Packaging and Approving Microsoft Loop Using Intune

A comprehensive guide to secure and manage Microsoft Loop deployment

modern office workspace with digital devices

Highlights

Seamless Intune Integration: Microsoft Loop integrates effortlessly with Intune app protection policies for mobile and desktop deployments.
Targeted App Management: Utilize Intune’s targeting options to precisely deploy and monitor Microsoft Loop across devices.
Robust Security Policies: Enhance security and compliance by configuring custom protection and conditional access policies within the Intune console.

Introduction

Microsoft Loop is a powerful co-creation application designed to bring together all components of a project within one platform. It enhances teamwork by enabling real-time collaboration across a variety of devices and apps. Coupled with Microsoft Intune, which offers comprehensive mobile device and application management solutions, organizations can package, deploy, and approve Microsoft Loop with enhanced capabilities to secure data and regulate access.

In this guide, we will explore every step required to package and approve Microsoft Loop using Intune – from initial setup and targeted app policies to conditional access and multi-administrative approvals. By following this detailed process, IT administrators can ensure controlled deployment, robust data protection, and compliance with organizational policies.

Understanding Microsoft Loop and Intune Integration

Overview

Microsoft Loop revolutionizes team collaboration by aggregating various project modules and facilitating joint efforts. Its integration with Microsoft Intune allows organizations to manage mobile and desktop deployments without significant packaging overhead. Intune supports app protection policies, especially for mobile versions of Loop on both iOS and Android, while Windows deployments benefit from the Microsoft Store integration.

Role of Intune in Application Management

Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based service that helps manage and secure company devices and apps. With the growing need for mobility and remote work, Intune’s app management capabilities ensure that all devices adhere to the organization’s security standards. Whether it is setting up conditional access policies, enforcing app protection policies, or manually targeting specific applications, Intune plays an essential role in deploying and approving secure mobile and desktop apps.

Packaging Microsoft Loop with Intune

Platform Considerations

The deployment process for Microsoft Loop varies slightly between mobile (iOS and Android) and desktop (Windows) platforms:

Mobile Deployment (iOS and Android)

For mobile devices, the Microsoft Loop app is directly available from the iOS App Store or the Google Play Store. This direct availability removes the need for traditional Win32 app packaging. Instead, the focus shifts entirely to managing the app through Intune’s app protection policies.

Desktop Deployment (Windows)

When deploying Microsoft Loop on Windows devices, the app is accessed via the Microsoft Store, which simplifies management. Microsoft Store apps are now fully manageable via Intune, eliminating complex packaging processes. This native integration guarantees that updates and security patches are applied seamlessly.

Steps to Package Microsoft Loop Using Intune

1. Preparation and Setup

Before starting the packaging process, ensure that your Intune environment is up to date:

Ensure administrative access to the Microsoft Intune admin center.
Confirm that your tenant settings enable the deployment of Microsoft Store and mobile apps.
Verify that applications like Microsoft Loop have been made available or enabled at the tenant level through the Microsoft 365 admin settings.

2. Targeting Microsoft Loop in the Intune Console

Once the setup is complete, the next step is to manually target Microsoft Loop for your deployment:

Steps to target the app:

Log in to the Microsoft Intune admin center.
Navigate to the "Apps" section. Depending on your version, this could be under "All Apps" or "All Microsoft Apps."
If Microsoft Loop appears in the list, select it. If not, manually add it by using the package ID: com.microsoft.loop.
In the app protection policy settings, choose "Selected apps" from the target policy dropdown box, and then click "Select custom apps" to include Microsoft Loop.

3. App Protection Policy Configuration

With Microsoft Loop targeted, it is crucial to set up app protection policies to secure data and manage access on mobile devices.

Configuring a policy:

Data Protection: Define rules for encrypting and securing data within the app. Ensure that confidential information is housed securely.
Access Requirements: Specify conditions such as PIN enforcement, biometric access, or app-level authentication to add extra layers of security.
Conditional Launch Settings: Set up rules so that the app will only launch under compliant conditions, which can include device health and connection validation.

4. Direct Deployment from the Microsoft Store (Windows)

For Windows environments, the integration with the Microsoft Store simplifies the process:

Access the Microsoft Intune admin center and navigate to the section designated for Microsoft Store apps.
Locate Microsoft Loop and add it to the targeted list.
Apply the corresponding app protection policies as defined for mobile deployments.

