Modern Management on an Old Network? Good Luck with That!
Shifting to modern management tools like Intune, VMware Workspace ONE, MobileIron, and Azure AD is a big step forward for any organization. These cloud-first tools are designed to simplify device management, boost security, and support today’s mobile workforce. But here’s the reality: if you’re running them on an outdated network, you’re setting yourself up for constant headaches. Moving away from traditional Active Directory (AD) and SCCM to modern MDM and cloud management requires a network built for speed, flexibility, and security. Keeping your legacy network design not only limits performance but holds back the benefits of cloud-managed solutions, Conditional Access, and productivity tools like Microsoft 365. Here’s why upgrading your network is a must for getting the most out of your modern management setup.
1. Avoid Network Bottlenecks: Direct Internet Access is Essential
Old networks are built around the corporate data center, often relying on force-tunneled VPNs that route all traffic through a single site. This approach made sense for on-prem resources but creates huge bottlenecks when accessing cloud services. For tools like Intune and Microsoft 365 to function properly, devices need direct internet access to reach cloud resources without being slowed down by outdated routing. Keeping everything tied to the data center hinders speed, and users will notice the impact on productivity apps like Microsoft Teams.
2. Move Beyond Perimeter-Based Security
Traditional network security was built on the idea of a physical perimeter—keeping threats out by securing the edges of the network. But with cloud-managed devices and remote work, there’s no single “edge” to protect. Instead, modern management relies on a Zero Trust model, where each access request is verified independently based on factors like location, device compliance, and risk level. Tools like Conditional Access in Azure AD allow you to control access dynamically, but they require a network built to handle flexible security policies, not rigid perimeter defenses.
3. Optimize Network Access with SASE and Split-Tunneling VPNs
The new era of mobile and cloud-based work needs network solutions that are just as modern. Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and split-tunneling VPNs offer a solution by enabling direct access to the internet for cloud services, while routing only sensitive traffic through the corporate network. SASE combines networking and security in the cloud, giving you the performance of direct internet access with essential security controls. Split-tunneling VPNs, meanwhile, allow cloud-bound traffic to bypass the VPN, reducing latency and allowing management tools to work as designed.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/security/business/security-101/what-is-sase
4. Embrace Resiliency with a Cloud-First Network Design
Modern management tools like Intune and Azure AD minimize reliance on local infrastructure by keeping identities, policies, and data in the cloud. But to take full advantage of this, you need a network that can match that resilience. Traditional networks tied to data centers and VPNs are vulnerable to on-prem disruptions. By designing your network with cloud-first principles, you can keep users connected to resources like Microsoft 365, even if there’s an issue with the physical site. Cloud-first networks reduce downtime, support mobile users, and ensure business continuity.
5. A Modern Network Enables Real Productivity Gains
Ultimately, upgrading your network to support modern management doesn’t just benefit IT—it enhances productivity across your organization. Tools like Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, and SharePoint are core to collaboration, and they perform best on networks that allow for direct, low-latency access. A network built for the cloud keeps users connected, reduces frustrating delays, and lets modern management tools support users wherever they are, without the constraints of outdated infrastructure.
The Bottom Line: A Modern Network for a Modern Workforce
Transitioning to Intune, Azure AD, and other cloud-based management tools is only half the journey. To fully unlock the benefits of these solutions, your network needs to keep up. By rethinking network design with direct internet access, Zero Trust, and cloud-first resilience, you’re setting your organization up for the productivity, flexibility, and security that today’s workforce demands.
