Understanding the differences between the Configuration Manager and Microsoft Intune is imperative to fully grasp the range of options Microsoft provides for managing devices. The Configuration Manager is an on-premises device management tool that allows organizations to deploy applications, software updates, and even operating systems. In the past, the Configuration Manager has been the go-to solution for organizations looking to manage devices. Keeping that in mind, organizations nowadays are looking for more versatile ways to manage a mobile workforce, which is where Microsoft Intune really shines. 

Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based mobile device management solution and mobile application management solution. And since it is 100% cloud-based, it provides benefits like quick and easy scalability, added security with Azure, and even negates the need for on-prem data centers. Both of these tools can be used to manage your organization's devices, each with their own benefits. The Configuration Manager was the preferred device management solution in the past, however, nowadays, that crown has been passed to Microsoft Intune due to the additional benefits it provides. The good news for organizations is that both are capable of what is known as Co-Management.

Co-Management is exactly what it sounds like. It integrates both the Configuration Manager and Microsoft Intune together, which allows organizations to utilize both to manage devices. This provides the benefits of both solutions and allows organizations to use the solution that works best for them. Some of the benefits include: utilizing Intune for remote actions for devices, visibility of Configuration Manager client's health from the Intune portal, the use of Windows Autopilot for managing deployment processes of devices, additional security policies with compliance policies and conditional access, identity management with Azure AD, utilizing Intune in the cloud for update management of devices, and even virus protection within the Endpoint Manager. It is important to note that Co-Management within Microsoft 365 only exists between the Configuration Manager and Microsoft Intune. If your organization chooses to utilize a third party MDM with the Configuration Manager, this is known as co-existence, as there is no interaction between the third party MDM and the Configuration Manager.

The term Co-Management is specific to Microsoft Intune and the Configuration Manager, as they both integrate and work together to manage devices. In the past, each of these tools has been separate, however they are now both a part of a tool called the Microsoft Endpoint Manager, which is effectively a one-stop shop for managing all devices within Microsoft 365. It combines the tools of Intune, the Configuration Manager, Co-Management, and Desktop Analytics, making for easy monitoring and management of all organizations' devices.