Is SCCM?
SCCM (System Centre Configuration Manager), now called Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, is an on-premises device management solution. It provides deep control over Windows devices within a corporate network.
Key capabilities:
- Operating system deployment — Push Windows images to new or rebuilt devices over the network.
- Software distribution — Deploy applications, updates, and patches to thousands of devices simultaneously.
- Patch management — Control which Windows updates are deployed, when, and to which devices.
- Hardware and software inventory — Track every device's hardware specs and installed software.
- Compliance reporting — Verify devices meet security and configuration standards.
- Remote control — Take over a device for support without third-party tools.
Requirements: SCCM requires on-premises servers, SQL Server, and significant configuration. It is licensed per user or per device and is typically part of Microsoft's enterprise agreements.
What Is Intune?
Intune (now part of Microsoft Endpoint Manager) is a cloud-based device management solution. It manages Windows, iOS, Android, and macOS devices from a single web-based console — no on-premises servers required.
Key capabilities:
- Mobile device management (MDM) — Enrol and manage devices over the air, regardless of location.
- Conditional access — Require devices to meet security standards before accessing company data.
- App deployment — Push applications to Windows, iOS, and Android devices.
- Data protection — Prevent copy/paste, screen capture, and data sharing between personal and work apps.
- Remote wipe — Erase company data from a lost or stolen device without affecting personal data.
- Autopilot — Send a new device directly from the manufacturer to the user, who opens the box and it configures itself automatically.
Requirements: Intune is cloud-based and requires no on-premises infrastructure. It is included in Microsoft 365 Business Premium and Microsoft 365 E3/E5, or available standalone for around £7 per user per month.
SCCM vs Intune: Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | SCCM | Intune | |---------|------|--------| | Deployment model | On-premises servers | Cloud-based | | Best for | Large on-premises estates | Remote and 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) | | Cost | Enterprise licensing | £7/user/month or included in M365 | | Setup complexity | High | Low-medium | | Remote device support | Requires VPN/network access | Works anywhere with internet |
Which Should Your Business Choose?
Choose Intune if:
- Your team works remotely or uses mobile devices
- You want to avoid on-premises server infrastructure
- You use Microsoft 365 Business Premium (Intune is included)
- You need to manage iOS and Android devices
- You have fewer than 500 devices
- You want fast setup with minimal infrastructure
Choose SCCM if:
- You have a large on-premises Windows estate (500+ devices)
- You need deep, granular control over Windows configuration
- You require network-based OS deployment (imaging)
- You have complex patch management requirements
- You have the infrastructure and team to support it
Choose Co-Management (SCCM + Intune) if:
- You already have SCCM but want to add cloud management
- You have on-premises devices that need deep control plus remote devices
- You are transitioning from on-premises to cloud and want a gradual migration
The Trend: Why Most SMEs Are Moving to Intune
The shift to remote work has accelerated Intune adoption. Businesses that previously relied on SCCM are finding that on-premises device management does not work when devices are at home, in coffee shops, or on trains. Intune manages devices wherever they are, over any internet connection.
Additionally, Microsoft is investing heavily in Intune while SCCM receives incremental updates. New features — like Windows Autopilot, endpoint analytics, and tenant attach — are cloud-first. For businesses starting fresh, Intune is the future-proof choice.
How to Migrate from SCCM to Intune
- Assess your current SCCM environment — Document what you manage, what policies you enforce, and what applications you deploy.
- Set up Intune — Configure your tenant, enrolment policies, and compliance rules.
- Use co-management as a bridge — Enrol SCCM-managed devices into Intune while keeping SCCM for tasks Intune cannot yet handle.
- Migrate policies and apps — Recreate SCCM policies as Intune configuration profiles. Repackage applications for Intune deployment.
- Enrol new devices via Autopilot — New devices go straight to Intune, bypassing SCCM entirely.
- Decommission SCCM gradually — As devices move to Intune, reduce SCCM scope until it can be retired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Intune included in Microsoft 365 Business Premium?
Yes. Microsoft 365 Business Premium includes Intune, along with Office 365 apps, Exchange Online, and advanced security features. For most SMEs, this means Intune is already available at no additional cost — you just need to configure and deploy it.
Can Intune replace SCCM entirely?
For most SMEs, yes. Intune can manage Windows devices, deploy applications, enforce security policies, and wipe lost devices. The main limitations are in OS deployment (Intune uses Autopilot, not network imaging) and very granular Windows configuration. For businesses with these specific needs, co-management (SCCM + Intune) bridges the gap.
How much does SCCM cost?
SCCM is licensed as part of Microsoft's System Centre suite or as Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager. For SMEs, the cost is typically £50–£100 per device per year, plus the cost of on-premises servers and SQL licensing. This makes it significantly more expensive than Intune for most small businesses.
How long does it take to deploy Intune?
A basic Intune deployment — device enrolment, compliance policies, and app deployment — can be completed in 1–2 weeks. More complex deployments with conditional access, app protection policies, and Autopilot may take 3–4 weeks. This is significantly faster than SCCM, which typically takes 2–3 months to deploy.
Can Intune manage personal devices (BYOD)?
Yes. Intune supports BYOD (bring your own device) through app protection policies, which separate work data from personal data on the same device. Employees can access work email and files on their personal phone without giving the company control over their personal apps, photos, or messages. If the employee leaves, only the work data is wiped — personal data remains untouched.
