Introduction
Co-management between SCCM (System Center Configuration Manager) and Intune is now the standard for organizations that need to manage both traditional workstations and modern devices simultaneously. In 2026, this hybrid approach combines SCCM's power for legacy workloads with Intune's cloud flexibility for mobile and remote endpoints. Understanding workload switching mechanisms, compliance strategies, and security impacts is essential for experienced architects and administrators. This tutorial guides you through advanced concepts beyond basic configuration.
Prerequisites
- Confirmed experience with SCCM Current Branch and Microsoft Intune
- In-depth knowledge of Azure AD and compliance policies
- Access to a Microsoft 365 E3/E5 tenant or equivalent
- Understanding of co-management and tenant attach concepts
Step 1: Assess Infrastructure Maturity
Before any migration, accurately map the workloads currently managed by SCCM. Identify collections, application deployments, and configuration baselines that can be transferred to Intune. This analysis helps determine the optimal co-management percentage (typically 40% to 70% of workloads). Use Intune readiness reports and Microsoft assessment tools to quantify expected gains in latency and operational costs.
Step 2: Design the Co-Management Architecture
Clearly define which workloads remain on SCCM (often Software Update and Endpoint Protection) and which shift to Intune (Device Compliance, modern App Deployment). Configure sliding workloads through the Co-management node in the SCCM console. Consider network requirements, distribution sites, and latency for remote devices. A well-designed architecture prevents policy conflicts between the two tools.
Step 3: Implement a Phased Workload Migration Strategy
Adopt a wave-based approach: start with pilot devices, then expand to test groups. Monitor compliance metrics and failure rates after each switch. Use Intune pilot groups and SCCM collections in parallel to compare results. Document every migration decision to support audits and potential rollbacks.
Best Practices
- Always maintain a single source of truth for identities via Azure AD
- Use Intune configuration profiles to gradually replace SCCM baselines
- Monitor policy conflicts through Microsoft Endpoint Manager dashboards
- Schedule regular switchover tests during SCCM updates
- Document exceptions for critical devices that remain under exclusive SCCM management
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Switching workloads too quickly without a pilot validation phase
- Ignoring conflicts between SCCM and Intune policies on hybrid devices
- Neglecting certificate configuration and modern authentication
- Forgetting to update RBAC roles when moving to co-management
Further Learning
Deepen these concepts with our advanced training on modern endpoint management. Check our certification paths: https://learni-group.com/formations.