Server-Free Endpoint Management with Microsoft Intune & Windows Autopilot for an Accountancy Practice in Goudhurst, Kent, TN27
Helping a growing accountancy firm transition from traditional domain-joined PCs to a modern, cloud-managed Microsoft 365 environment without disrupting access to their Citrix desktops.
Following a recommendation from their Citrix desktop provider, an accountancy practice in Goudhurst, Kent engaged D8A IT Services to help modernise their IT infrastructure.
The firm wanted to remove its on-premises server infrastructure and move away from traditional Active Directory-managed devices. The challenge was to maintain a seamless user experience while introducing a fully cloud-managed endpoint strategy.
D8A designed and delivered a Microsoft Intune and Windows Autopilot deployment, enabling devices to be managed through Microsoft Entra ID and automatically configured with business-critical applications, including Citrix Workspace, security tooling and remote support software.
The Challenge
Existing PCs were joined to an on-premises Active Directory domain.
The business wanted to retire server infrastructure and reduce complexity.
Users relied heavily on Citrix-hosted desktops and applications.
Device deployment and setup processes were largely manual.
Software installations required engineering time and user intervention.
Patch management needed to be centralised and automated.
New devices needed to be ready for use quickly and consistently.
The solution needed to support future growth without additional server investment.
Our Approach
Assessed the existing domain and endpoint management environment.
Designed a cloud-first endpoint management strategy.
Implemented Microsoft Entra ID device enrolment.
Deployed Microsoft Intune for centralised device management.
Configured Windows Autopilot for automated provisioning.
Created application deployment packages and policies.
Configured patch management and security baselines.
Implemented remote monitoring and support tooling.
The Implementation
Microsoft Entra ID Migration
Transitioned devices away from traditional domain management.
Joined new devices directly to Microsoft Entra ID.
Simplified user authentication and device management.
Microsoft Intune Deployment
Implemented cloud-based endpoint management.
Applied security policies and device compliance settings.
Centralised management across all user devices.
Windows Autopilot Configuration
Automated device provisioning and setup.
Reduced engineering time during deployments.
Created a consistent user experience across all devices.
Automated Application Deployment
Automatically deployed Citrix Workspace.
Installed remote support and management agents.
Delivered business applications with no manual intervention.
Patch Management & Security
Configured Windows Update policies.
Automated operating system updates.
Improved visibility of device compliance and security status.
The move to Microsoft Intune and Autopilot has transformed how devices are deployed and managed. New computers can be delivered, signed in and configured automatically, dramatically reducing setup time while supporting the firm's move away from traditional server infrastructure.
Before
On-premises server infrastructure was required.
PCs were dependent on Active Directory domain services.
Scaling the environment required additional infrastructure considerations.
User onboarding could be time-consuming.
After
Devices are managed entirely through Microsoft Intune.
PCs are joined directly to Microsoft Entra ID.
Windows Autopilot automates device provisioning.
Citrix Workspace installs automatically.
Security and compliance policies are centrally managed.
Updates are deployed automatically.
New user onboarding is significantly faster.
Results
Server Dependency Removed
Support for removing traditional on-premises infrastructure.
Faster Device Deployments
New devices can be provisioned with minimal engineering input.
Automated Application Delivery
Business applications install automatically.
Improved Security
Centralised policy management and compliance monitoring.
Simplified User Onboarding
Users can be productive more quickly.
Scalable Cloud Management
A modern platform that supports future growth.
Engineering Highlights
Microsoft Intune implementation.Microsoft Entra ID device enrolment.Windows Autopilot deployment.Automated application packaging and delivery.Citrix Workspace deployment automation.Device compliance policy configuration.Windows patch management implementation.Remote support agent deployment.Security baseline configuration.Endpoint lifecycle management.
A Network Built For What's Next
By replacing traditional domain management with Microsoft Intune, Entra ID and Autopilot, the firm now benefits from a modern cloud-managed endpoint platform. New devices can be deployed consistently, securely and efficiently whilst supporting future growth without reliance on on-premises server infrastructure.
Why This Matters
Many professional services firms continue to rely on legacy Active Directory environments despite moving applications and desktops to the cloud. Modern endpoint management through Microsoft Intune allows businesses to reduce infrastructure costs, improve security and dramatically streamline the device lifecycle while providing a better experience for employees.
Looking to Replace Traditional Active Directory with Microsoft Intune?
D8A IT Services helps businesses across Kent, Sussex, Surrey and London modernise endpoint management using Microsoft Intune, Windows Autopilot and Microsoft Entra ID.
Whether you're retiring on-premises servers, deploying new devices, migrating to Microsoft 365 or looking to improve endpoint security, our team can design and implement a solution that simplifies management and supports future growth.