As COVID-19 continues to spread globally, millions transitioned to remote work—including tens of thousands of Microsoft employees. Below, Nathalie D’Hers from Microsoft’s Core Services Engineering and Operations outlines how the company enabled remote work at such scale.
1. Managing User Identity and Access
Remote work starts with identity management. Microsoft uses a hybrid environment, syncing primary accounts to Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) for all users—employees, partners, or suppliers. This ensures secure, productive access to corporate resources.
➡️ Learn more about identity and secure access
2. Enforcing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
All corporate access requires MFA. Microsoft offers three authentication options:
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Smart cards (physical or virtual)
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Windows Hello for Business
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Azure Multi-Factor Authentication
These methods make remote login seamless and secure.
3. Device Management with Microsoft Endpoint Manager
Microsoft manages a wide range of devices—Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android—through Microsoft Endpoint Manager (MEM). MEM combines Intune and Configuration Manager, allowing secure BYOD support and real-time compliance checks.
4. Cloud-Based Productivity Applications
With Microsoft 365, employees access and share files in real time across:
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Outlook
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Microsoft Teams
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OneDrive
Documents are cloud-based by default, enabling real-time coauthoring and version control.
5. Teams for Meetings and Collaboration
Microsoft Teams is now the standard for all meetings, chats, and calls. Features like video, background blur, and recording make collaboration seamless—even from home.
➡️ IT Showcase: Remote work with Teams
6. Accessing Line-of-Business (LOB) Applications
Most legacy apps are now cloud-hosted. Some still require VPN, while Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD) is being rolled out for enhanced access, especially for developers.
➡️ WVD tutorial
7. Service Monitoring and Performance
Monitoring is key. Microsoft tracks application and network performance using built-in telemetry to detect issues and optimize user experience.
8. Maintaining Culture and Change Management
Microsoft supports remote culture through:
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Live events
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Yammer communities
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Tips and tricks for remote work
Employees are encouraged to save files to OneDrive, use Teams for all communications, and share links instead of attachments.
9. Designing for Specific Roles
Developers
Remote development is supported with laptops and WVD access.
Call Center & Help Desk
Microsoft-managed PCs allow instant remote transitions.
Firstline Workers
Retail teams use Teams to communicate policies and conduct daily standups.
Join the Conversation
Enabling remote work is an evolving challenge. Microsoft invites IT professionals to share their experiences in the Enabling Remote Work Tech Community.
Chill IT can help you set up to work effectively from home with:
- Online presentations and meeting with clients
- Daily meetings, chat calls, and collaboration with staff
- Managing the security of your remote team
- Managing remote devices
- Setting up remote working
- Monitoring & managing productivity of team outside the office
Please call us today on 1300 796 246 to discuss the options or fill out the form below.
