The latest release of Windows Intune, a cloud based device management solution from Microsoft, has added support for Windows Phone. The new functionality, which is enabled through integration with Microsoft Exchange Server, allows IT administrators to set security policies, enforce password protection and kick of a remote wipe via a web based console.

Windows Intune, which is aimed at small-medium enterprises, provides tools and reports to help with the administration of Windows based computers. This includes applying security policies and settings; the installation, upgrade and license management of software; end point protection (e.g. information about detected threats, manually running malware scans); and alerts.

By adding support for mobile devices Intune can become a central point for monitoring, maintaining and support all devices within a company network. This works for either company issued mobile devices or for users who bring their own devices (BYOD).

Windows Intune also enables the creation of a self service portal so that users can install line of business (LOB) apps to thier mobile device.

Here's how Microsoft describe the new mobile specific features:

• Automatically discover mobile devices that access corporate data through Microsoft Exchange Server. Mobile devices are automatically linked to users during the discovery process.
• Define mobile device access rules to govern which mobile devices can access Exchange Server.
• Let users access and install internal line-of-business software applications that you make available for their mobile devices.
• Deploy policies to users to help secure the corporate data that is stored on their mobile devices.
• Wipe data from lost or stolen mobile devices, or let users perform this task.
• Remove mobile devices from Windows Intune and Exchange Server, or let users perform this task.