Approval Process for Microsoft Loop in Intune

1. User Notification and Policy Enforcement

After packaging the Microsoft Loop app within Intune, the next step is approval for use:

User Notification: Inform users about the availability of the app. Provide guidance on how to download Microsoft Loop from the appropriate app stores or Microsoft Store for Windows.

Policy Enforcement: Ensure that Microsoft Loop adheres to Conditional Access policies. For example, organizations may have policies that require devices to be compliant with specific app protection settings prior to accessing corporate data.

2. Configuring Conditional Access Policies

Conditional Access policies are built into Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD), which help regulate access to corporate applications:

Create or update a Conditional Access policy that targets Microsoft Loop and relevant Office 365 services.
Specify conditions such as platform requirements—ensuring that the policy supports iOS, Android, and Windows devices.
For optimal security, select the "Require app protection policy" control rather than "Require approved client app." This minimizes user issues while maintaining high levels of security.

3. Multi-Administrative Approval

In environments with heightened security requirements, the Multi-Admin Approval (MAA) process is vital. This process requires that any changes or approvals in the deployment of Microsoft Loop be vetted by multiple administrators.

Steps to manage MAA:

Navigate to the "Tenant Administration" section within the Intune admin center, then to "Multi Admin Administration."
Submit the app approval request, which will then require validation from another administrator.
Upon confirmation and multi-admin approval, the app is officially approved for deployment.

Managing and Monitoring Deployment

Ongoing Device and User Management

After Microsoft Loop has been packaged and approved, continuous monitoring and management become paramount. This includes tracking the app’s performance, ensuring that the protection policies remain effective, and making adjustments as necessary.

Deployment Monitoring

Use the reporting features in the Microsoft Intune admin center to monitor:

App installation status on targeted devices.
Compliance reporting which tracks whether devices and app configurations adhere to the established security policies.
Event logs and potential issues as reported by end-users.

Table: Key Intune Deployment Metrics

Metric	Description	Applicable Platform
Installation Status	Tracks percentage of target devices with Microsoft Loop installed.	iOS, Android, Windows
Compliance Rate	Monitors the adherence to app protection policies among enrolled devices.	All Devices
Policy Exceptions	Lists devices or users that are not compliant and reasons for exceptions.	iOS, Android, Windows

This table provides a clear snapshot of key metrics that IT administrators can leverage to continuously improve the deployment and security posture.

Troubleshooting and Best Practices

Occasionally, issues may arise in the deployment or operation of Microsoft Loop. In these cases, effective troubleshooting procedures and best practices ensure smooth operation:

Verify Targeted Policies: Double-check that Microsoft Loop is properly targeted by the app protection policies at all levels (mobile and desktop).
Review Conditional Access Logs: Analyze Azure AD sign-in logs to determine if access conditions are impeding proper app functionality.
Policy Tweaks: In scenarios where the "Require approved client app" condition causes issues, consider using the "Require app protection policy" option instead.
Temporary Exclusions: If issues persist for a subset of users, temporarily exclude these users to isolate and troubleshoot the issue.

Additional Considerations

Maintenance and Updates

Post-deployment, it is critical to maintain the system by applying regular updates and adjusting policies as new features become available in both Microsoft Loop and Intune. This includes:

Monitoring official update channels and release notes for any changes that may affect the deployment.
Adjusting app protection policies based on evolving security threats or organizational changes.
Utilizing multi-admin approval to safeguard further modifications and to maintain a secure deployment process.

User Training and Support

It is equally important to prepare end-users for the deployment of Microsoft Loop. Disseminate clear, step-by-step guides and provide training sessions to help users understand:

How to download and install Microsoft Loop through their respective app stores.
Best practices regarding prompt sign-in, adherence to security policies, and proper usage of app features.
Where to locate help and support should any issues arise.

Conclusion

Deploying Microsoft Loop via Intune is a multi-faceted process that combines straightforward app targeting with robust security and approval workflows. Whether deploying on mobile platforms or through the Windows Microsoft Store, the key elements include targeting the app via its package ID, applying tailored app protection policies, and enforcing conditional access policies. Moreover, the introduction of multi-admin approval procedures adds an additional layer of security to the process.

Through proactive monitoring and regular policy updates, IT administrators can ensure that Microsoft Loop remains secure, compliant, and efficient, making it an ideal tool for fostering advanced team collaboration. With clear guidelines and troubleshooting best practices, organizations can confidently implement Microsoft Loop as part of their overall digital workspace strategy.