Introduction
With Omnissa officially announcing the end of support for Workspace ONE UEM On-Premise by April 30, 2027, many organizations are at a crossroads. While migrating to a hosted version is an option, this moment presents an opportunity to modernize device management by adopting a cloud-native platform that supports Zero Trust security principles and integrates deeply with Microsoft 365.
Microsoft Intune offers a secure, scalable, and future-ready endpoint management solution designed to work seamlessly with Windows 11, Microsoft Defender, Entra ID (formerly Azure AD), and the broader Microsoft ecosystem.
This guide outlines a proven migration framework, key architectural insights, real-world scenarios, and actionable recommendations to ensure a successful transformation.
Why Migrate from Workspace ONE to Microsoft Intune?
End-of-Life Deadline for Workspace ONE On-Premise
Omnissa has set April 2027 as the end-of-support date for Workspace ONE UEM On-Premise. This change will end access to feature updates, security patches, and technical support. Delaying migration can increase risks, affect compliance, and create future transition challenges.
Advantages of Microsoft Intune for Windows Device Management
Microsoft Intune provides:
- Cloud-native, modern device lifecycle management
- Seamless integration with Microsoft Defender and Entra ID
- Comprehensive policy and compliance enforcement
- Centralized management for BYOD and corporate endpoints
- Real-time visibility and reporting
Organizations already using Microsoft 365, Windows 11, or Defender will benefit from deeper integration and a simplified IT management model.
Workspace ONE vs Microsoft Intune: Architecture Comparison
| Feature | Workspace ONE | Microsoft Intune |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment Model | On-Premise or Cloud-hosted | Fully cloud-native |
| Directory Integration | Active Directory / LDAP | Entra ID and hybrid AD via Entra Connect |
| App Management | Smart Groups, App Catalog | Win32 packaging, Company Portal, Microsoft Store |
| Security Integration | Workspace ONE Compliance Engine | Defender for Endpoint, Conditional Access |
| OS Support | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Full platform support with deep Windows integration |
Understanding these differences is essential to successfully re-architecting your endpoint strategy.
Migration Strategy: Four-Phase Framework
A structured migration process helps reduce risk, ensure compliance, and maintain productivity. This four-phase approach enables organizations to plan, deploy, and refine their endpoint management environment using Microsoft Intune.
Phase 1: Assess and Plan
Objectives:
- Inventory current Workspace ONE configurations
- Classify devices (BYOD vs corporate-owned)
- Identify compliance and business requirements
- Establish timelines, milestones, and responsibilities
Activities:
- Export device and app inventory
- Analyze policy and security configuration
- Identify third-party integrations and dependencies
- Conduct stakeholder alignment and readiness sessions
Tools: Workspace ONE reporting, Microsoft Intune Readiness Toolkit, FastTrack (for eligible organizations)
Phase 2: Design and Configure
Objectives:
- Set up foundational Intune and Entra ID configurations
- Define app deployment strategy and enrollment methods
- Apply security, compliance, and update policies
Activities:
- Configure dynamic device groups and admin roles
- Choose enrollment paths (Windows Autopilot, manual, hybrid join)
- Package and deploy applications (Win32, MSIX, Store)
- Apply Microsoft security baselines
- Enable Conditional Access and Defender for Endpoint policies
Best practices:
- Use Settings Catalog for detailed policy control
- Design enrollment status pages (ESP) for guided onboarding
- Assign policies via dynamic groups to support role-based access
Phase 3: Migrate and Monitor
Objectives:
- Transition devices from Workspace ONE to Intune in phases
- Ensure successful enrollment and app delivery
- Monitor device health, compliance, and user experience
Approaches:
- Windows Autopilot Reset
Best for corporate-owned devices where a fresh provisioning is preferred. - Manual Enrollment for BYOD
Use the Company Portal to register and onboard devices without data loss. - Co-Management (Intune + Configuration Manager)
Ideal for hybrid environments that require gradual policy migration.
Monitoring Tools:
- Intune Endpoint Analytics
- Microsoft Defender for Endpoint dashboards
- Enrollment and compliance reports
- Microsoft Graph API and custom dashboards (optional)
Phase 4: Optimize and Evolve
Objectives:
- Retire Workspace ONE infrastructure
- Train teams and automate common workflows
- Enhance reporting and alerting
Activities:
- Decommission Workspace ONE connectors, certificates, and apps
- Document new IT processes and provide user training
- Enable remediation scripts and automated compliance checks
- Visualize metrics and KPIs using Power BI
- Integrate with Microsoft Sentinel for advanced security visibility
Real-World Migration Scenarios
Scenario: Manufacturing – Shared Windows Devices
Environment:
- 500 Windows laptops shared across factory shifts
- AD-joined with minimal cloud integration
Solution:
- Migrated to Hybrid Join with Intune Co-Management
- Configured Shared PC Mode and packaged VPN as a Win32 app
- Managed migration by site in controlled waves
Scenario: Global Consultancy – Remote Workforce
Environment:
- 1,200 users across multiple countries
- Mix of BYOD and corporate-owned devices
- Microsoft 365 tenant already in use
Solution:
- Entra Join with Autopilot for corporate laptops
- Company Portal enrollment for BYOD
- Conditional Access with Defender for Endpoint policies
- Apps deployed using Microsoft Store and WinGet
Scenario: Education Institution – Labs and Faculty Laptops
Environment:
- Student lab devices with scheduled reimaging
- Faculty laptops with high security needs
Solution:
- Windows Autopilot for lab PCs
- Multi-app Kiosk mode configured in Intune
- Policy separation between student and faculty groups
- SmartScreen and ASR rules enabled through Defender
Best Practices
- Avoid Broad Assignments
Use dynamic groups for targeted policy assignment rather than applying to all users or devices. - Pilot Before Scaling
Test enrollment, app deployment, and compliance in a small group before broader rollout. - Implement Zero Trust Architecture
Use Conditional Access, Defender for Endpoint, and risk-based access controls. - Prepare Communication Plans
Provide internal documentation, onboarding guidance, and end-user FAQs. - Train Your IT Teams
Ensure your support staff is familiar with new tools, dashboards, and management workflows.
Our Services
Circle Of Bytes offers full lifecycle support for Workspace ONE to Intune migrations:
- Technical readiness assessments
- Security and compliance design
- App packaging and deployment strategies
- Autopilot configuration and onboarding
- Documentation, training, and post-migration support
Our team partners with IT and security leaders to deliver smooth, secure, and scalable migrations.
Conclusion
The transition away from Workspace ONE On-Premise provides a valuable opportunity to rethink and modernize your Windows device management strategy. By adopting Microsoft Intune, your organization gains a fully cloud-native, secure, and scalable endpoint management platform that integrates deeply with the Microsoft ecosystem.
Start planning today to ensure your migration is complete well before the 2027 deadline—and unlock the full value of cloud-based endpoint management.
Contact Us
To discuss your Workspace ONE to Intune migration strategy