Case Study - $65,000+ savings replacing Airwatch and SCCM with Microsoft Intune for Alvord USD

Alvord Unified School District is a prominent educational institution located in Riverside, California. With a commitment to providing quality education, Alvord USD serves a diverse student population across various grade levels. The district is home to approximately 20,000 students and operates across multiple campuses in the Riverside area.

Prior to engaging with Akins IT, Alvord USD faced a significant challenge with their mobile device management (MDM) solution. The district was utilizing Airwatch, incurring substantial costs ranging from $4 to $10 per month per device. With a fleet of approximately 1200 iPads, the financial burden was considerable.

Moreover, the previous IT vendor had attempted to implement Microsoft Intune as an alternative solution, aiming to replace both Airwatch and SCCM. However, the initial implementation was unsuccessful, and Alvord USD continued to grapple with issues related to image control, deployment, and application management. The client was keen to find a reliable MDM solution that would not only save costs but also streamline their device management processes.

Akins IT proposed a comprehensive solution to address Alvord USD's challenges. Recognizing the limitations of the existing Airwatch and SCCM systems, the decision was made to fully embrace Microsoft Intune for mobile device management, image control, and application deployment.

The implementation of Intune proved to be a game-changer for Alvord USD. Akins IT successfully deployed Intune, allowing the client to achieve significant cost savings and unlock additional features. The Intune platform not only replaced Airwatch but also met the client's requirements for image control and efficient application deployment. The shift to Intune was accompanied by a strategic plan to phase out SCCM, providing Alvord USD with a more streamlined and integrated device management solution.

Key Features Implemented:

1. Cost Savings: By migrating from Airwatch to Intune, the client achieved significant cost savings, estimating a minimum annual reduction of $65,000.

2. Device Tracking: Intune enabled the client to track their mobile devices efficiently. This feature allowed them to monitor the whereabouts of devices and manage their distribution effectively.

3. Image Control and Deployment: The client's request for enhanced image control and deployment capabilities was successfully met through Intune. The solution facilitated streamlined processes and improved efficiency.

4. Application Deployment: Microsoft Intune offered robust application deployment features, allowing the client to manage and distribute applications across their mobile device fleet seamlessly.

5. Simplified Management: The client's desire to eliminate SCCM was realized as Intune provided a centralized and user-friendly interface for managing mobile devices, reducing complexity and enhancing overall management efficiency.

The successful implementation of Microsoft Intune yielded immediate and tangible benefits for Alvord USD. The district experienced annual savings of at least $65,000 by eliminating the costly Airwatch subscription fees. With a more efficient and cost-effective MDM solution in place, Alvord USD gained better visibility and control over their mobile devices.

Intune allowed the district to track the distribution of devices, ensuring accountability and security. The simplified management of mobile devices, coupled with the elimination of Airwatch, contributed to a more streamlined and cost-effective IT infrastructure. The client's vision of removing SCCM was realized, as Intune seamlessly took over image control and deployment responsibilities.

In conclusion, Akins IT's successful implementation of Microsoft Intune not only addressed Alvord USD's immediate challenges but also positioned the district for future growth and innovation in mobile device management. The collaboration between Akins IT and Alvord USD stands as a testament to the transformative power of strategic IT solutions in the education sector.